Are you looking to spend one day in California, but not sure what to do or where to go? Well, one of the best places you can see in California is Orange County, of course! I know it may not seem like enough time, but you can accomplish a lot in less than 24 hours. When in Orange County, you’ll want to spend as much time outside as you can, so check out the weather situation for whenever you plan to visit. We actually spent the day in Orange County while it was cloudy and windy. However, it still ended up becoming a great day trip, filled with beach walks and amazing food. That said, keep reading to find out more about how to spend one day in Orange County, California:
1. Visit the beaches
You can’t not travel to Orange County without visiting the beach! There are a plethora of beaches to choose from, such as Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Newport Beach, and many more. Because we were crunched for time, we visited Bolsa Chica State Beach, as it was the closest to where we had gotten food. On this trip, we didn’t get into the water; however, surfing the Pacific Ocean is still on my bucket list! Have you ever been surfing? If not, research the best spots to surf in Orange County and give it a try. I’d love to hear your experience!
2. Eat some of the best Vietnamese food in Little Saigon
Orange County has some of the best Vietnamese food in the United States and the area is often referred to as Little Saigon. You’ll find a lot of the places to eat Vietnamese food are located on Westminster Ave/Blvd and Bolsa Ave in Orange County. There’s so many different kinds of Vietnamese specialties, you’ll have a hard time just picking a few!
To get you started, I would recommend going to Cô Ba for hủ tiếu, which is a noodle dish made with pork bones, pork meat, and seafood, such as squid and shrimp. You can order it wet (with broth) or dry. Fresh herbs and bean sprouts can be added to the top for an amazing mix of flavors. I ordered my hủ tiếu with broth, which was so flavorful and warming to the body. The entire flavor experience was wonderful and your stomach will thank you! For more info on Cô Ba, check out their menu and reviews here.
The next dish you should try is called com tấm, which is a rice plate made of broken rice (broken rice grains), pickled carrots and daikon, lettuce, cucumber, a fried egg, a side of fish sauce, and your choice of meat or tofu. We ordered grilled pork and sprinkled the fish sauce over everything. Com tấm is one of my favorite dishes and this one did not disappoint. To check out more of Com Tấm Thien Hao’s menu, just click here. If you’ve never tried this dish, then be sure to check it off your list when you’re in Orange County.
3. Take a stroll through a nearby park
Whenever I travel, I always make it a point to try and visit somewhere with a great walking area. There’s no shortage of parks in Orange County, so you’ll have lots of room to wander. You’ll see people walking their dogs, families taking a stroll, and others getting their run in for the day. We passed a lot of parks on our way to the beach and were impressed with how expansive each park was. For more information about the parks in Orange County, check them out here!
4. Savor the sweetness of 85°C Bakery Café
This bakery is not just known in Orange County, but in many locations around the nation. I was first introduced to 85°C Bakery Café in Texas, and it was a wonderful surprise to see they have many locations in California. They have an endless list of sweet breads, savory breads, cakes, teas, and desserts. I would recommend the taro sweet bread and the chocolate cream cheese filled bread. Good luck choosing just a few! To see all of their delicious products, check out their website here.
5. Hit the coastal trails before sunset
A day trip wouldn’t be complete without hitting the trails. Whether it be along the ocean or through the forest, Orange County has some fantastic trails. I would recommend Crystal Cove Trail because there’s 18 miles of trails to choose from, and it’s along the coast, so you’ll be able to get some amazing ocean views. Sometimes the best way to see a new place is to venture out into nature away from people. Stretch your legs and see how far the trails will take you.
I hope this short list gave you some different ideas on how to spend one day in Orange County, California. I know there’s a lot of touristy things to do while you’re in California, but sometimes it’s nice to spend a day outside, soaking in the fresh coastal air and digging in to yummy food. What’s on your Orange County must-see list? What kind of food are you looking to try? Let me know in the comment section below. If you’re searching for more travel inspiration, check out my post all about road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway here. Happy wandering!