Best Day Trips in Orange County

Universal Studios Hollywood™ 

Find a full day of action-packed fun at Universal Studios Hollywood™ and get the ultimate Hollywood experience all in one place: thrilling theme park rides, interactive shows, and a real working movie studio.

Take a break from all the excitement and head over to the adjacent Universal CityWalk where you can find LA’s best shops, restaurants, and cinemas.  

LA City Tours

The city of Los Angeles is approximately 30 miles north of Anaheim, easily accessible by car, by train, or by joining a sightseeing tour.

City tours are a great way to pack in an entire day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning every detail of your trip. LuxBus America and Starline Tours offer a great selection of tours that show you LA up close. The Hop-on, Hop-off tour by Starline Tours offers the perfect way to see everything you want at your own pace.  

SeaWorld^® San Diego

Spend a day at SeaWorld^® San Diego, home to all kinds of marine life, exciting shows, the famous Shamu®, and many thrilling attractions.

At night, head over to the Historic Gaslamp Quarter for dinner where there are more than 100 restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, and retail shops that line historic, Victorian-era streets.

San Diego Zoo_®

Get up close to wildlife and learn about their natural habitats at the San Diego Zoo_®. Experience animal encounters and exciting shows at both of the parks.

The San Diego Zoo_® Safari Park provides a unique experience where many species of animals live together in wide, open-field enclosures.  

LEGOLAND^® California 

Take the little ones on a day trip to LEGOLAND^® California, a LEGO-inspired theme park featuring more than 60 rides, factory tours, and LEGO-themed areas.

Get a hopper ticket and visit the other separate attractions; LEGOLAND^® Water Park and SEA LIFE® Aquarium. These theme parks are most enjoyed by kids under 10.

Avalon on Catalina Island

Hop on the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach to take a day trip to Avalon on Catalina Island.

This relaxing, one-hour cruise to the island is a great way to start your day, with light snacks and beverages onboard the ship (or you can bring your own), and a beautiful view of the Orange County shoreline.

Stroll down Pebbly Beach Road to Casino Way, where you’ll find quaint shops, lively bars, and a variety of oceanfront dining options. You’ll also find an array of rental shops for bicycles, wave runners, golf carts, and more.

Other activities on the island include snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, and Zip Line eco-tours. You can even partake in a walking food tour in Downtown Avalon.

Head farther down Casino Way to enjoy a cocktail on the beach at Descanso Beach Club. At the end of the day, relax in accommodations just steps away from the beach.