Super-Fun Day Trips From Orange County

Want to head out on a whale-watching expedition or see a Hollywood star in their natural environment? How about cruising to Catalina Island or getting a taste of some of the best wines from the area?

There are dozens of tours available to help you see all of this and more during your stay. Best of all, many companies will pick up and drop off at many of the hotels near the Honda Center and Disneyland.‍

The Best Orange County Day Trips

Catalina Island Day Trip from Anaheim with Zipline Adventure

Catalina Island lies 22 miles off the coast of LA, but it's a world apart. You don't need your yacht or helicopter to get there, either. Viator runs a beautiful tour of the island that includes pick up and drop off right from the hotel!

The first fun stop is the Long Beach ferry terminal, where you'll board the Catalina Express. This large ferry takes you on the hour-long ride across the Gulf of Catalina, past the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and into the island's main port at Avalon.

Once on the island, you'll love the zipline eco-tour. Five zip lines carry you across the scenic Descanso Canyon. You'll see wildlife and the beautiful, rugged landscapes of the island. Some eco-stations teach you interesting facts about Santa Catalina Island.

Before you load back on the ferry, enjoy a relaxing stay at Descanso Beach. On the ferry back to the mainland, keep your eyes peeled for grey whales and large pods of dolphins that are often seen here.‍

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour

Want to spend a day at the beach and on the water but aren't sure where to start? This tour has all the right stuff for a day of enjoying the beautiful Pacific Ocean and those famous Orange County beaches. The fun begins right in the beginning when a friendly and knowledgeable guide picks you up from the hotel in a decked-out tour bus or an authentic Woodie-style bus.

Your first stop is Newport Beach, where you'll set off on a two-and-a-half-hour whale and dolphin watching tour. You're sure to spot lots of wildlife, like ocean birds and playful California sea lions.

Wrap up a day on the water with stops at the original Surf City USA. You'll visit Laguna, Huntington, and Newport Beaches. You'll spot familiar filming locations from dozens of TV shows and movies, including The OC, The Bachelor, and Laguna Beach.‍

Temecula Wine Tour

The Best Coast Tour visits the best wineries near Temecula. The tour lasts several hours, and you will see the most popular sports in the Temecula Valley. The valley is known for its Mediterranean, semi-arid conditions and is designated an AVA or American Viticultural Area.

You'll stop at Somerset Vineyard, Oak Mountain Winery, Bel Vino Winery, Wilson Creek Winery, and the Callaway Vineyard on the tour. Admission to the vineyards and wineries is included in the price of the tour. You'll get tasting flights and inside tours, including a look at the largest wine cave in the valley.‍

VIP Hollywood and Beverly Hills Day Tour

Are you looking for a unique take on the Hollywood tour, with a chance of seeing a real star? Look no further than VIP Hollywood's Day Tour.

The tour starts with a stop at the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame and sights like the Chinese Theater and the Hollywood sign. You'll cruise Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive and spot legendary shops, comedy clubs, and discos.

You'll then head out to the beach to see the famous Santa Monica Pier and the Venice Beach boardwalk. The tour ends at the taping of the live TV show Access Hollywood.‍

Day Trips from Orange County‍

Tours are a great way to see and learn things you'd never find out about on your own. Nothing can replace the experience of seeing the town with a professional and local guide who knows their stuff! With so much to see and do in our area, these tours and day trips from Orange County are sure to make your vacation a memorable one.