10 Best Free Things to Do in Orange County

Thanks to at least 20 beaches, no matter where you are in Laguna Beach, you’re never far from paradisical golden sands and azure waters. Not one of them is a bad choice, so pack up a picnic, don your swimwear, and get ready for some fun in the sun.

If you’re searching for the most Instagram-worthy beach, you’ll want the stunning views of Treasure Island Beach. If you’ve a family in tow, head to the lifeguard-patrolled Main Beach where you’ll find a playground and plenty of amenities to keep the kids occupied. Any surfers out there will want to hit the waves on Aliso Beach then end the day with a cookout at one of their designated fire pits.

Every Tuesday night, Surf City Nights transform the first 3 blocks of Main Street, Huntingdon Beach, into a vibrant street fair and farmers’ market that’s completely free to attend. The roads are closed to traffic and are instead lined with stall after stall that will delight you all evening, weather permitting.

Traverse the aisles perusing the freshest produce from local farmers, charming handicrafts from budding artisans, and tasty street food from the many vendors. Live music will serenade you as you wander, and many shops and businesses offer special deals or sidewalk sales, so you can have a fantastic night without emptying the bank.

Every summertime, selected parks across OC host family-friendly movie and concert series, providing a fun and free evening out for all. Find the perfect spot to perch your lawn chair or spread out a blanket and settle in for a screening or a music performance.

Your kids will love the pre-show games and character meet and greets, and the vast green spaces mean there’s plenty of room for them to run around beforehand. Showings include the latest blockbusters and classic films, and a whole host of renowned bands, local or otherwise. If you didn’t bring a picnic, rest assured you’ll find more than a few food trucks to keep you fed, and a beer and wine garden too.

One of the main trails along the Southern California coast, the Huntington Beach bike trail is an ideal way to see the sights for free. The standard 12-mile (19-km) route starts where Warner Ave. merges into the Pacific Coast Highway and connects Huntington Beach Pier with Newport Beach Pier, giving you easy access to all the best beaches and restaurants.

Don’t worry if you didn’t bring a bike. You can easily rent a beach cruiser, an electric bike, or even a tandem bike for all the family from hotels and vendors. As you ride along, look to the west for gorgeous ocean views or to the east to see the famous Pacific Coast Highway.

The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) strives to showcase artists with a connection to California, and it does so with a staggering collection of over 4,500 contemporary artworks. Their carefully curated rotating exhibitions span a multitude of media and genres, and all of them are guaranteed to inspire you and show off Orange County in all its glory.

The museum regularly hosts free events like pop-up talks, guided tours, and art classes for the little ones, so make sure you check their calendar before you go. Members of the museum can even enjoy art-inspired yoga for free, and non-members can too for a small charge. Don’t miss the award-winning café and its tasty, plant-focused menu.

The city of Santa Ana has a thriving arts scene, and one of the best ways to experience this is by embarking on the Santa Ana Art Walk. It takes place in the evening of every first Saturday of the month, so art lovers on a budget need not worry about expensive gallery admission fees when visiting California.

From 2nd and Broadway to Fourth Street and French Street, 20 art galleries and studios showcase incredible rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary, digital, street, tattoo, and wearable art. If you prefer live art, then catch some comedy improv, DJing, dancing, and bands down at Calle Cuatro Plaza. Why not grab a souvenir from one of the many street vendors?

See some of the last remaining coastal canyons of California at the breathtaking Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Forty miles of trails wind and wend over 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares) of diverse natural landscapes, leading you to stunning views of craggy hills, woodlands, and coastal wilderness.

Hike or bike along the trails, or even bring your horse for a relaxing scenic ride as the sun sets. The Nix Nature Center is a must-visit if you’d like to learn about the area’s fascinating history through interactive exhibits and educational programs. Friendly staff and volunteers are on hand to deliver talks and guided walks with a focus on meditation, botany, and photography.

For an exhilarating and free day out in Orange County, why not trek the mudflats, salt marshes, and coastal dunes of Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve? The 1,300 acres (526 hectares) of wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers, who flock here for glimpses of nearly 200 resident and transient bird species.

Look to the skies for western snowy plovers and hawks or to the ground for rabbits and lizards. Remember that dogs and bikes are not allowed to ensure the safety of nests, but binoculars and cameras are a must. You’ll enjoy the educational talks and tours provided by the Interpretive Center, while kids will love the interactive exhibits starring live marine life and reptiles.

Around 135 acres (55 hectares) of open space is waiting to be explored at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve. The picturesque bluffs surrounding the bay are home to incredible bird species including the likes of the San Diego Cactus Wren and the Peregrine falcon. As you can imagine, the reserve is a favorite for wildlife lovers from all over the country.

In between hiking and biking and horse-riding, visit the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for a diverse program of events including nature journaling, kids’ themed hikes, and restoration projects. Why not camp at the nearby Newport Dunes resort and have yourself a wild adventure weekend?

For a free Orange County activity that’s truly memorable, consider a thrilling ride on the iconic Great Park Balloon. The huge, orange balloon is unmissable as it soars through the skies 400 ft. (122 meters) above Irvine’s innovative park. Board this floating observation deck for unrivalled 360-degree views of the awe-inspiring natural landscape.

As the balloon is incredibly popular, make sure you register for a session as soon as you arrive. While you’re waiting for your flight, you can explore Great Park itself via one of the many walking trails. Don’t forget to ride the vintage carousel and peruse the art installations. There are also several playgrounds your kids are sure to love.