top of page
Living, Staying, and Dining in Orange County, CA
A collection of articles and timeless advice of living, staying, and dining in Orange County, CA
Welcome to Stay Orange County, your ultimate guide to unlocking the vibrant tapestry of Southern California's gem – Orange County! Nestled between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the majestic Santa Ana Mountains, this region boasts a kaleidoscope of experiences, from sun-kissed beaches to world-renowned theme parks, upscale shopping districts, and a rich cultural scene.
Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the hidden gems, insider tips, and unforgettable adventures that make Orange County a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and local charm.
Whether you're a beach lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast, Stay Orange County is your compass to navigate the diverse landscapes and create memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to immerse yourself in the sun-soaked beauty and dynamic culture of Orange County – where every moment is a new adventure waiting to unfold.
Search
Weddings in Orange County: Your Complete Guide
Weddings in Orange County: start here Orange County is an easy place to get married, and a hard place to choose. Coast, gardens, historic chapels, restaurants, and big resorts all sit within a short drive of each other, and they all look great in photos. This guide is the starting point for the whole weddings cluster on Stay Orange County. Pick your size first, then your vibe, then tour the small list that fits both. If you want the short version: start with guest count, then
Brian Ross
3 days ago2 min read
Micro Wedding Locations in Orange County: Small, Intimate Places to Say I Do
A smaller wedding, on purpose A micro wedding is not a wedding that got cut down. It is a wedding that started small. Most venues and planners use the term for a guest list under 50, and a lot of couples land somewhere between 10 and 30. That is the range I am using here. Definitions do vary by venue, though, so if a place tells you their micro package tops out at 20, or at 40, believe them over a blog post. Ask first, then fall in love with the space. I have lived in Orange
Brian Ross
3 days ago9 min read
Best Things to Do in Orange County, California
Orange County bursts with outdoor activities, cultural events, and culinary delights — and the best way to experience it is by category, not by trying to do everything in one weekend. This guide, built from the site's own guides, gives you the best things to do in Orange County by type, so you can pick a day that fits your mood, your group, and the weather. Beaches Start with the coast, because it is what Orange County is known for. Surf at Huntington Beach (nicknamed Surf Ci
Brian Ross
Apr 30, 20242 min read
Things to do in April in Orange County
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you planning a trip to Orange County this April? Well, buckle up because I've got the ultimate guide to making the most out of your visit. Orange County isn’t just about beautiful beaches (though, let’s be honest, the beaches are pretty fantastic); it’s also a hub of endless fun, delicious eats, and unforgettable experiences. Here's what you can't miss in April 2024: 1. Festival of Whales in Dana Point April kicks off with the tail end of the D
Brian Ross
Apr 17, 20243 min read
Disneyland in the Rain: A Practical Guide
A rainy day at Disneyland can be a good day, but only if you plan for rain instead of hoping it goes away. Rain changes what is comfortable, what is open, and how you move around the park — and the guests who enjoy rainy days are the ones who pack for it, prioritise indoor attractions, and stay flexible. This guide is practical, not magical: what to bring, what to ride, and when to stop. Before you go: check the forecast, then pack for it Check the weather forecast the night
Brian Ross
Mar 3, 20242 min read
Bioluminescence in Orange County: How to See It
Have you ever wished to see the ocean light up, turning the water into a starry sky? That phenomenon happens in Orange County, and it is called bioluminescence. It is magical, it is real — and it is never guaranteed. This guide explains what it is, when it tends to appear, where you have the best chance, and how to chase it without being disappointed if it does not show. What is bioluminescence? Bioluminescence is nature's own light show, produced by tiny organisms like plank
Brian Ross
Feb 22, 20243 min read
Orange County Wedding Venues: 9 Beautiful Places
Nine venues from the original post, plus additional venues to check, without prices. Venues quote individually, by date, guest count, and package. Request a quote from each venue you like, and tour in person where you can. Huntington Bay Club, which was in the original list, is no longer accepting new bookings, so it is not included here. 1. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, this is luxury meets ocean views, with sunset vows. 2. Pelic
Brian Ross
Feb 21, 20242 min read
Huntington Dog Beach: Rules, Parking & Tips
If you have a dog that loves the water, Huntington Dog Beach is one of the best days you can give them in Orange County. It is not a typical beach where dogs are tolerated on a leash at the edge — it is a beach where dogs are the point, playing in the waves and sand, making friends, and photobombing family pictures with sandy, wet noses. Here is what to know before your first visit. Where it is, and the freedom rule Huntington Dog Beach is located along Pacific Coast Highway
Brian Ross
Feb 19, 20242 min read
Anaheim Brew Pass: A Craft Beer Day in Anaheim
Anaheim has a serious craft beer scene, and the Visit Anaheim Brew Pass is the simplest way to plan a day around it. It is a digital pass, used on your phone, that gives pass holders offers at participating Anaheim breweries. Sign up first, check what each brewery is actually offering that day, and then build your route — do not assume every brewery gives the same deal. How the pass works Get the pass on your phone before you go, then show it at each participating brewery. Of
Brian Ross
Feb 12, 20242 min read
Valentine's Day Ideas in Orange County
Discover the romance and adventure that Orange County, California, has to offer with our curated guide to an unforgettable Valentine's Day. From the breathtaking views of a sunrise hike at Laguna Beach to the serene beauty of a sunset dinner cruise from Dana Point, we've gathered the best experiences to share with your loved one. Whether you're paddling through the calm waters of Newport Beach, exploring the cultural treasures at the Bowers Museum, or ending the day under the
Brian Ross
Feb 12, 20243 min read
Ringing in the Lunar New Year: A Fun-Filled Adventure in Orange County, CA!
Hey there! 🎉 If you're anything like me, always on the lookout for fun and unique ways to celebrate, then you're in for a treat with this year's Lunar New Year festivities in Orange County, CA. I've just spent an incredible week diving into the vibrant celebrations, and let me tell you, it was an experience to remember. From traditional dances to mouth-watering foods, Orange County really knows how to welcome the Year of the Dragon with a bang! From traditional dances to mou
Brian Ross
Feb 9, 20243 min read
Beignets Expressed at Downtown Disney: A Review
Downtown Disney in Anaheim has a lot of food worth trying, and Beignets Expressed is one of the simplest pleasures among them: New Orleans-style beignets, fried fresh, served hot, and dusted generously with powdered sugar. If you like sweet, doughy treats, this is an easy stop — and if you have never had a beignet, this is a good place to start. What to order Start with the classic: beignets dusted with powdered sugar, served in different quantities. They should arrive piping
Brian Ross
Jan 25, 20242 min read
Orange County Weekend Guide (January 19-21)
Hey there, fellow adventure-seekers and fun enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive headfirst into an epic weekend of excitement and pure SoCal joy? Well, you're in the right place because we've got the lowdown on all the fabulous and fun things to do this weekend(January 19-21) in the one and only Orange County, CA! From sandy beaches to thrilling theme parks, OC has got it all, and we're here to help you make the most of your time in this sun-kissed paradise. So grab your sunscr
Brian Ross
Jan 19, 20243 min read
Best Camping Spots in Orange County, CA (2026)
Camping in Orange County ranges from beach sites to inland parks, and the good ones book out early. This guide covers the best camping spots in Orange County, what each one is best for, and what to book first. Orange County camping ranges from beachside sites where you wake to waves, to canyon parks where you wake to birdsong — and the single most important thing to know is that not every park that is good for a day hike offers overnight camping. This guide lists eight spots
Brian Ross
Jan 16, 20242 min read
A Day at Disneyland: Rides, Shows & Food
Planning a perfect day at Disneyland can feel overwhelming, whether you are a seasoned fan or a first-time visitor. This guide gives you a simple order to follow — tickets and reservations, arrive early, classic rides, shows, food, and souvenirs — so you can enjoy the day instead of spending it deciding what to do next. Getting started: tickets, reservations, and arriving early Before you step inside the park, secure your tickets and make any required reservations in advance,
Brian Ross
Jan 11, 20242 min read
10 Things to Do in Irvine, California
Irvine is a planned city, which makes it easy to navigate — and easy to miss if you only visit a shopping center. This guide gives you ten things to do, grouped so you can build a day around parks, culture, food, and shopping, rather than driving from one isolated stop to another. This guide does not list a price, hour, or booking requirement for any stop, because those change. If a specific venue matters, confirm it before you go. 1. Orange County Great Park The Great Park i
Brian Ross
Jan 3, 20243 min read
10 Essential Disneyland Vacation Tips for First-Time Visitors
Hey Disney enthusiasts! Planning a fun disneyland vacation? Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, preparing for a Disneyland vacation is all about creating magical memories that last a lifetime. So, buckle up and get ready to sprinkle some pixie dust on your trip with these 10 tips for a fantastically fun Disneyland vacation! Planning a Disneyland Vacation Plan Like a Pro, Play Like a Kid: Planning is th
Brian Ross
Jan 3, 20243 min read
Unlocking the Magic: A Whirlwind Adventure in Disneyland, Orange County, CA
Hey there, fellow thrill-seekers and dreamers! Today, I'm taking you on a wild ride through the enchanting wonderland that is Disneyland in Orange County, CA. Get ready to channel your inner child, because we're about to dive headfirst into a world of magic, laughter, and mouse ears! A Magical Arrival As you step through the iconic gates of Disneyland, you can practically feel the excitement in the air. It's not just a theme park; it's a portal to a realm where dreams come tr
Brian Ross
Jan 2, 20242 min read
Free Things to Do in Orange County at Night
Orange County after dark does not have to cost anything. These free evening ideas — sunsets, piers, art walks, and people-watching spots — are genuinely free, with parking noted where it is the only cost. Hey there, fellow night owls! If you find yourself in the beautiful Orange County at night and your wallet is looking a bit weary, fear not! The OC has a treasure trove of fantastic, wallet-friendly activities to enjoy after the sun bids its adieu. So, grab your friends, put
Brian Ross
Jan 2, 20243 min read
Orange County Staycation: A 5-Day Local Plan
A staycation in Orange County does not need a flight, and it does not need to feel like a compromise. The county has beaches, historic towns, museums, gardens, nature, food, and shopping within a short drive of each other — enough for five distinct days without repeating yourself. Here is a plan that uses that range, in an order that actually works. Day 1: Beachside Start with the coast. Take a sunrise or morning stroll at Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, then a beachside brunc
Brian Ross
Jan 2, 20242 min read
bottom of page