See Orange County the way America intended, behind the steering wheel of a Cadillac convertible. The cars are powerful, the roads are open and you'll feel free as you cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway with the wind in your hair and your shades on, Thelma & Louise style! Be aware that some rental operators only allow drivers over the age of 25.
Reenact some of your favourite American movie scenes by hopping on a Greyhound. The trips are only worth long distances up and down the scenic coastal drive. If you're staying local, the public bus systems are reliable, affordable and probably the best bargain when it comes to your transport options. Buy a one-day pass on board for multiple beach trips for around US$4.
An icon of American culture, renting an RV will be an unforgettable experience that gives you total flexibility and helps you save on accommodation costs. Some RVs are stunningly luxurious, so unless you're on a shoestring budget, think flat screen TVs, microwaves, coffee machines and king-size beds. Try Cruise America, offering RVs in a range of sizes for 3-7 people.
Locals often overlook trains in favour of cars, buses and the open road. But they do offer a cheap and efficient way to get around Orange County's coastal and inland towns. Sit back, relax and watch the beautiful Southern Californian landscape go by. Amtrak's carriages are clean, modern and cover vast areas. See how far you can go!
Explore amazing creatures from seas and jungles all over the world at San Diego's state of the art animal parks: Sea World, San Diego Zoo and the Zoo's Wild Animal Park. Feed dolphins, fly through the air on white-knuckle rides, encounter magical rare Pandas and roam vast savannahs. For $130 per adult, you can get a pass to all three.
Channel your inner celebrity and follow in the footsteps of La-La Land's most iconic stars with a VIP tour of Universal Studios. Visit famous sets, get exclusive behind-the-scenes access and discover the secrets of Hollywood's top selling shows. With a gourmet lunch, valet parking and your own private escort, you might be mistaken for the real deal. Watch out for those paparazzi!
Southern California's soul can be found in the soft sands and surf along its golden beaches. Slide into your thongs and immerse yourself in the laid-back lifestyle with a tour of the Orange County coast, from Huntington to Santa Monica, the home of Baywatch. Stop for some beach volleyball and people watching at eccentric Venice Beach. The tour takes 12 hours and starts from $125 per person.
Bring your brave face to an action-packed day at California's world-famous Disneyland Resort. A Park Hopper Ticket will give you admission to the original theme park and Disney California Adventure Park opposite. Little and large will love meeting iconic cartoon characters, racing on gravity-defying rides and letting imaginations run wild. A two-day Park Hopper ticket starts from AU$166 per adult and $155 per child.
Rent a car and go on a surf safari through the laidback beach towns peppering Orange County's golden coastline. Stop off for a closer look at Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach or Newport for some fresh seafood. That afternoon, drive south to Mission San Juan Capistrano, a charming historical area belonging to a former Spanish mission. Wander through exquisite flowerbeds and visit the county's oldest surviving residential street. That night, head to Huntington for frozen margaritas.
After a white-knuckle day of rollercoasters, it's time to give your nerves a break. Take a two-hour journey down to beautiful San Diego, passing gorgeous citrus groves and shorelines. Wander the city's sparkling streets and soak up the Spanish vibes. Don't miss out on sampling the mouth-watering authentic tapas. That afternoon, make your way to world-famous San Diego Zoo and wander through acres of beautiful enclosures, home to rare and wonderful animals from all over the world.
Throw on your most comfortable shoes and a 'fanny pack' – it's time to dive into the best theme parks that Orange County has to offer! Start off by purchasing a Hopper Ticket, which will admit you to Disneyland and her younger sister, Disneyland California Adventure. Soar into the air, come tumbling down and defy gravity on some of the world's most thrilling rides. For the faint-hearted there are gentler rides on offer as well. Top attractions include California Screamin', Grizzly River Run and Tower of Terror. Don't look down!
You can't come to California without a taste of the celebrity lifestyle. Head north to soak up some dazzle from the streets of Los Angeles. Wander designer-clad Rodeo Drive, indulging in some people watching and retail therapy, before heading over to Hollywood to see the handprints of movie icons at the Chinese Theatre. Back in Orange County that evening, continue the glamour theme with a night out in Newport Beach.
MONTHS
MONTHS
Expedia Holidays > Orange County Holidays
