Fall and Holiday Family Adventures in Orange County
November is upon us! The holidays are just around the corner, the weather is cooling down, and everything starts to feel a little more jubilant this time of year. It’s the perfect time to fill up your calendar with fun and festive activities, and luckily, Orange County is ripe with fun outdoor activities to keep your family entertained.
To help you set up your fall family calendar, we’ve compiled some great, budget-friendly, outdoor fall activities for the whole family to enjoy. Which are you most excited about?
Visit Irvine Regional Park
If you want an authentic nature experience, Irvine Regional Park is a must-visit. This park is unlike any other in Southern California. You could spend an entire day here with its diverse array of activities. If you’re looking for a more mellow outing, the area is also perfect for picnicking and relaxing. Irvine Lake fishing is an excellent option, too. Keep an eye out for horses as a three-mile equestrian trail circles the area. You can even plan a scenic guided trail ride on horseback!
The park is home to the Irvine Park Railroad, which runs daily. Families can rent bikes and paddle boats or go for scenic hikes. Tucked among coastal live oak and giant sycamore groves, the Orange County Zoo also resides at the park.
Irvine Regional Park hosts several seasonal activities as well. The Christmas Train will run as usual, with a few added precautions to adapt to the pandemic, like asking passengers to remain seated. There will also be carnival games, ice fishing, and blizzard ball. Stop by Santa’s Village open weekdays from 4 – 9 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Shop, Dine and Play at Irvine Spectrum Center
Irvine Spectrum Center is one of Southern California’s most popular entertainment and shopping destinations. With a variety of options for all ages. It’s the perfect outdoor area to spend time with family.
The recently revitalized Regal movie theater is one of the few theaters open in the area. They’re currently showing an assortment of family-friendly classics for just $5. One of Irvine Spectrum Center’s newer tenants is The Escape Game, a live 60-minute adventure that lets participants choose from various themes: explore space, escape prison, take part in a heist, and more. You and your team will have 60 minutes to uncover clues, crack codes, solve puzzles, and complete your mission. Their adventures are great for families.
Stock Up on Veggies at Tanaka Farms
Another crowd-pleasing Orange County staple is Tanaka Farms, a long-running interactive farm that hosts seasonal events. The 30-acre farm supplies fruits and vegetables to stands across the county, local grocery stores, their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, and various educational tours.
Explore Pristine OC Beaches
With beaches open in Orange County, it’s never been a better time to plan a fun day in the sun. OC has both large sandy beaches as well as small cove beaches. Plus, many of the local spots have distinct personalities!
If you’re into art, Laguna Beach is ripe with art galleries. Newport Beach’s boardwalk and Balboa Village are great areas to explore in between hanging out on the sand. Or treat your family to a meal at popular dining spot The Beachcomber, located right on the sand of Crystal Cove in Newport Coast and known for their decadent brunch and lunch offerings and stunning sunset views for dinner.
If you’d like to watch surfers, Huntington Beach is the perfect option. Did you know Huntington Beach is home to the US Open of Surfing? Be sure to walk the pier, too! If you head a little further south, San Clemente and Dana Point also have great waterfront options.
Whether you prefer relaxing or being active, Orange County offers something for everyone. We hope you make fun family memories this holiday season!
Find Your Essex Apartment
Our apartment communities span from San Diego to the Pacific Northwest in some of the most sought-after locations on the West Coast. Choose from bustling city life, quiet comfort in the suburbs, sun and sand at the beach or outdoor adventures and a wide variety of on-site amenities and floor plans that span from studios to townhomes. Whatever your style and budget, we have a community that’s right for you.
Explore our nearly 250 apartments and learn more about current leasing or move-in specials.
Photos courtesy of Irvine Regional Park, Irvine Spectrum Center and Tanaka Farms.
