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Things to do in Orange County

Our most recommended things to do in Orange County

Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

1. Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

Head out on a whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Newport Beach. The waters surrounding Newport Harbor offer deep nutrient-rich waters that attract all types of marine creatures. With a 96% success rate, almost every trip has the opportunity to see whales or dolphins. Look out for giant blue whales (during the summer and fall months), finback whales, gray whales (winter and spring months), minke whales, humpback whales, several types of dolphin (including giant rizzo dolphin over 14 feet in length), seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Most whale-watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are incredibly calm. The captain and crew have backgrounds in marine biology and can provide details about the marine creatures, environment, and ecosystems.

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2. Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Set sail on a 50-foot catamaran yacht in search of wild marine wildlife on this cruise from Newport Beach. Enjoy the 360 degree walk-around deck that ensures that you never miss a moment with the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for giant blue whales, humpback whales, and pods of dolphins. Board the ship and set sail from the landing. Get up close to different whales and discover facinating details about these creatures from your naturalist guides that are eager to share their knowledge with you. Let your captain take you to places where the whales are more active to increase your viewing chances. Head to the front of the ship and look for bow riding dolphins which will glide just below your feet on one of the dual bows. Feel the excitement of watching these playful creatures frolic in their natural environment. End your tour at the meeting point where it began.

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

3. Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Embark on a whale-watching adventure off Newport Beach, CA and look out for a variety of whales, including humpback whales and blue whales. Observe marine life in the wild and admire the Newport-Laguna coastline. On these year-round cruises off Newport Beach, many whale varieties are regularly seen including the giant blue whale (summer and fall), finback whale, grey whale (winter and spring), minke whale, and humpback whale. Several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life are typically spotted on the excursions as well. The cruises depart from Newport Harbor, located in the heart of Orange County, which is just a short drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. Each cruise is a unique experience as you may never know what you might encounter. A recent cruise encountered a pod of more than 30 killer whales, including adults and their young, making for a whale watching adventure of a lifetime. The cruises enjoy a 96 percent success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin.

Newport Beach: Year-Round Whale Watching Cruise

4. Newport Beach: Year-Round Whale Watching Cruise

The waters surrounding Newport Harbor are deep and nutrient-rich, attracting all types of marine creatures. Cruises typically see a variety of whales including giant blue whales (during the summer and fall), finback whales, grey whales (in the winter and spring), minke whales, and humpback whales, as well as several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Each cruise is a unique experience in that you never know what you might encounter. The Laguna Beach coastline lies just to the south of Newport Harbor and is some of Southern California’s most beautiful coast. The grey whales are commonly seen in this area. Most whale watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are very calm allowing whale watchers to fully enjoy the amazing viewings. Our primary whale watching ship is 65 feet long, and has a large upstairs sundeck, wrap-around outside seating, snack bar, and indoor seating with large windows. The ship was purpose-built for viewing marine life. Plenty of other amenities guarantee a very comfortable and exciting trip. Captains and crew members are well-versed in marine biology and are incredibly knowledgeable about marine creatures, environment, and eco systems.

Newport Beach: Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure

5. Newport Beach: Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure

Take a 2-hour dolphin and whale watching tour from Newport Beach. Cruise in an open boat that offers 360-degree views from anywhere onboard, allowing everyone a to have close encounter with nature. Admire the stunning coastal landscape and look out for whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.   Board a custom-built RIB, perfect for whale watching. The boat has a maximum capacity of 15 people, giving each passenger a piece of the action. See dolphins come almost close enough to touch. The boat can travel at speed and cruises up to 14 miles from port to ensure the highest success rate of animal sightings.

Los Angeles: Champagne Brunch Cruise from Newport Beach

6. Los Angeles: Champagne Brunch Cruise from Newport Beach

Relax and unwind on a 2-hour cruise departing from Newport Beach. Enjoy a buffet brunch prepared from the freshest seasonal ingredients and sip on unlimited champagne or sparkling cider. Set off on a morning cruise from Newport Beach, where sunlight bounces off the water and a bottomless glass of bubbly or sparkling cider awaits. In addition to salty breezes and abundant sunshine, your champagne brunch cruise includes free-flowing champagne and a delicious buffet brunch to enhance your magical escape. Newport Beach is classic California, with wide beaches and expansive oceanfront mansions. The community boasts a well-known small-boat harbor as well as popular destinations such as the Balboa Peninsula, Fashion Island, and bustling Mariner's Mile. Sample Buffet Brunch Menu EARLY RISER BREAKFAST PASTRIES (V)(N)Assorted Muffins and Danishes *May Contain NutsSCRAMBLED EGGS (G*)(V)American Cheddar CheeseBREAKFAST MEATS (G*)Applewood Smoked Bacon | Pork Sausage LinksBREAKFAST POTATOES (V)Carmelized Onions | Red & Green Bell PeppersFRENCH TOAST (V)Whipped Cream | Maple Syrup LATE RISERS KALE QUINOA SALAD (G*)(VG)(V)Quinoa | Roasted Red Pepper | Spinach | Lemon Oregano VinaigretteGREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD (V)Sweet Peas | White Beans | ScallionsHAND CARVED STRIP LOIN (G*)Hornblower Signature Spice Rub | Horseradish Crème | Au JusHAND CARVED OVEN ROASTED TURKEY (G*)Cranberry SaucePASTA AL FORNO (V)Alfredo Sauce, Panko Parmesan Crust DESSERT SIGNATURE DESSERT STATION (V)(N)Cakes | Brownies | Seasons Fruit *May Contain Nuts(N) Contains Nuts(VG) Vegan(V) vegetarian

Los Angeles: Weekend Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach

7. Los Angeles: Weekend Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach

Come aboard for a romantic evening away. Unforgettable views listen to music, and a duet entrée sit-down dinner all make this is a can’t-miss getaway for visitors and local residents alike. Newport Beach is classic California, filled with wide beaches and expansive oceanfront mansions. The community boasts a well-known small-boat harbor as well as popular destinations such as the Balboa Peninsula, Fashion Island and bustling Mariner's Mile. See the area while enjoying a luxurious evening out. Sample Dinner Menu: Assorted bread and butter (V) and your choice of a starter of beet and baby arugula salad with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette (G)(V), or signature seafood chowder with clams, flounder, potatoes, and cream (G). Enjoy your choice of main course with options like root vegetable fricassee with butternut squash, cauliflower, zucchini, grape tomatoes, gremolata, and coconut cream sauce (G)(VG)(V), or broiled salmon fillet with roasted tomato vinaigrette with lemon orzo, and farm-fresh seasonal vegetables. Choose from rosemary and thyme oven-roasted chicken breast with roasted new red potato and scallion salad, haricot verts, and creamy mushroom sauce, or braised beef short ribs with Fresno pepper glace, garlic mashed potatoes, baby carrots, and Broccoli (G). Finally, end on a sweet note with your choice of signature chocolate cake with crème Anglaise, raspberry coulis, and candied pecans (V), or mixed fruit with strawberries Madagascar vanilla and orange cream(G)(VG)(V), or New York Cheesecake with lemon mascarpone cream, blueberry and compote (V).

Oahu: North Shore Day Trip via Beaches and Haleiwa Town

8. Oahu: North Shore Day Trip via Beaches and Haleiwa Town

Explore Oahu's famous North Shore on this day-long excursion with a guide and coach transportation. See famous surfing beaches, visit Haleiwa Town, and choose to get a taste of the island along the way. Start your tour with pickup from your hotel in Waikiki, before driving towards the North Shore. Visit sites like the Dole Plantation and the Green World Coffee Plantation to learn about the island's culinary traditions. Next, explore Hale’iwa Beach Park and catch sightings of the sea turtles that live on the beach. Continue into the town of Haleiwa to soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Take the chance to try out some local delicacies like garlic butter shrimp, shave ice, Dole Whip, macadamia nuts, and island coffee. From there, take a route along the famous North Shore beaches, where you'll see Waimea Bay, Pupukea, Bonzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach. Stop at the picturesque Kawela Bay before continuing to Kualoa Beach Park. Take in views of the Koolau mountain range and Mokoliʻi island. End with a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can learn about the cultural heritage and traditions of the Pacific Islands, before returning to your hotel.

Newport Beach: Private Emerald Bay Ocean Cruise

9. Newport Beach: Private Emerald Bay Ocean Cruise

Our signature Emerald Bay Ocean Cruise is an amazing adventure! Tour Newport’s luxurious harbor and spend the day in the pristine Emerald Bay (or Ebay as the locals call it). First, we'll cruise out of Newport Beach harbor, admiring the gorgeous million-dollar homes and yachts. Next we will cruise along the coast past Corona Beach in Corona del Mar. Once we arrive to Emerald Bay, we can anchor, swim and hang out! Spend the day relaxing, soaking up the sun, and swimming in the calm blue waters. Or, ask your captain to take you searching for marine life and watch dolphins dance directly below the boat! We will dock in Newport Beach harbor at the end of the cruise.

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What people are saying about Orange County

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 831 reviews

Love the Go City pass, super easy to use and very worth it for the price and actives that we have access too! and the app as well as the website was very easy to operate to purchase the tickets. One last thing, i would like to give a shoutout to the individual i spoke to over the phone to assure me of how the tickets and passes worked.

It is absolutely value for money.You should visit many places in the day otherwise if you go only to once every day , don't buy it.

We seen a bunch of dolphins and sea lions one super late whale but it was an experience. I will never forget. Scholarship

Really great, even though we couldn’t see the Wales they offered us a discount for our next booking

definitely worth buying this tour. Even if you will not see any whales.