Tired of the rain, snow, and drab skies of the Midwest winter? Come check out Orange County, California – where residents enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine each year, and access to world-class cultural experiences and some of the best surf spots in the country.
Even though Orange County in Southern California’s smallest county by area, there’s no shortage of exciting activities and excursions to do over the course of a weekend. We spoke to entrepreneur Amit Raizada – a longtime fan of the coastline, cuisine, and culture of Orange County – about some of his favorite family-friendly attractions in Southern California.
Huntington Beach
The best way to kick off a weekend in Orange County is by visiting Surf City USA! Huntington Beach is heralded as one of the best places in the country to catch some wave! So, grab a wetsuit, sign up for a lesson, and try your hand at surfing on the very same waves like the pros in the US Open of Surfing.
For a more relaxing day, take a stroll around the Huntington Beach Pier, one of Southern California’s most famous landmarks and one of the region’s best spots to catch the sunset.
Bolsa Chica State Beach (currently closed due to COVID-19 & Social distancing measures surrounding the Corona Virus), just minutes north of the pier, is a great spot for a beach day. Bring some blankets and an umbrella and spend the day on the white sand at Bolsa Chica.
Discovery Cube
Looking for a fun, educational activity for the kids? Check out the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana!
The Discovery Cube is a hands-on science museum with plenty of interactive exhibits that are perfect for the kids. Visitors can build and launch bottle rockets, take healthy cooking classes, and watch educational films in the Discovery Theater.
The Cube is one of the region’s most easily identifiable landmarks, as its 100-foot tall cube towers over the 5 Freeway.
Veloce Yacht
There’s no better way to experience the majesty of the Pacific Ocean than by chartering a yacht.
“Yachts are probably the best way to really get a feel for the beautiful California coast and all the attractions it has to offer,” said Amit Raizada of SBV, who manages Veloce Yacht, a luxury vessel-for-charter, as part of his expansive portfolio.
Perhaps the best aspect of chartering the yacht is that it’s yours to command. Once aboard a vessel like Veloce Yacht, you set the itinerary.
On one hand, visitors can choose to enjoy dinner and drinks on a tranquil tour through Newport Harbor, viewing sailboats, yachts, and the beautiful Orange County sunset.
If you’re feeling adventurous, though, you can set sail for Santa Catalina Island – a stunning Mediterranean oasis just twenty miles off the coast of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Circumnavigate the island and explore Catalina’s sea caves and renowned SCUBA diving. Or, moor Veloce in Avalon and walk the streets of the Channel Island’s only inhabited city, where the famous Casino building stands watch.
