Once the vows have been said, and the cake has been cut, it will be time to kick off the rest of your life with an epic honeymoon. Discover why so many other happy couples have chosen Orange County, California, as the place to celebrate their new marriage. Here are a few things to consider when planning your once-in-a-lifetime O.C. honeymoon adventure.
Choosing Your Home Base
The most important decision that you will make when planning your honeymoon is where you will make your home base for fun and romance. Many travelers choose to immerse themselves in the center of the theme park adventures. Other couples decide that they want a little more rest and relaxation, choosing to make the coastline their home for the duration of the trip. Or you can choose to split your stay for the best of both worlds.
Believe it or not, Anaheim is a popular honeymoon destination. Although the hotels might not offer the breathtaking beach views that you can find in the coastal cities (Newport Beach anyone?), you’ll be centrally located for all kinds of fun. Anaheim has Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, fantastic craft breweries (Bottle Logic and The Bruery come to mind), and professional sports (the Angels and the Ducks). It’s also an easy destination to reach by train. And if you want to get a workout in, you’re probably going to find an Anaheim gym that meets your needs.
Theme Park Fun
As we hinted at above, no trip to Orange County is complete without visiting a few of its famed theme parks. The granddaddy of them all is the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. This resort encompasses both the classic Disneyland Park as well as the California Adventure theme park. Both parks offer loads of fun and adventure around every corner.
For a more traditional theme park, be sure to look into a visit to the iconic Knott’s Berry Farm. If you are traveling during the warmer months, there is no shortage of water parks that you can visit to cool off and splash around in the water. Options to consider include Knott’s Soak City and the Great Wolf Lodge.
Beaches to Explore
Orange County is known for its miles of stunning coastline, giving you plenty of options for when you want to play in the sun and the surf with your love. Huntington Beach has built a reputation as one of the premier surfing spots in the country, displaying a culture that is unique to this area. Newport Beach is a good choice if you are looking for a place to shop, eat, and to soak up the unique vibe of Southern California. For something a little quieter, be sure to spend some time in the upscale Laguna Beach area.
Activities to Consider
Orange County is more than just beaches and theme parks. Outdoor recreational enthusiasts will delight in the many options to get outside and work up a sweat. It is no surprise that Orange County offers an extensive network of hiking trails, especially along with the scenic coastal areas. Popular options include the San Clemente Coastal Trail and Crystal Cove State Park. Other activities to consider include signing up for a whale-watching cruise, trying your hand at surfing lessons together, exploring the area on a helicopter tour, or chartering a boat. The possibilities are truly endless in this magical place.
Get Your Grub On
You will certainly not go hungry on your honeymoon. The county also boasts a bustling dining scene. Ranging from first-class dining experiences all the way down to delicious grab and go options, you will find something to satiate your appetite in Orange County. For the ultimate romantic indulgence while visiting Disneyland, be sure to score a coveted reservation at the Napa Rose. If you are looking for something more casual, the Anaheim Packing District has all of your dining needs covered with a myriad of delicious options.
The area also features a wide array of drinking fun. Beer aficionados will appreciate the many independent breweries that dot the landscape, including the Belgian-style brewhouse The Bruery, Beachwood BBQ and Brewing, and Chapman Crafted Beer in Old Towne Orange. (Pro tip: Skip breweries like Ballast Point that were long ago sold to major beverage corporations. There are too many amazing independently-owned breweries to support!)
However you decide to craft your Orange County trip itinerary, you are sure to have an amazing time as you celebrate your love in this Southern California paradise.