Orange Travel Guide

  Avila restaurant, Orange, CA in church...
by marinarena
 
  • Avila restaurant, Orange, CA in church bldg.
      Avila restaurant, Orange, CA in church...
    by marinarena
  • City of Orange, central Orange Co, CA
      City of Orange, central Orange Co, CA
    by marinarena
  • Dana Point, in south Orange Co, CA
      Dana Point, in south Orange Co, CA
    by marinarena
  • Old Towne Orange, CA
      Old Towne Orange, CA
    by marinarena
  • St. John's church, Orange, CA, U.S.A.
      St. John's church, Orange, CA, U.S.A.
    by marinarena
 

Pro

marinarena profile photo

 multi-dimensional city/county; high quality of life/environment in most parts, pretty views; small town feel while having advantages like of a big city, ample space, family-friendly 


Con

Reznut profile photo

 We have our share of gangs, bad traffic, high cost of living. 


In a nutshell

ocflyboy profile photo

 great place to come visit and live...... know someone here, otherwise you wont have as much fun. 

 

Explore Orange

Things to Do  

Catch Busan West, Film Screenings at Chapman

Catch Busan West, Film Screenings at Chapman, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Chapman University is a well regarded private university located in the heart of the city of Orange. The institution has become a major factor in the town's city activity and structure, particularly by creating venues for arts and entertainment. Well noted for having a... 

Enjoy Viet New Year - Garden Grove, OC

Enjoy Viet New Year - Garden Grove, OC, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Tết, the Vietnam New Year (Hội Chợ Tết Sinh Viên), is well recognized faraway from the south Asian country. A popular festivity for the holiday take place early February in O.C: in the heavily Vietnamese populated Garden Grove.In 2013, The Garden... 

Do a self-guided Church tour in Old Towne

Do a self-guided Church tour in Old Towne, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Religious or not, one who fancies viewing and admiring churches should come in Old Towne Orange. There are several charming churches of distinct architecture within the relatively small zone- and all can be reached by foot during a nice, easy stroll. Main picture is of St.... 

Do a Food Tour in Old Towne

Do a Food Tour in Old Towne, Orange

 marinarena Says:  If you are like me, often indecisive on which restaurant to try in an area where there are so many tempting eateries, you may desire to do a food sampling tour. Old Towne Orange has a regular and popular "Walking Food Tour" attraction. Head to OTO from the train or take a... 

Stop and dine at Stadium Promenade

Stop and dine at Stadium Promenade, Orange

 marinarena Says:  I give a nod to the Stadium promenade. Just a few minutes drive from Angels Stadium and Honda Center in Anaheim, this small town center is a very good option for tourists and locals alike who are in town to catch a game or concert. Although it expands for a block, SP is... 

Hotels  

Ayres Inn Orange

 312 Opinions

Restaurants  

Zito's Pizza: Get the Good Stuff at Zito's

Zito's Pizza: Get the Good Stuff at Zito's, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Zito's is a main pizza joint in the city of Orange and throughout central-east OC. You come here mainly for the pizza, which has a decent NY Style. Maybe native New Yorkers would approve- maybe not, but this California girl certainly does! Zito even will refund the price of... 

Two's Company: Take another or go solo at Two's Company

Two's Company: Take another or go solo at Two's Company, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Located off the SE part of the traffic circle in the heart of Old Towne Orange is Two's Company.Panini, soups and salads are the tasty made-after-order favorites. 2's is fresh, fairly fast and affordable for most. Entrees are from $6-$10, coffee and other drinks just a few... 

Flappy Jack's- Orange: Mouth smackin' Way to Break the Fast

Flappy Jack's- Orange: Mouth smackin' Way to Break the Fast, Orange

 marinarena Says:  You may want to unbutton your pants to enjoy the delicious food stuff you will get at Flappy Jack's.Not just a run-of-the-mill American breakfast joint, FP revives the morning eating experience with very flavorful, gourmet versions of standard pancakes, waffles, crepes and... 

Nightlife  

OC (Wine) Trolley: Take a tipsy-ish trolley way south of S.F.

OC (Wine) Trolley: Take a tipsy-ish trolley way south of S.F., Orange

 marinarena Says:  Four hundred miles away from the classic trolley cars of San Francisco are those of OC Trolley, which are decidedly more "tipsy". In Old Towne Orange, hop aboard the non-track OC Wine Trolley, which gives passengers sampling of wine, food and slices of Orange city history... 

Transportation  

Experience Old Towne via Orange Station

Experience Old Towne via Orange Station, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Much worthy ado has been made about Old Towne Orange, which is the very best "Main Street America" of Orange county and of greater Los Angeles. A nice way to experience this peaceful throwback community without gassing up the car is to find your way here from the Orange... 

Hop Aboard OCTA Buses! (Big O.C. Tip)

Hop Aboard OCTA Buses! (Big O.C. Tip), Orange

 marinarena Says:  Overall, OCTA buses run smoothly and timely and most drivers are friendly and helpful. There are exceptions of course! Compared to L.A.'s Metro buses, the OC ones tend to be more comfortable, clean, and efficient.To help with navigation, riders take advantage of the Bus... 

Shopping  

The Bite Market: Grab an Organic Bite

The Bite Market: Grab an Organic Bite, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Come in the Bite Market, a darling little, all gluten-free and dairy-free shop in old town Orange packed with a variety of foods and products. The shop owner, Bridget, has turned her own experience with food allergies and ailments brought along by gluten-rich and milk-based... 

The Village at Orange (Mall-Various shops): Go to the Commercial Village

The Village at Orange (Mall-Various shops): Go to the Commercial Village, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Yes, here's another Orange outdoor shopping area! Externally, it has been well-maintained, especially at the main entrance, featuring the ever poplar rock water spring fountain. OK, sure- the shopping is limited, stores do frequently come and go here and they are not of the... 

Local Customs  

Tip approx in OC

Tip approx in OC, Orange

 marinarena Says:  In case you wonder about tipping, especially in restaurants in Orange county, know that the sales tax is 7.750. The regular OC rate is slightly lower that that of L.A. county. Commonly, I double the tax for tipping at a restaurant (unless the service sucks!). Some say to tip... 

Off The Beaten Path  

See an unsung city: Placentia

See an unsung city: Placentia, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Ah, Placentia! This little, very unassuming town has some potential with a growing population, mostly family households. Its name derives from "pleasant" and rightly so, it is a kind of Pleasantville in overall atmosphere. Being close to Anaheim may make it get on some... 

See an unsung city: Fountain Valley

See an unsung city: Fountain Valley, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Fountain Valley is a very amicable place to live. The biggest highlight of all here is local favorite, Mile Square Park (pictured), a giant recreational area perfect for sports and for a stroll that would give one a great work out. FV is yet another suburban community of... 

See an unsung city: Tustin

See an unsung city: Tustin, Orange

 marinarena Says:  Here's a friendly town to stay and experience normal Orange county life without the major grandiose fluff for which this region is known (sterotypcially) is Tustin. As one of the more older towns in O.C. , Tustin has indeed established an identity, yet not so much to... 

Favorites  

Go Lebanese!

Go Lebanese!, Orange

 marinarena Says:  In the city of Orange, there are a good number of Lebanese restaurants, indicating a visible influence in the town. Some restaurants include Zena's (by the Village of Orange) and Papa Hassan (in the old town district). Warning: Lebanese tends to be on the spicy... 

Know the case of Chapman v Chapman Ave

Know the case of Chapman v Chapman Ave, Orange

 marinarena Says:  The funny thing about O.C. street names!Just a little note when driving in O.C. -be aware of the two major Chapman avenues!Though far enough apart and parallel, the two Chapmans can throw off those new in the area. There is a Chapman Ave which runs west-east, mainly in the... 

Go French in Tustin, O.C.

Go French in Tustin, O.C., Orange

 marinarena Says:  Plaza Lafayette, Tustin, Orange countyWhat a cute, way off the beaten path town center! Off Newport Ave and Old Irvine Blvd, Plaza Lafayette is a charming strip mall that captures a bit of the French countryside on the exterior. The finest of boutiques and cafes that Tustin... 

Comments

 
Explore Deeper into Orange
Ride around along well kept streets
Favorites
Doubletree' Hotel Anaheim/Orange County
Hotels
Go via train on Sat/Sun (Big O.C. Tip)
Transportation
Take Covenient Metrolink (Big O.C. Tip)
Transportation
Best of Outdoor Malls/Town Centers
Favorites
ESA Orange County-Katella Ave
Hotels
Be a Local at International Street Fair (Sept)
Things to Do
The District Lounge: Hang at Fun Old Town Haunt
Restaurants
Get Free OC Weekly 4 OC Entertainment
Favorites
Hilton Suites Anaheim Orange
Hotels
Rutabegorz: Get to the 'Rute' of tasty natural food
Restaurants
Tutto Fresco: Mmmm....Molto bene!
Restaurants
Felix's Continental Cafe: Cuban and Spanish in One !
Restaurants
Best Value Inn & Suites Anaheim East
Hotels
Bruxie: Have Big Patience and Appetite here
Restaurants
Spend time at the Block (Outlets at Orange)
Things to Do
Take an inexpensive tour along ocean on Route 1
Transportation
Best Western Orange Plaza
Hotels
Wal-Mart-city of Orange: Shop late at local 24/7 Wal-Mart
Shopping
Come to Our Version of a Village
Things to Do
Katella Grill: Get OC Family Americana at Katella
Restaurants
Orange Tustin Inn
Hotels
(OPEN) La Vie En Rose: French Country
Restaurants
(OPEN) Claes Restaurant: Food with a View
Restaurants
(OPEN) Anaheim White House Restaurant: Northern Italian Fare with French Flair
Restaurants
Howard Johnson Express Orange
Hotels
(OPEN) Duke's Huntington Beach Restaurant: Pac-Rim Yuminess
Restaurants
(OPEN) The Original Pancake House: Dutch Baby!!!
Restaurants
(OPEN) Orange Hill Restaurant: Contemporary American
Restaurants
Motel 6 Anaheim Stadium Orange
Hotels
(OPEN) Felix Continental Cafe: Cuban and Spanish Fare
Restaurants
Map of Orange