Orange, California offers a mix of historic neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, shopping, parks, trails and community events just minutes from Villa Park. The centerpiece is Old Towne Orange, where the historic Plaza, Chapman University, antique and vintage shops, restaurants and preserved architecture make the area easy to explore on foot. Beyond Old Towne, visitors can find museums, performing arts, recreation along Santiago Creek and some of Orange County’s longest-running community events.
Best Things to Do in Orange at a Glance
- Walk, shop and dine in Old Towne Orange
- Visit the Hilbert Museum of California Art
- Explore Chapman University and attend a performance at Musco Center for the Arts
- Walk or bike the Santiago Creek Trail
- Spend time at Hart Park, Grijalva Park or Yorba Dog Park
- Shop the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market
- Explore Orange’s historic architecture and walking tours
- Visit nearby Irvine Regional Park and the Orange County Zoo
- Attend signature annual events including the Orange International Street Fair, Treats in the Streets and the Tree Lighting Ceremony
Explore Old Towne Orange
Old Towne Orange is the best place to begin exploring the city. Centered on the historic Plaza, the district combines preserved homes and commercial buildings with restaurants, cafés, antique and collectibles shops, boutiques and Chapman University. The Orange Metrolink Station also makes Old Towne accessible by train.
The area is especially well suited to walking. Visitors interested in local history can use the City of Orange’s historic resources to explore the Plaza and surrounding neighborhoods rather than simply driving through the district.
Hilbert Museum of California Art
The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University is one of Orange’s leading cultural attractions. Its expanded campus includes 26 galleries featuring California Scene paintings along with animation, illustration, movie art and other works connected to California visual culture. Admission is currently free; check the Hilbert Museum for current hours, exhibitions and visitor information.
Chapman University & Musco Center for the Arts
Chapman University’s campus is part of the Old Towne experience, with historic and contemporary architecture within walking distance of the Plaza. The university’s Musco Center for the Arts presents music, dance, theater and other performances throughout the year. Check the current performance calendar before visiting.
Orange History & Architecture
Orange has several ways to explore its architectural and community history. The City of Orange provides self-guided resources for the Historic Plaza, Cypress Street Barrio, El Modena Barrio and the city’s distinctive Eichler neighborhoods. The City’s historic districts information is a good starting point for current tour materials.
Orange Public Library & History Center
The Orange Public Library & History Center near Old Towne provides library services as well as resources for researching Orange’s local history. It is a useful stop for visitors interested in the people, neighborhoods and events that shaped Orange and the surrounding area.
Parks & Outdoor Activities in Orange
Hart Park
Hart Park is one of Orange’s major recreation areas, with picnic and recreation amenities and access to the Santiago Creek Trail. The park’s bandshell is also home to seasonal community programming, including summer concerts.
Santiago Creek Trail
The paved Santiago Creek Trail provides approximately six miles of walking, jogging and bicycling through Orange, connecting areas including Grijalva, Yorba and Hart parks. The creek also has a long history in the Villa Park and Orange area, making the trail both a recreation route and a connection to the area’s natural landscape.
Grijalva Park & Sports Center
Grijalva Park offers outdoor recreation along with the Sports Center at Grijalva Park. Programs and facility schedules change, so see our Grijalva Park guide and current City information when planning a visit.
Yorba Dog Park
Yorba Dog Park provides separate areas for dogs and was improved through a City project completed in 2026. See our Yorba Park guide for more information and check posted rules before visiting.
Pitcher Park
Pitcher Park is a smaller neighborhood park near Old Towne with a quiet setting for a short visit or picnic. Check the park’s current information for access, events and any special-use requirements.
Indoor & Unique Things to Do
Hangar 18 Orange
Hangar 18 offers indoor climbing and bouldering for a range of experience levels. Check the facility directly for current hours, admission, rentals, classes and participation requirements.
The Hobbit
The Hobbit is a distinctive special-occasion dining experience in Orange. Reservations, menus, pricing and the format of the dining experience can change, so check the restaurant directly when planning a visit.
Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market
The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market is a recurring Saturday activity in Old Towne, bringing together local produce, food and artisan vendors. Check Orange Home Grown for current hours, location details and market updates.
Nearby: Irvine Regional Park & Orange County Zoo
Irvine Regional Park is an Orange County regional park just east of Orange and Villa Park rather than a City of Orange municipal park. Its recreation opportunities and the Orange County Zoo make it one of the most popular nearby destinations for families and outdoor activities.
Annual Events in Orange
Orange hosts community events throughout the year. Dates, admission, locations and programming can change from one year to the next, so use the individual event pages or organizer websites for current details.
Foundation Games – Spring
The Foundation Games is a youth track-and-field event held in Orange. See the event page for current eligibility, registration, location and schedule.
Orange May Parade – May
The Orange May Parade celebrates the Orange community with local organizations, schools, performers and participants traveling through the historic area. Check the current event page for the route and schedule.
Taste of Orange – Spring
Taste of Orange is a community tasting and fundraising event. Venue, participating restaurants, beneficiaries and other details can vary, so check the current event information before attending.
Concerts in the Park – Summer
The City of Orange traditionally hosts a summer concert series at the Hart Park Bandshell. Dates, performers and schedules vary by season.
3rd of July Celebration – July
Orange’s annual Independence Day celebration traditionally combines community entertainment and patriotic programming. See the current event page for admission, activities, location and schedule.
Orange International Street Fair – Labor Day Weekend
The Orange International Street Fair fills Old Towne during Labor Day weekend with international food booths, entertainment, arts and crafts and community organizations. See our dedicated Street Fair guide for current information.
Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival – October
This annual Old Towne event brings Halloween and fall activities to the Plaza area. Programming varies, so see the current event page for the year’s schedule and activities.
Orange Field of Valor – November
The Field of Valor is a Veterans Day-season tribute in Orange. Check current event information for the location, dates, ceremonies and flag-display details.
Veterans Day Tribute – November
The City of Orange holds a community Veterans Day observance honoring veterans and service members. Check the City’s current special-events information for the year’s program and location.
Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony – December
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of Old Towne Orange’s signature holiday traditions and includes the traditional Candlelight Choir Procession. Activities and times vary by year.
Getting to Old Towne Orange
The Orange Metrolink Station is within walking distance of the Old Towne Plaza, making train travel an option for visitors. Once in Old Towne, many restaurants, shops, Chapman University attractions and historic sites can be reached on foot. Drivers should check the City of Orange visitor information for current parking guidance.
Things to Do in Orange FAQ
What is Orange, California best known for?
Orange is especially known for Old Towne Orange, its historic architecture, antique and vintage shopping, restaurants, Chapman University and longstanding community events such as the Orange International Street Fair.
Is Old Towne Orange worth visiting?
Old Towne brings many of Orange’s attractions into a walkable area, including the historic Plaza, shops, restaurants, Chapman University, historic architecture and nearby museums and cultural attractions.
What are some free things to do in Orange?
Walking through Old Towne and exploring city parks and trails are free activities. The Hilbert Museum currently offers free admission, although admission policies can change.
What can families do in Orange?
Families can explore parks and trails, visit Old Towne, attend seasonal community events, or visit nearby Irvine Regional Park and the Orange County Zoo.
What can you do outdoors in Orange?
Outdoor options include the Santiago Creek Trail and parks such as Hart Park, Grijalva Park and Yorba Park, along with nearby Irvine Regional Park.
Can you get to Old Towne Orange by train?
Yes. The Orange Metrolink Station is located in Old Towne within walking distance of the Plaza and many nearby attractions.
How far is Orange from Villa Park?
Orange and Villa Park directly border one another, so many Orange destinations are among the closest dining, shopping, recreation and cultural options for Villa Park residents.