Orange County, California Vacation Rentals
Explore 286 rental homes and villas in Orange County, California for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Air Condition Homes, Best Affordable Homes and Great for Groups. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $98 per night with homes containing as many as 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
Types of vacation rentals in Orange County
Where to stay in Orange County
Booking a vacation rental in Orange County, California?
Here are some things to know to support your visit:
Orange County Overview
Nestled along the sun-kissed coastline of Southern California, Orange County beckons with its iconic attractions and laid-back luxury. Imagine waking up in your own private home, a tranquil haven where you can sip your morning coffee by the poolside, your faithful pet lounging by your side. This is the quintessential Orange County experience, where the comfort of a pet-friendly, pool-equipped vacation rental elevates your stay from memorable to truly sublime.
At the heart of Orange County's allure are its world-famous theme parks. Disneyland, the original Magic Kingdom, offers a dreamlike escape where beloved characters and enchanting rides create an atmosphere of wonder for all ages. Nearby, Knott's Berry Farm blends exhilarating roller coasters with a taste of California's pioneering spirit, ensuring thrills for the more adventurous souls.
The county's coastline is a jewel in its crown, with pristine beaches that are nothing short of legendary. Huntington Beach, known as Surf City USA, is a mecca for surfers, while the chic shores of Newport Beach invite you to bask in the golden glow of the California sun. Laguna Beach, with its artistic flair, offers a picturesque retreat where the waves kiss the shore and creativity blossoms.
Cultural connoisseurs will revel in Orange County's vibrant arts scene. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Orange County Museum of Art are just a few of the venues that showcase the region's dedication to artistic excellence, from thought-provoking exhibits to captivating performances.
For those with a penchant for the epicurean, Orange County's dining landscape is a treasure trove of flavors. From the freshest seafood to innovative farm-to-table fare, every palate is catered to with flair. And for the shopaholic, the allure of South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island's upscale boutiques and designer labels is irresistible.
History buffs will find solace in the storied walls of Mission San Juan Capistrano, while the Irvine Spectrum Center offers a modern twist on leisure with its blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment, complete with a whimsical Ferris wheel.
In Orange County, the blend of natural splendor and urban sophistication creates a destination that is as diverse as it is delightful. Whether you're lounging on a sun-drenched beach, exploring a world-class theme park, or enjoying the privacy of your own poolside paradise, this is a place where every moment is infused with the potential for joy.
Cultural Attractions in Orange County
Orange County, California, is a haven for culture enthusiasts, boasting a rich history, lively arts scene, and distinctive local traditions. The county is home to several world-class museums including the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana that displays international art and culture from around the globe. Another must-visit is the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach for those who appreciate contemporary and modern art.
History buffs can delve into California's mission period at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda offers an intriguing look into the life and career of America's 37th President.
Live music lovers can enjoy performances at various venues throughout Orange County. The House of Blues in Anaheim hosts a range of shows from rock to blues while the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa presents concerts featuring popular artists during summer.
Laguna Beach is abundant with art galleries reflecting its thriving arts scene. Here visitors can explore numerous galleries displaying works by local artists. Laguna Beach also hosts the Pageant of the Masters, an annual event where artworks are recreated through live performances.
Visitors can immerse themselves in local customs at various events throughout Orange County such as the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire in San Juan Capistrano that celebrate western heritage or Lunar New Year celebrations held at South Coast Plaza or Disneyland Resort.
In terms of transportation within Orange County, there are several options available including public buses operated by OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority), Metrolink trains for longer distances within Southern California, taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, as well as bike rentals for shorter distances or leisurely rides along beach trails.
While some areas like downtown Santa Ana or Laguna Beach are walkable with attractions close together, other areas may require transportation due to distance between points of interest. Overall though, Orange County provides a plethora of cultural experiences sure to captivate any visitor.
Family friendly activities in Orange County
Orange County, California, is a hub of attractions and activities that are sure to delight children. Many families begin their journey at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, which boasts two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Here, children can interact with their beloved Disney characters, experience exciting rides, and witness stunning shows.
Animal enthusiasts will find the Santa Ana Zoo and the Aquarium of the Pacific in nearby Long Beach irresistible. The zoo is home to over 100 species of animals, including a children's farm where kids can feed goats and sheep. However, contrary to some reports, it does not house monkeys. The aquarium showcases an extensive range of marine life from the Pacific Ocean.
Knott's Berry Farm is another favored amusement park in Orange County that offers entertainment for all ages with its assortment of thrill rides - which it is particularly known for - family rides, live performances, dining options, and shopping opportunities.
Adventure City is a more compact theme park that specifically caters to younger children with child-friendly rides and attractions such as a petting farm and an interactive children's theater.
For outdoor activities, families can visit one of Orange County's many stunning beaches like Huntington Beach or Newport Beach. There are also numerous parks where kids can expend energy or enjoy a picnic. While Irvine Regional Park was once known for pony rides and paddle boats rental services; these are no longer available.
The Discovery Cube Orange County is an engaging science museum with interactive exhibits that make learning enjoyable for kids. They can simulate flying over California in a helicopter simulator or learn about rocket science by launching their own bottle rockets.
Lastly, Pretend City Children’s Museum is not to be missed where kids can role-play in 17 interactive exhibits including a grocery store, post office, doctor’s office among others.
In conclusion, whether your young ones are thrill-seekers or animal lovers or they simply relish outdoor play or acquiring new knowledge through play-based activities, they will find an abundance of things to do in Orange County.
Outdoor activities in Orange County
Orange County, California, is indeed a haven for those who love the outdoors and appreciate nature. The region boasts a variety of beautiful beaches where visitors can partake in activities such as surfing, swimming, sunbathing, or simply walking along the coastline. Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, attracts surfers from all corners of the globe.
For those who are more inclined towards hiking and observing wildlife, Orange County offers numerous parks and preserves. Crystal Cove State Park provides miles of trails that wind through coastal bluffs and wooded canyons. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is an excellent spot for bird-watching with a diverse array of bird species.
Marine life enthusiasts should consider embarking on a whale watching tour from Newport Beach or Dana Point. These tours provide opportunities to observe whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine animals in their natural environment.
The Fullerton Arboretum offers a unique outdoor experience with its 26-acre botanical garden that houses plants from around the world and provides educational programs on horticulture and nature conservation.
For those seeking adventure, stand-up paddleboarding in Newport Harbor or mountain biking in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park are exciting options to explore Orange County's varied landscapes.
However, it's worth noting that Orange County isn't just about coastal activities. Inland areas also offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking among others. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year which makes it ideal for outdoor recreation at any time.
In conclusion, whether you're into water sports or land-based activities; whether you're an avid bird watcher or someone who simply enjoys being enveloped by nature; Orange County has something to cater to every outdoor enthusiast's preferences.
Weather in Orange County
Orange County, California, is known for its Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The weather is generally agreeable all year round, making it a perfect spot for outdoor activities.
During the summer months from June to August, the region experiences its hottest period with average high temperatures in the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit. The humidity levels are relatively low during this time which makes the heat more tolerable. However, occasional heatwaves can cause temperatures to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The winter months from December to February are mild with average high temperatures likely falling in the range of 65-70F rather than mid to upper 60s as previously stated. These months also experience the most rainfall but it's usually not heavy or prolonged. Snowfall is a rare occurrence in Orange County.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) serve as transitional seasons with moderate temperatures ranging from the low 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. These seasons provide some of the most comfortable weather conditions for exploring Orange County's numerous attractions.
The most popular time to visit Orange County is during the summer when there's plenty of sunshine and warm weather. However, spring and fall also offer pleasant weather conditions without the summer crowds. If you prefer cooler temperatures and don't mind a bit of rain, winter can be an excellent time to visit as well.
Transportation in Orange County
Visitors to Orange County, California, can choose from a range of options for their journey. The primary method of arrival is by air, with John Wayne Airport acting as the central hub for both domestic and international flights. Alternatively, Amtrak provides rail services that link Orange County with other regions of California and beyond for those who enjoy picturesque journeys.
Upon reaching Orange County, there are numerous convenient transportation options. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) operates a comprehensive public transportation system in the area, including buses that cover all major regions within the county. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also easily accessible.
For visitors who prefer self-drive options, car rentals are abundant at the airport and across the county. However, it's important to be aware that traffic can become congested during peak hours, particularly on freeways like I-5 and SR-91.
Orange County also boasts several bike-friendly cities such as Irvine and Huntington Beach. This makes cycling an attractive option for navigating certain areas. Bike rentals can be found in numerous locations across the county.
Walkability in Orange County varies depending on your location within the county. Downtown Fullerton or Huntington Beach Pier area are particularly pedestrian-friendly with attractions, restaurants, shops closely grouped together. However, due to attractions like Disneyland Park or beaches being spread out across different cities within the county, some form of transportation will likely be required.
It's worth noting that some coastal cities like Laguna Beach operate their own local bus systems in addition to OCTA buses.
In summary, whether you're arriving by air or rail or planning to explore Orange County by bus, car or bike; a wide array of options is available to cater to every visitor's needs.