Best Memorial Day Getaways Near Orange County
Depending on where you live in Orange County, great Memorial Day getaways might be a tank of gas away. The long weekend in the OC can help you rise above the workday world and stimulate your imagination. For adventurous sorts, the holiday may mean an invigorating hike or communing with sea creatures. Whatever you chose to do on Memorial Day, make sure it's memorable.
Disneyland
1313 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 781-4565
disneyland.disney.go.com
Though the Disney magic is world-wide, Orange County is where the "Happiest Place on Earth" opened its gates 60 years ago. The Memorial Day weekend is a time to see what's new at the House of Mouse. Check out Cars Land and Star Tours and visit the Disney California Adventure Park. Disney also offers guided tours and experiences, giving visitors a new perspective on the park.
Great Park Balloon
Orange County Great Park
6990 Marine Way
Irvine, CA 92618
(866) 829-3829
www.ocgp.org
If you really want to get away from it all on Memorial Day, try the Great Park Balloon. An attraction visible in many parts of Irvine, the balloon takes up to 30 passengers 400 feet in the air. The Great Park Balloon also is wheelchair and electric convenience vehicle accessible. Adult tickets cost $10 and children under 18 are free with a paid adult. After you come down, check out the carousel and other areas of the park.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA
(949) 923-2200
ocparks.com/parks/aliso
Scenic Laguna Niguel is home to this park, which covers approximately 4,500 acres and contains several marked trails. Most trails are multi-use, meaning that hikers, cyclists and equestrians are allowed to use them. One trail even takes visitors to the famous Dripping Cave, the place where Juan Flores and his cohorts hid after robbing a stage coach. The OC Parks department recommends bringing plenty of water and a charged cellphone on a hike. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is open 7 a.m. to sunset daily and offers $3 parking.
Newport Beach Wine Festival
Balboa Bay Resort
1221 Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 630-4146
balboabayresort.com
May 22 through 24, 2015
Newport Beach has many wonderful getaway opportunities, but this one is ideal for wine lovers. Hosted by the Balboa Bay Resort, the Newport Beach Wine Festival features three days of wine, beer and food. Attendees can sample various vintages and attend interactive cooking and blending classes. A dynamic ocean view combined with good libations makes for a memorable Memorial Day.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching
Dana Point Harbor
34675 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
(888) 224-0603
danawharf.com
After a long work week, it's nice to relax with a spirited group of cetaceans. Dana Wharf will offer daily two-hour whale watching trips throughout the Memorial Day weekend. The tours give you a chance to see blue, gray and other types of whales up close. Adult tickets are $45 and a child's admission is $25. After the tour, make sure to explore the rest of Dana Point.