Orange County is famous for its theme parks and beach vibes – you know, Disneyland thrills, roller coasters, and sunny shores in Laguna Beach. But hold on to your sunhat – some of the best things to do here involve fruits, farms, and festivals! 🍓🍷 In Southern California’s slice of the Golden State, you can ride a coaster and pick a strawberry all in one trip. Today we’re serving up a fresh mix of Orange County attractions that are bursting (literally) with local flavor. From a berry-fueled theme park festival to a charming u-pick farm, a coastal wine fest, and an eco-friendly farm haven, we’ve got your itinerary for a fruit-filled adventure.
Grab a basket (and your appetite) as we explore four juicy Orange County attractions. Let’s dive in!
1. Knott’s Berry Farm – Home of the Boysenberry Festival 🍇
Mention Orange County attractions like theme parks, and Knott’s Berry Farm is sure to pop up. Knott’s is a Western-themed park packed with roller coasters and family fun, but it never forgot its roots – literally. This place started as a little berry farm nearly a century ago, and every spring from March – April they throw an epic Boysenberry Festival to celebrate that heritage. If you have a sweet tooth (or just love fun foodie festivals), Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is an Orange County attraction you must experience.
Picture this: the smell of pies and BBQ sauce wafting through the air, live music in the background, Snoopy dancing in a purple cowboy hat… It’s boysenberry season at Knott’s! The park transforms into a berry wonderland, offering over 80 creative boysenberry-infused dishes and drinks each year. We’re talking boysenberry BBQ pulled pork on fluffy boysenberry cornbread, boysenberry cheesecake pie that’ll make you swoon, and even boysenberry lavender lemonade to wash it down. It’s a food and wine festival, country fair, and history lesson all rolled into one.
Some festival highlights that will make you feel like a kid in a (berry) pie shop include:
- Berry Delicious Bites: Indulge in unique treats like boysenberry buffalo wings, boysenberry elote (yes, berry on corn!), and the famous Fun Bun (a deep-fried cinnamon roll with boysenberry glaze). There’s something for every palate, from sweet jams to savory sauces – all kissed with that sweet-tart berry goodness.
- Live Entertainment: Beyond the food, Knott’s serves up live music, stunt shows, and toe-tappin’ fun. The Wild West comes alive with acts in Calico Ghost Town, and you might catch a pie-eating contest or a melodrama show where the audience gets to cheer and boo along. It’s a berry good time for the whole family.
- Craft Fair & Nostalgia: Stroll through the Boysenberry Festival craft fair featuring local vendors selling berry-themed crafts and treats (boysenberry soap, anyone?). Don’t miss Old MacDonald’s Barn – a charming nod to the original farm where you can meet cute barnyard animals. It’s a slice of farm life right inside the theme park, perfect for the little ones and nature lovers who need a break from thrill rides.
What is a Boysenberry? 🤔
So, what the heck is a boysenberry, anyway? Glad you asked! A boysenberry is a one-of-a-kind hybrid berry – basically the love child of a raspberry, a blackberry, a loganberry, and a dewberry. (No wonder it’s so delicious, it has quite the family tree!) It has a deep maroon color and a sweet-tart flavor that’s totally crave-worthy.
In the late 1920s, local farmer Walter Knott teamed up with Rudolph Boysen (the berry’s originator) to cultivate this new fruit on his Buena Park farm. The berries were a hit – people flocked to Knott’s roadside stand for fresh boysenberries and homemade pies. In fact, the berry’s success helped Walter Knott expand that little farm stand into the full-fledged Knott’s Berry Farm theme park we know today. Cool history, right? That’s why Knott’s pays homage with the annual Boysenberry Festival. It’s not just a fun food fest; it’s a celebration of the berry that “started it all.”
When spring rolls around in Orange County (typically March through April), Knott’s goes all in on boysenberries – and trust me, you’ll want to be there. Grab a tasting card to sample a bunch of berry-kissed goodies, or just roam the park sniffing out the next treat (follow your nose to the BBQ skewers or churro sundae). Pro tip: Wear stretchy pants and come hungry! By day’s end, you’ll have eaten your weight in boysenberry yumminess and created some purple-stained, happy memories.
2. Tanaka Farms U-Pick Adventures 🍓🌽
Ready to escape the hustle and bustle and get your hands a little dirty (in the best way possible)? Tanaka Farms in Irvine is one of those Orange County attractions where nature lovers and families can experience a real, working farm up close. Nestled not far from Irvine’s famous Great Park, this 30-acre family-owned farm has been feeding Southern Californians since 1940 and now focuses on agritourism – which is a fancy way of saying come on down and have some farm fun!
At Tanaka Farms, you don’t just buy produce – you pick your own right from the vine, stalk, or patch. Depending on the season, the Tanaka team offers guided U-Pick tours that let you harvest your own produce and learn about farming in the process. It’s one of the best Orange County attractions if you love outdoor activities and farm-fresh flavor. Hop onto a tractor-pulled wagon and let’s take a tour through the seasons at Tanaka:
Strawberries, Melons, and Pumpkins – Oh My!
- Spring (Strawberry Tours): From around March through June, the farm is all about sweet red strawberries. You’ll ride through the fields, sample juicy strawberries along the way (yes, warm from the sun – chef’s kiss), and then stop to fill a basket with berries to take home. There’s nothing like plucking a ripe strawberry straight from the plant and popping it in your mouth – it’s the taste of spring in the Golden State. Kids (and adults, let’s be honest) become instant strawberry aficionados out here.
- Summer (Melon Tours): When the weather heats up, Tanaka Farms rolls out its melon mania. Ever picked your own watermelon? Here you can! On summer U-pick tours, you might harvest a crisp watermelon or honeydew from the vine. The tour usually includes tasting different melon varieties under a shaded tent, so you get to compare flavors. It’s the perfect refreshing outing on a hot SoCal day. Plus, you’ll learn cool facts like how to tell if a melon is ripe (pro tip: it’s in the sound when you thump it!).
- Fall (Pumpkin Patch & Beyond): Come October, Tanaka Farms turns into a pumpkin paradise. Take a wagon ride to find the perfect Halloween pumpkin in their patch – acres of orange gourds just waiting to be picked and carved. They often have a corn maze, petting zoo, and autumn goodies like hot kettle corn, making it a full fall festival experience. Even though pumpkins aren’t a sweet fruit you eat out-of-hand, it’s still a fruit-filled good time!
- Winter (Holiday Fun): While winter is a quieter growing season, Tanaka Farms doesn’t go dormant. In December they host “Hikari – Festival of Lights,” transforming the farm into a twinkling holiday wonderland you can ride through, often with Santa visits and seasonal treats. It’s a different kind of fruit-filled attraction, but it shows the farm spirit year-round.
Beyond the U-Pick tours, Tanaka Farms has a fantastic produce market stand open daily with just-picked veggies and fruits, local honey, and other artisanal goodies. You can grab farm-fresh produce for dinner or a jar of their strawberry jam (made from their berries, of course). The farm also hosts educational programs and field trips, so you might see groups of curious schoolchildren learning about how carrots grow or how composting works – it’s heartwarming and hopeful to watch the next generation get excited about agriculture.
What makes Tanaka Farms special is the feeling of connection. You’re out in the sunshine, amid rows of growing fruits and veggies, with friendly farmers as your guides. It’s an authentic slice of Orange County’s agricultural heritage smack in the middle of suburbia. Plus, it’s just plain fun to play farmer for a day – you’ll leave with hands a little grimy, maybe some strawberry juice on your shirt, and a new appreciation for the people who grow our food.
So, if you’re craving an outdoor activity that gets you out of the strip malls and into the field, Tanaka Farms is calling your name. Don’t forget sunscreen and closed-toe shoes, and be prepared to taste the difference of truly fresh-picked produce. This is one of our Orange County attractions where eating the scenery is totally encouraged!
3. California Wine Festival – Dana Point 🍷
Sunshine, ocean breeze, and a glass of California wine in hand – welcome to the California Wine Festival in Dana Point. Orange County’s coastal beach towns aren’t just for surfing; they know how to throw a fantastic wine tasting party, too! Each spring, Dana Point (a gorgeous seaside city near Laguna Beach) hosts a two-day wine festival that is essentially wine-lover heaven. It’s one of those Orange County attractions that combines the best of SoCal living: gourmet food, live music, and spectacular coastal views.
🥂 Some of California’s best wineries pour here – you’ll often find Hope Family Wines (known for their bold Paso Robles reds) and Wente Vineyards (California’s oldest family-run winery, famed for Chardonnay) among the lineup. Getting to chat with the folks behind the wines while you savor aged Cabernets and limited-edition blends is an absolute treat for any wine lover.
Day 2 of this event brings the Beachside Wine Festival at Sea Terrace Park on Saturday afternoon. This is a more casual, sun-and-fun wine tasting event. You grab your commemorative wine glass and wander between dozens upon dozens of winery booths set up on the lawn, all with the sparkling ocean as a backdrop.
What can you expect at the Dana Point Wine Festival? Here’s a taste of this Orange County attractions offerings:
- Hundreds of Wines: The festival gathers wineries from all over the Golden State – from Napa and Sonoma, down to Temecula and even local Orange County boutique wineries. Whether you love rich Cabernets, crisp Sauvignon Blancs, or bubbly sparklings, you’ll find something to please your palate. Don’t be shy about trying something new! The pours are typically unlimited (responsible sipping encouraged), so it’s a fabulous chance to discover new favorites.
- Gourmet Bites: You won’t wine taste on an empty stomach – local restaurants and food purveyors serve up small bites to pair with the wine. Think artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, freshly shucked oysters, ceviche, and even sweets like chocolate-covered strawberries. It’s a grazer’s paradise.
- Live Music & Ocean Views: This is a festival after all. Bands or DJs keep the energy lively with music that might get you dancing (wine glass in hand) on the grass. And since it’s held right by the Dana Point cliffs, you can literally take a short walk to see the waves crashing if you need a break. Nature’s beauty + California wines = bliss.
- Chill Southern California Vibes: One thing that stands out at this festival is how friendly and happy everyone is. Maybe it’s this Orange County attractions sea air or the wine (or both), but strangers chat about their favorite pours and locals gladly give visitors tips on other Orange County attractions to check out while in town. It’s a community feel. Also, for a festival, it’s pretty well organized – lines stay moving and there’s plenty of space to picnic on the grass with your goodies.
Whether you’re a serious wine connoisseur or you barely getting started, the California Wine Festival in Dana Point makes for an unforgettable day. It’s elegant and laid-back at the same time – very much reflective of Orange County’s style. You can elevate your wine knowledge, support California winemakers, and simply enjoy a fabulous beachside party.
Just remember to plan for transportation or consider making a weekend of it: after a day of wine tasting, catch the sunset at nearby Laguna Beach, enjoy dinner in Dana Point Harbor, or even visit another local attraction like the Ocean Institute or a whale watching tour the next day. In short, sip, savor, and soak up the coastal charm.
Images from theecologycenter.org/
4. The Ecology Center & Campesino Café – Farm Fresh Oasis 🌱☕️
Tucked away in San Juan Capistrano – a town known for its historic mission and swallows – is The Ecology Center, a 28-acre farm and eco-education center that’s basically paradise for nature lovers and foodies. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a sustainable farm community or teach your kids where carrots really come from, this is the place. Part working farm, part interactive classroom, part foodie haven, The Ecology Center is all about living in harmony with the earth. And yes, that might sound lofty, but in practice it’s super fun and welcoming – think farm stands, delicious organic meals, fermentation labs, and even yoga classes amid the veggies. 🌿
Right when you arrive, you’ll be charmed by their Farm Stand, a rustic little market brimming with organic produce and handmade goods. This isn’t your average farm stand – it’s open daily and offers a culinary tour of the local foodshed.
Now, what’s a foodshed, you ask? Similar to a watershed (which is the area that drains into a river), a foodshed is the region where our food is grown and distributed. The Ecology Center’s farm stand showcases the bounty of Orange County’s foodshed: you’ll find just-harvested fruits and vegetables from their own fields and other nearby farms, handmade bread and tortillas, local honey, farm-fresh eggs, and even eco-friendly home goods. It’s a feast for the senses – the scent of herbs, the vibrant colors of heirloom tomatoes, the friendly staff offering you a taste of a freshly picked sugar snap pea. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries or just browsing, you can’t help but feel connected to the local land and community here.
And speaking of feasting, let’s talk about Campesino Café, the on-site cafe that’s the beating heart of this place. “Campesino” means “farmer” or “peasant” in Spanish, and true to its name, this cafe is farm-to-table all the way. Open 9am-3pm, Wed-Sun, Campesino Café serves up coffee, tea, and light meals that feature the farm’s own produce.
Imagine sipping a lavender latte with almond milk made from locally grown almonds. Pure So Cal magic! The menu changes with the seasons (of course), so one week it might be a butternut squash soup and hearty grain bowl, and the next, a zucchini frittata and fresh-pressed orange juice from the orchard. Everything is organic, and they’re big on zero-waste and sustainable practices. It’s the kind of place where you feel good about what you’re consuming, both because it’s healthy and because it supports a regenerative ethos.
What really sets The Ecology Center apart is the experiences they offer. It’s not just a place to buy veggies or grab a bite; it’s a place to engage and learn by doing. Some of the cool things you can do here include:
- Farm Tours: Every Saturday morning, they lead a farm tour where you can wander the fields with a guide, learn about how they practice regenerative organic agriculture (building soil health, conserving water, all that good stuff), and maybe even pull a carrot out of the ground yourself. You’ll meet the chickens that help with pest control, see the rows of seasonal crops, and understand what goes into sustainable farming. It’s eye-opening and makes that carrot taste all the sweeter.
- Eco-Workshops & Events: The Ecology Center frequently hosts hands-on workshops and community events. Ever wanted to learn how to compost, build a backyard herb garden, or make jam? Check their events calendar – they’ve got classes for that. They also have seasonal celebrations, like a Strawberry Jam in summer or a Squash Harvest in fall, where the community comes together to share food, music, and culture on the farm. It’s like a mini festival with Mother Earth as the guest of honor.
- Yoga on the Farm: Yes, you can literally do yoga in the fields or their Peace Dome here! On select Saturdays, they hold Yoga on the Farm sessions. Unroll your mat and flow through poses while birds chirp and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves. It’s an incredibly grounding experience. Nature becomes your yoga studio, and trust me, savasana hits different when you’re looking up at the open sky.
- Eco Tots & Family Fun: Got kids? They’ll be in heaven. The Ecology Center runs “Eco Tots” activities where little ones can dig in the dirt, plant seeds, make crafts, and basically enjoy farm life in a safe, playful way. It’s screen-free entertainment that might just spark a lifelong love for gardening or cooking. Plus, what kid doesn’t love meeting farm animals and running through open space? Parents can join in or relax under a tree while the kiddos explore. Win-win.
The whole philosophy of The Ecology Center is “healthy soil, healthy food, healthy communities.” But you don’t need to memorize any mantra – you’ll feel it as you explore the grounds. It’s in the way the staff and volunteers greet you warmly, the way the farm is integrated with community gathering spaces, and the way you leave feeling a little more inspired to grow a tomato plant or cook something from scratch.
Before you go, be sure to check out their small shop for seeds, gardening tools, or books on sustainable living. And if you’re there on a weekend, consider booking one of their Community Table farm dinners – an incredible family-style feast right on the farm, showcasing the day’s harvest (these are ticketed and fill up fast, but boy are they memorable).
The Ecology Center & Campesino Café is a refreshing antidote to the typical tourist spots. It’s slower paced, enriching, and yes, very Instagram-worthy if that’s your thing (sunflower fields and bold beautiful graphics galore!). More than that, it’s an Orange County attraction that leaves a lasting impression about living more sustainably and joyfully. Even if you just drop by for a quick farm-stand haul or a cup of fair-trade coffee, you’ll sense the love and vision behind this place.
5. Saturday Farmers Market in Laguna Beach – Local Flavor and Fresh Finds
If your Orange County travels include a Saturday morning, do not miss the Laguna Beach Farmers Market. This weekly community market is the spot to live like a local and savor the freshest flavors of the region. 🍊🍓 Picture this: it’s Saturday 8 a.m., you’re wandering through a bustling open-air market with the ocean breeze in the air, surrounded by stalls overflowing with color. You’ll find farm-fresh fruits and veggies (think plump strawberries, avocados, heirloom tomatoes – whatever’s in season and bursting with taste), as well as artisanal goodies like local cheeses, handmade breads, and even fresh-squeezed juices from regional farmers. Many vendors offer samples, so go ahead and nibble on a slice of ripe peach or a cube of sharp cheddar – it’s okay to snack while you shop! The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly; street musicians often provide a live soundtrack, and you’ll hear the happy buzz of neighbors catching up on their weekend plans. It’s a refreshing change of pace that gives you a real feel for Laguna’s community spirit.
Post-Market Adventure: Got your basket full of goodies and not sure what to do next? Make your way to the nearby Crystal Cove State Park for a scenic picnic with a view. 🚗💨 It’s just a short drive north along Pacific Coast Highway. Find a perfect spot overlooking the ocean (or plop down on the sandy beach), and dig into your farmers market haul alfresco. Nothing tastes better than fresh bakery bread, creamy local cheese, and sweet fruit when enjoyed in the sea breeze with a stunning coastal backdrop. After your picnic, walk off those treats by exploring Crystal Cove’s tidal pools along the shore. At low tide, these pools reveal a hidden world of orange starfish, anemones, little crabs, and other marine life – a delight for kids and adults alike. It’s the ultimate laid-back afternoon: basking in nature, discovering tiny sea creatures, and letting your soul recharge to the sound of gentle waves. By the end of it, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced the true essence of Orange County’s coastal beauty and local culture, all in one day.
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