Sure, Orange County (the OC to locals) has its beaches, theme parks, and endless sunshine. But if you think that’s all there is, think again. There’s an entirely different side of the OC—one where you can get your hands in the dirt, meet the people growing your food, and taste produce so fresh it’ll change the way you think about produce forever. If you’re craving something different, something that makes you feel connected, this guide is your game plan for what to do in Orange County.
We’re talking about farms, farmers markets, and restaurants where the food comes straight from the land to your plate. This is your chance to connect with the local community, learn something new, and have a blast doing it.
What Crops Grow in Orange County?
You might be surprised by just how much grows right here in Orange County. This isn’t just an urban sprawl—there are deep agricultural roots here, and they’re still producing today.
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes—citrus helped put the OC on the map.
- Avocados: SoCal’s favorite fruit. Avocados thrive in this climate and grow in abundance.
- Strawberries: Local strawberries are legendary. You’ll find U-pick fields in several cities.
- Boysenberries: Born right here in Buena Park. A berry with a backstory, and it’s delicious.
- Vegetables & leafy greens: Kale, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers—you name it.
- Stone fruits & nuts: Peaches, plums, almonds, and walnuts, often from small, family-run farms.
- Native plants & specialty crops: Some farms focus on sustainable methods, native species, and even aquaponics.
Where to Dig In: Farms, Markets, and Fresh Eats in Orange County
Let’s break it down city by city. Here’s where you can explore, taste, and experience Orange County at its best.
Aliso Viejo
Renewable Farms – Gold Coast Farm
📍 110 Park Avenue, Aliso Viejo, CA
🌐 renewablefarms.com/gold-coast
This is an urban farm, but it feels like you’re stepping into another world. Two acres of aquaponic garden beds, fruit and nut trees, and pathways lined with native plants. You can visit for a quiet walk, get involved as a volunteer, or bring the kids for a free educational visit. They use a zero-waste aquaponics system to grow their crops—fish and plants working together in perfect harmony. Bonus: their sister location, Riverbed Farm in Anaheim, offers the same welcoming vibe.
Anaheim
Anaheim Packing District and Poppy & Seed Restaurant
📍 440 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
📍 Poppy & Seed, 430 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
🌐 anaheimpackingdistrict.com
🌐 poppyandseedoc.com
The Anaheim Packing District is a foodie’s paradise. Historic architecture, funky shops, and a community vibe. But the real gem? Why, it’s just a walk across the parking lot to Poppy & Seed. This greenhouse-inspired restaurant grows much of its herbs on-site in their garden, and they serve up dishes so fresh, you’ll swear they harvested them minutes before plating.
Chef Michael Reed and his team focus on hyper-seasonal ingredients—like their Stuffed Squash Blossoms with ricotta and truffle honey, and Baby Beets & Citrus salad with creamy avocado and honey yogurt. Want to splurge? The Chef’s Tasting Menu is next level. They’re not just on the Michelin Guide’s radar—they’ve been nominated by the James Beard Foundation too.
Brea
Manassero Farms – Brea Farm Stand
📍 Corner of Rose Dr & Blake Rd, Brea, CA 92823
🌐 manasserofarms.com/locations
This family has been farming on land in the OC land for over 100 years, and you can taste the difference. Their farm stand in Brea is open daily with strawberries so sweet they taste like candy, plus heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and whatever else is in season. They also have locations in Irvine and Tustin. Pro tip: their Irvine Market features a pick-your-own strawberries, blackberries, olalliberries, and a u-pick herb garden—imagine snipping fresh basil or mint straight from the planter.
Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm – Boysenberry Festival
📍 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
🌐 knotts.com/events/boysenberry-festival
Knott’s isn’t just coasters and funnel cakes. It started as a real farm, and every spring, they celebrate their agricultural roots with the Boysenberry Festival. If you’ve never tried a boysenberry (or even if you have), this is your chance. They roll out over 80 boysenberry-themed dishes and drinks. Boysenberry BBQ sauce, boysenberry churros, boysenberry beer. You get the idea. They also have live music, craft booths, and enough family-friendly fun to make a full day of it.
Costa Mesa
Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center
📍 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
🌐 https://ocfair.com/centennial-farm/
Three acres of real-deal farm life smack in the middle of the OC Fairgrounds. This is a working farm with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and livestock like pigs, goats, and chickens. They offer free educational tours for kids and adults alike. If you visit during the OC Fair, you’ll see livestock competitions, produce displays, and ag-themed exhibits that’ll have you wanting to grow your own veggies.
Dana Point
Dana Point Certified Farmers Market
📍 La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629
🕘 Every Saturday, 9 AM – 1 PM
🌐 danapointchamber.com/farmers-market
This market is a stone’s throw from the ocean. Load up on farm-fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, and handcrafted goods while breathing in that sea air. On select Saturdays, join their Monarch Butterfly Habitat Workday and get your hands dirty helping restore the local ecosystem. Or take a guided Whale Walk & Talk at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center—learn how to spot migrating whales from the bluffs.
Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
📍 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌐 danapoint.org
Fullerton
Fullerton Arboretum
📍 1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, CA 92831
🌐 arboretum.fullerton.edu
Escape the chaos with a stroll through 26 acres of gardens and nature trails. With over 4,000 plant species, this living museum features everything from California natives to exotic plants from around the world. It’s a quiet, beautiful place to clear your head—and you might even leave with a few ideas for your own garden.
Garden Grove
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
📍 Village Green Park, Main St & Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
📅 Memorial Day Weekend | Seasonal
🌐 strawberryfestival.org
One of the largest community festivals in the Western U.S. It’s free to attend, and full of nostalgia. Parades, carnival rides, live entertainment, and more strawberry shortcake than you thought humanly possible. Bonus points if you enter the Strawberry Costume Contest.
Huntington Beach
Surf City Nights – Street Fair & Farmers Market
📍 315 3rd St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕔 Every Tuesday, summer 5 PM – 9 PM / winter 5 PM – 8 PM
🌐 surfcityusa.com/events/community-events/surf-city-nights
Downtown Huntington Beach transforms every Tuesday night. The street shuts down, and vendors line it with fresh produce, crafts, and street food. There’s live music, street performers, and that unbeatable sunset over the Pacific. It’s an easy way to get outside, shop local, and feel like part of the community.
Irvine
Farm + Food Lab at Great Park
📍 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
🌐 cityofirvine.org/great-park/farm-food-lab
This is where farm meets science. Explore garden beds, vertical growing systems, hydroponics, and pollinator habitats. The Farm + Food Lab is educational and hands-on. Bring the kids, take a class, or just get inspired to start your own garden at home.
La Habra
Centennial Farm at The Children’s Museum at La Habra
📍 301 S. Euclid Street, La Habra, CA 90631
🌐https://www.lahabraca.gov/825/Centennial-Farm
Part of the Children’s Museum, this Centennial Farm gives kids a hands-on look at farm life. Explore a 1920s-style farmhouse, meet barnyard animals, and pick fruit in the citrus orchard. It’s all about teaching the next generation where their food comes from.
Laguna Beach
The Ranch at Laguna Beach – Harvest Restaurant
📍 31106 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🌐 theranchlb.com/dine/harvest-farm
An upscale resort tucked in a canyon just steps from the beach with a biodynamic farm. Harvest Restaurant at The Ranch at Laguna Beach sources ingredients from their own onsite half-acre farm. The seasonal menu changes regularly, but it always features California favorites—fresh fish, heirloom tomatoes, and greens you just know were picked hours before hitting your plate. Accompanying the menu is live music, cozy fire pits, and unbeatable views.
Santa Ana
Gospel Swamp Farm and Natural Area at Heritage Museum of Orange County
📍 3101 W. Harvard Street, Santa Ana, CA 92704
🌐 heritagemuseumoc.org/gospel-swamp-farm
Check out this volunteer-powered farm that’s all about sustainable, regenerative agriculture. Gospel Swamp Farm grows seasonal fruits and vegetables using organic methods and offers workshops on everything from composting to permaculture. Wander through the restored native habitat, explore pollinator gardens, and take a moment to just be in nature.
Why Exploring Where Our Food Comes from Matters
Supporting local farms and markets isn’t just good for you—it’s good for the whole community. It’s about sustainability, knowing where your food comes from, and reconnecting with the land. And trust me, there’s something really grounding about getting dirt under your nails and coming home with a basket of just-picked produce.
Plan Your Next Delicious Orange County Adventure Today
Now’s the time. Grab a tote bag, some sunscreen, and a sense of curiosity. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor wanting the full OC experience, these farms, markets, and restaurants are waiting for you.
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