Top 5 Morning Activities in Orange County
Orange County is a fascinating place—home to some of the most scenic beaches, Disneyland, gardens, nature and wildlife tours, and some of the most beautiful sea-view cafes. Boasting a seamless blend of modern suburban views with a calm and serene coastal environment, OC is quite literally a scene from the movies. Thrilling adventures, relaxing beach days, or a peaceful nature retreat, numerous activities and places make it perfect—there's something here for everyone.
Located in Southern California, home to cities like Anaheim, infamous for Disneyland, Newport Beach, Irvine, and Huntington Beach. Orange County offers the perfect middle ground for the suburban buzz and the coastal laid-back life. Whether you’re looking for the perfect morning activity or a soothing brunch with your loved ones, Orange County has got it all.
So buckle up, because in this blog, you’ll get a detailed outline on how to spend your days here.
Disneyland
It would be criminal to begin this blog by mentioning any other place. Make sure that your itinerary for the day includes no other place as Disneyland’s charm can suck in your attention completely for a good 8+ hours. Time does fly when you’re having the time of your life with themed rollercoasters and amazing places to satiate your hunger.
Pro tip: Visit on a weekday for a slightly lower rate and lesser crowds. Make sure to get a Lightning Pass to skip the wait. Head over to Main Street, where you'll find the Sleeping Beauty Castle, and then on to Fantasyland. From there, be sure to check out Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Adventureland. The Haunted Mansion is another favorite, and did you know? They offer a virtual queue! That means you can enjoy other attractions while waiting for your spot.
2. Heisler Park
Now before you start wondering why we’ve mentioned a plain old park after Disneyland- let us clarify, this is not just a plain old park. It’s a park by the ocean! Stretching along the slopes on Cliff Drive from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove, this oceanfront park has walking trails, gardens, a marine refuge with tide pools, picnic tables, barbecues, and lawn bowling greens.
With a beautiful gazebo, fascinating sculptures peppered all over the area, and Monument Point, Heisler Park is an extremely popular wedding destination. Weddings aside, it is a crowd favorite for people to stroll around in the evening to calm down and escape their hectic schedules.
They have restrooms and metered parking is available as well. But, on busier days, it’s a good idea to find parking in the neighborhoods on the other side of the Pacific Coast Highway. Rated #1 of 87 things to do in Laguna Beach by Trip Advisor—you should take note of this place and add it to your itinerary as you go!
3. Sherman Library and Gardens
This place is ideal for a 2-hour-ish morning or late afternoon outing. Sherman Library and Gardens feature a wide range of flora that is captivating and mesmerizing. Arnold D. Haskell, the founder of Sherman Library & Gardens, was a successful businessman with a knack for education and gardens. He laid the foundation stone of Sherman Library & Gardens in 1966, naming it after his beloved mentor, Moses H. Sherman.
This beautiful and tranquil cultural center dates back to the 1950s, when Arnold D. Haskell, the founder, moved from Los Angeles to Corona del Mar. Wanting an office close to his new home, he purchased a charming little house (now part of the library) and the adjoining property. He was a successful businessman with a passion for education and gardens. By 1956, Haskell had added another wing to the property and began landscaping the surrounding land.
The Sherman Foundation opened the first part of the Gardens in 1966. Between 1966 and 1974, the magnificent facilities took shape as Haskell oversaw the construction of the entire block, including the conservatory, central garden, gift shop, café, and library.
After learning more so of the history of the Sherman’s Library and Garden, they are known to organize a bunch of different activities making it an attractive spot for tourists and locals. To know more about such events, make sure to check out their upcoming events on their website!
4. Anaheim Packing District
Being a foodie, stopping by the Anaheim Packing District is a MUST! This place carries a fascinating history as well that is to be told. Once an orange processing plant, now a modern food hall, it was originally a Sunkist facility dating back to 1919, when citrus was Orange County’s main claim to fame. Today, it’s a one-stop destination for sampling diverse cuisines, fresh produce, and world-class culinary talent.
Coming here for lunch is an unforgettable experience. Aside from the diverse cuisines available, there are food options you simply can’t find anywhere else, like The Kroft, where mash-ups like chicken tikka poutine or cheeseburger egg rolls electrify the menu. Have you ever had a Japanese crepe stuffed with Fruity Pebbles? Hit the Crepe Coop and discover a sweet new sensation!
Head down to the MAKE Building, one of the newest additions to the district. Previously a marmalade factory built in 1917, the MAKE Building is now home to local favorites such as Unsung Brewing Company, Pali Wine Company, and Tacos El Gringo.
Stop by the Packard Building, a former car dealership, where you can savor a steak or brunch from En Familia Modern Mexican Kitchen. Gather with friends for a beer at Monkish Brewing, or maybe some farm-to-table comfort food at Poppy and Seed ― just across the way at Farmers Park, where visitors can partake in community yoga, gardening classes, and other special events.
Anaheim Packing District is right around the corner from Downtown Anaheim and only about two miles from the Disneyland® Resort, making it a super easy and accessible stop to include in your ‘Must-visit’ list.
5. Mission San Juan Capistrano
A historic landmark with museums and gardens that welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year. Enjoy exhibits featuring historic and religious artifacts, and rare paintings, and experience the convention of bell ringing. A tradition that pays tribute to the long-living legacy of Saint Junipero Serra, who founded the Mission in 1776.
Serra Chapel is California's only chapel still standing where Saint Serra celebrated the Eucharist daily. Mass is still conducted daily for worshippers to spend a moment in prayerful solitude. The monument today stands as a tribute and a symbol of embracing its multicultural history, embodying its Native American, Spanish, and Mexican heritage.
Celebrate the holidays at Capistrano Lights on select days from December 4th through December 30th. Purchase tickets here!
6. Sessions WCD
Surprise! Here’s a little bonus activity: After a long day at Disneyland, the beach, a shopping spree, or a stroll in the park (and countless other things to do in this vibrant and bustling city), stop by Sessions for a meal to satisfy your hunger and refuel.
Our Specials
Try our amazing Morning Zephyr, a classic breakfast sandwich that has been an absolute crowd favorite. Sandwiched between English muffins is a well-put-together sandwich with crispy, smoked bacon, peppery arugula, pickled onions, and marinated tomatoes. Served with a crispy, rich fried egg to give you that boost of protein, and you’re ready to conquer the day.
We’ve got a wide range of sandwiches, burgers, and burritos, so we’re sure there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan. Check out our menu here!
Something light yet satisfying? The Farmer’s Market Salad is your go-to option. Crafted with the perfect blend of baby kale, heirloom tomatoes, Peruvian peppers, and so much more. To perfectly tie it together, croutons are added and served with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. With this salad, you get the perfect dose of nutrients with an exquisite taste of fresh vegetables.
To take a look at our wide range of salads, click here.
A good side dish enhances the meal manifold. One of our favorite sides is the Shaka Spuds—crispy potato chips baked with rosemary and parmesan. Pair them with any sandwich, burger, or burrito. Trust us when we say you can never go wrong with Shaka Spuds!
If you’re a cold brew lover, we’ve got you covered! We offer a wide range of cold brews like black iced cold brew, vanilla cold brew latte, iced matcha green tea latte, and a lot more.
We ensure that we serve with the freshest produce and the most seasonally available ingredients providing you with the best quality possible. We try to ensure that every visit to Sessions West Coast Deli is memorable and encourages you to explore through our vast menu.
Drop by soon; we look forward to hosting you! Here’s our location and our menu.