History and Charm Collide in this Quaint California Town
Known for its old-town charm, vintage markets and delicious food and drink, Orange is the perfect place to spend a day! Located in the northern part of the county that bears its name, Orange attracts artists, shoppers, foodies or anyone who wants to trade in the hustle and bustle for simple pleasures. Orange, especially Old Towne, is walkable and packed with fun, relaxing things to do like shopping at cute boutiques, looking at historic homes or people-watching by the iconic fountain. Here’s our itinerary for your next day out in Orange!
8 a.m.
Wake Up Slow at The Richland
Whether you’re in from out of town or you need a staycation, be sure to book a few nights at The Richland, a simply stunning boutique hotel in the historic Orange Plaza. You’ll be swept away by its charm, and there’s no better wake-up call than its sophisticated and tranquil atmosphere.
9:30 a.m.
Book It to Contra Coffee & Tea
Jumpstart your day at Contra Coffee & Tea—but don’t go in expecting your typical coffee shop! Contra is the coffee and tea taproom and bookstore you never knew you needed. Want to make the most of your visit? Order a coffee flight to experience Contra’s fun concoctions, then head to the shelves to find your next read.
11 a.m.
Go Antiquing at the Orange Circle
Thrifters, antiquers and casual browsers alike flock to the Orange Circle for antique shops and markets, where you can find pretty much anything you’re manifesting—whether that’s a vintage slip dress, a midcentury knick-knack or any other timeless treasure. And don’t worry about hauling your finds with you since most shops will hold your purchases until you can pick them up later.
2 p.m.
Grab a Light Lunch at Provisions Deli & Bottle Shop
You’re going to be peckish after all that antiquing, and thankfully, a delicious lunch (and maybe a boozy beverage) is only a short walk away! Aside from tasty all-day breakfast, sandwiches and snacks, Provisions Deli & Bottle Shop also offers 30 rotating beers on tap, 500 bottled craft beers and a vast assortment of wine.
3:30 p.m.
Tour the Hilbert Museum of California Art
It’s true—the best things in life really are free! With a reservation, you can take a free tour of Chapman University’s Hilbert Museum of California Art, where you can look at permanent installations and rotating exhibits dedicated to California’s unique styles of art, such as California Scene and California representational art.
7 p.m.
Dinner at Orange Hill Restaurant
After a full day of exploration, it’s time for a beautiful dinner with a view. Nestled in the hills of Orange, Orange Hill Restaurant offers a gorgeous steak-forward menu alongside fine wines and specialty cocktails. After dinner, walk around the property to look at the koi ponds and the city lights, or head to O Bar lounge for a nightcap.
Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.
