Things To Do In Orange County On A Budget

With its incredible theme parks and top-notch travel destinations, chances are a trip to Orange County events would break your pocket. However, the good news is you can always enjoy yourself without spending a lot. YES, you read it right, these things and Orange County events are entirely free! Read on to find the activities that are completely free, or sometimes you might have to pay a minimal amount of $10 or so!

Grand Park – Hot Air Balloon Ride

The Great Park in Irvine was once a Marine Corps airbase that was later transformed into a community-served gem, housing garden, farm, and farmer’s market. 

However, this is a huge hot air balloon that allows passengers to enter the sky 400 feet, which is the highlight of any visit. Enjoy a dazzling view of Orange County with just $10 in a metropolis and natural environment.

Segerstrom Art Center – Monday Free Movie

In a summer celebration, the highly respected Segerstrom Art Center presents family-friendly movies to the public for free on a specific Monday.

The show takes place on a movie screen outside the center, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful Southern California night. Guests can book their spot with blankets and chairs, and enjoy a free picnic or pick some delicious and classical food from the food trucks that serve the event.

Surf City Night Street Booth

Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City, hosts a free street market every Tuesday night.

The exhibition features a farmers’ market and several niche suppliers and artisans, offering interesting sights and a beautiful location on the main street.

Yoga classes at San Juan Capistrano Garden

Yoga classes can cost a lot of money, but the project, led by Goin’Native Therapeutic Gardens and pure.love.yoga, allows visitors to enjoy yoga classes purely through donations. The program is a miracle for those looking for a team but wants to save on the course.

Free yoga is offered every week! The mission of the Therapeutic Garden is to get people to breathe, move, and connect with themselves, their community, and nature with the hope to enhance relaxation. 

Crystal Bay State Park Beach House

Although much of Southern California is highly developed, Crystal Bay State Park is still a bit unexplored.

Crystal Cove’s sparkling waterfront has many tidal pools such as beaches, sun, and rocky terrain. There are many wild animals on the coast, and many divers explore protected reefs.

Large wooded hiking trails cover the inland areas outside the park, giving people a glimpse of the lush landscape of California native plants. Finally, as if the Crystal Cove was in a time capsule, the cabins of the first half of the 20th century can be seen in ancient architecture.

St. Anna Art Walk

In downtown Santa Ana, the art walk takes place every month, first Saturday. 

There are multiple art galleries open for free, allowing visitors to stroll and admire the novelty, creativity, and vivid artwork of local artists. 

Vendors and crafts line the dazzling streets, while live music and entertaining crowds provide a sophisticated and lively experience in the heart of Santa Ana.

Dana Point Summer Concert Series

Many cities in Orange County offer free concerts during the summer, but Dana Point’s summer concert series provides a variety of music options for July and August. 

Also, there are three different locations throughout the summer, allowing you to participate in multiple concerts and feel like you will be attending a brand new event. Each space is located by the sea and offers beautiful views and some swaying tunes.

Explore Irvine Regional Park

Irvine Regional Park offers a variety of activities. Stroll along the trails, small ponds, and lakes attract birdlife, but to better observe the animals, visit the OC Zoo located in the park.

The zoo has native animals and wildlife from other southwestern states. A small train passes through the park, allowing passengers to explore all the historic and beautiful sights. 

Admission fees and event fees are only a few dollars per person.

Balboa Island and the Peninsula

Balboa Island and Peninsula is a model of seaside architecture and culture with original beaches surrounded by local shops and many historic buildings.

Balboa is home to the residential area and Balboa Island ferry; it takes only a few dollars to cross the harbor to the Peninsula.

On the Peninsula, the Balboa Entertainment District has a cheap Ferris wheel that takes time to immerse you in a beautiful harbor that has been around for more than 80 years.

The Balboa Pavilion is located next to the Peninsula. It has been in existence since 1906 and is still used as a water recreation center. After exploring the historic district, you can walk to the beach and relax in the sun.

Whether you are riding a bike, walking, or even in a car, you will love the trip and free Orange County events that will make you come again.

This blog is brought to you by Toyota of Orange, the leading dealership of used cars Orange County CA.