We’re Back With More Free Things To Do, Orange County

We’re back again with another list of free things to do, Orange County residents and tourists. The upcoming summer months will offer many opportunities for getting out in nature, perusing arts and crafts at some fabulous street fairs, and maybe even learning a little about California history. Here are some more of our favorites, every one of them free.

Want to hang out with some baby farm animals? Of course you do! The Centennial Farm at the O.C. Fair and Event Center is a three-acre working farm, and you can visit with paid admission during the annual Orange County Fair. However, when the fair is not going on, you can go see the cattle, goats, chickens, and pigs for free. Afternoons and weekends are the best time to go, as school groups usually reserve the mornings. The piglets are so cute that you might end up leaving as a vegetarian.

The Fullerton Arboretum is Orange County’s largest botanical garden, and admission to this gorgeous twenty-six acres of plantlife is free of charge. There are 4,000 plant species here, collected from around the globe. There’s also a children’s garden, a nature center, and the Heritage House, which dates back at 1894. Our lives are hectic sometimes, and being amongst green growing things is good for the soul. Breathe deeply, and feel your cares fall away.

In the city of Orange, at the intersection of Chapman and Glassel Streets, is the historical district referred to as “Old Towne Orange.” There are shade trees and a beautiful fountain, and a ton of vintage and antique shops that provide some fun window shopping. There are also many different free events that take place here during the summer, including the Orchard Walk’s Oktoberfest, and the Taste of Orange Festival.

Our last pick this time around is a simple one: go to the beach. There are many beaches in Southern California for which you have to pay, but there are also plenty of free ones. San Clemente has free parking, and Newport, Laguna, Orange County, and Dana Point are all free. Splash around in the ocean and catch some rays, just watch out for sharks and jellyfish.

We’ll be back next time with more free picks for the thrifty adventurer. Have fun this summer exploring the Golden State.