There’s a lot to love about Orange County. Besides excellent education, low unemployment, and weather that allows you to plan a BBQ six months in advance, what I really love about Orange County is the range of accessible activities. You’ll never run out of fun things to do here.
However, despite the many attractions, I find that many people don’t take advantage of them. It saddens me to see others get so caught up in the daily grind that they forget to loosen up and have a little fun. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying hard work is a bad thing. I’m just saying that by working smarter, creating a solid financial plan, and putting your money to work for you, you’ll have more time for what’s actually important—spending quality time with loved ones.
So with that in mind, I urge you to go out and have some fun! To get you started, here’s a list of my favorites things to do around Orange County.
Golf
Orange County is a golf enthusiast’s paradise. With perfect weather year-round and a wide variety of courses, golf-lovers will never get bored. Ranging from budget-friendly munis to luxurious ocean-view courses, you’re sure to find an experience that fits your style. For more information, check out this list of the best courses for every budget.
Beaches
With so many stunning beaches around, I hope you’re taking the time to enjoy them. Some of the best beaches are San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Seal Beach. And there’s much more to the beach than just swimming and sunbathing. If you’re up for something new, why not try surfing, scuba diving, tidepooling, fishing, hiking, or camping? Here in the OC, we are blessed with amazing nature that many inlanders would love to have—so go out and take advantage of it! For more information about Orange County beaches, check out the California Beaches website.
Hollywood
One of the best things about the OC is all of the possible nearby day trips. One of my favorites is Hollywood—less than a one-hour drive away! To be honest, there are so many things to do and see in Hollywood, it really warrants several day trips. You can spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood, hunting down the best views of the Hollywood sign (horseback and helicopter are exciting, albeit costly, options), and much more. For a full list of all Hollywood events and attractions, read this beginner’s guide to Hollywood.
Disneyland Resort
No trip to Orange County is complete without a visit to Disneyland (if you live in the OC and have never been there, shame on you). Disneyland has many different attractions: two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three hotels, and the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment complex. If you think you have to have kids to enjoy Disneyland, think again. Disney offers fun and relaxation for all ages, and it’s not uncommon to see childless adults having a blast at the park. To learn more, check out the official Disneyland website.
Have Some Fun
Whether you live in Orange County or are planning a visit, I hope this list of fun ideas comes in handy. By working towards creating a college plan that helps instill confidence for your children’s future, you’ll find you’re able to relax, spend more time with loved ones, and simply enjoy life more. If you’re interested in working with a college planner to create a college plan that allows you to stop worrying and start living, you can get started by emailing me at College Planning America at dcoen@sageviewadvisory.com or calling 800-814-8742.
About Dave
Dave Coen is a Financial Advisor with SageView Advisory and the CEO of College Planning America. Along with his retirement financial industry experience, he is a College Planning Specialist. He works closely with individuals and families to provide them comprehensive financial planning that addresses all elements of their financial picture. Learn more by connecting with Dave on LinkedIn.
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