Different paths lead through Orange’s history: Old Towne Orange encompasses California’s largest state-registered historic district, while the city’s architecture also includes homes from the 1960s. Museums, historic neighborhoods, tours and a trail along Santiago Creek each offer their own focus. When planning your trip, it’s worth matching these themes to your interests and how you’ll get there.
Architecture and History in Orange
Old Towne Orange is a prominent point of reference for the city’s historic architecture. Orange has more than 50 preserved architectural styles, including Classical Revival, Victorian, Craftsman and California bungalows. The Eichler districts of Fairhaven, Fairhills and Fairmeadow offer a different perspective on the history of the built environment: they feature homes in the mid-century modern style, built in the 1960s. Architecture enthusiasts can explore a range of themes—from the broad selection of preserved styles to the named residential districts.
Orange also explores the history of its downtown. A Plaza Walking Tour focuses on downtown history and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Cypress Street Barrio Tour explores the community’s Mexican American history. Both tours are offered in Orange; because tour operations and presentation may change, we recommend checking the latest information before making plans.
The Historic Cypress Street Barrio is a Mexican American cultural district in Orange with a history spanning more than a century. Plaza Park is another historic landmark, having served as a gathering place for residents and visitors for more than a century. The Orange Public Library & History Center includes a history center and exhibits.
Museums, Markets and Diverse Interests
The Hilbert Museum traces California’s visual history from the late 19th century to the present. Its collection includes works by California Scene painters, illustrators, Hollywood studio artists and animators. The museum features 26 galleries with rotating selections from a collection of more than 5,000 works. Its changing presentations and the size of its collection make it a distinctive way to explore California’s art and cultural history. If a specific exhibition is important to your plans, check the museum’s latest information.
The Orange Home Grown Market brings together produce from certified Southern California farmers and products from food artisans who use traditional methods. The market also offers live music, cooking demonstrations, educational activities, rotating food trucks and market tours. Vendors, product selections and individual activities may vary. If you’re coming for a specific program, check the current offerings ahead of time.
Parks, Zoo and Santiago Creek
Orange has 22 parks, each with its own amenities. The OC Zoo is located in Irvine Regional Park in the city of Orange. These details can help you distinguish between different interests when planning: the zoo as a specific destination, and the city’s parks as additional places to visit, each with different amenities.
For cyclists, the Santiago Creek Bike Trail is a clearly described option: the paved trail is six miles long and runs alongside Santiago Creek. In Orange, it connects Grijalva, Yorba and Hart parks. Both the trail’s length and the named park connections offer specific details to consider when planning. Check access before planning a particular route.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
Orange Metrolink Station provides access to Old Towne Orange. The cultural and recreational offerings described here have different focuses; which ones matter to your stay depends on whether you’re most interested in architecture, art and local history, the market or a trail route.
Discover more destinations: Surfside, Santa Ana, Tustin, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Los Alamitos, Placentia, Huntington Beach.
For the broader travel overview: Orange.
