California summers are packed with family-friendly things to do, and Orange County is far and away one of the best places to start. If you’re looking for a mix of adrenaline-pumping theme parks, beach days, and just enough downtime sprinkled in, there’s no shortage of options to fill your family’s break. Tropicana Inn & Suites puts you right in the middle of it all, literal steps from Disneyland® and a short drive to the beach, splash pads, and so much more. Here are some of our favorite summer activities in California.

Go Whale Watching in Newport Beach

Newport Beach is one of the top places in California for whale watching, especially in the summer when enormous blue whales and humpbacks migrate along the coast (gray whales travel through this area also, but typically in the winter and spring months, from December through April). You can choose from larger boats or smaller charters, and tours on both are family-friendly and last a minimum of two hours, offering up-close views of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and coastal birds.

Tip: Although Mother Nature ultimately decides, morning tours tend to have calmer waters and better visibility — plus the signature morning fog offers a bit of a shield from the heat.

Beat the Heat at Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, just a 30-minute drive up the coast from Anaheim, is the perfect place to escape the summer sun. With protected coves, tidepools, scenic walking paths, and loads of activities for families, it’s one of the best summer activities Orange County has to offer. Families love spots like Shaw’s Cove for calm surf and tidepooling (and fantastic diving, if you’re certified), and Heisler Park for picnic spots and astounding views. Make sure to check local tide charts if your kiddos are interested in exploring tidepools. You want to aim for low tide, when the shallow pools are exposed for long stretches of time.

Amusement Parks for Every Age and Interest

Anaheim is theme park central, and summer is one of the best times to visit. Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure Park® host special shows and extended hours in the summer months, and 2025 also kicks off the park’s 70th anniversary. Just down the road, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park has a mix of thrill rides, live entertainment, attractions for the youngest visitors, and water rides that are refreshing for hot days. Camp Snoopy has plenty of options for little ones, while GhostRider and Silver Bullet are perfect for older kids and teens.

Cool Down at Splash Pads

Not every summer day needs to be spent exploring a theme park or lounging at the beach — sometimes a local splash pad is all it takes to keep the kids entertained and cooled off. Orange County has plenty of water play areas that are both totally free and open to the public. Some of the most popular include the “sprayground” at Pioneer Road Park in Tustin, the spray pool at Lemon Park in Fullerton, and Laguna Niguel’s elaborate Crown Valley Splash Pad.

Orange County Fair

If your summer visit happens to align with the Orange County Fair (July 18–August 17, 2025), it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary. As one of the top summer activities Orange County hosts each year, the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa transform into a massive summer celebration with carnival rides, concerts, fried food, competitions, animal exhibits, craft halls, and special events. Each year features a new theme with daily activities and performances centered around it. 2025’s is “Find Your Happy.”

Where to Stay for Summer R&R

After long, sunny days of whale watching, beach hopping, roller coaster riding, and eating all the fried fair foods, Tropicana Inn & Suites is the perfect place to call home. Our hotel is located right across the street from Disneyland®’s main entrance, so you’ll be just steps away from all the action (and even closer to some much-needed rest when the day is done!).Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a full-blown vacation, Tropicana Inn & Suites gives you easy access to everything Orange County has to offer this summer. Book your stay online or call us at (714) 635-4082 today to start building your summer itinerary.