Vacation Rentals in Orange County

It's true - the sun never sets on Orange County, the heart of Southern California (SoCal). Popularly known as OC, the county comprises 34 independent municipalities, and world-famous attractions such as Disneyland and Huntington Beach. Come marvel at the Spanish Missions, enjoy personal encounters with the blue whales, and relish typical SoCal cuisine at Orange County. This family-friendly destination has rentals that cater to all tastes and budgets.

Holidu offers a carefully-whetted selection of rentals equipped with luxurious amenities like private pools, sun decks, and Jacuzzis. For fiery sunset and waterfront views, consider booking at the cosmopolitan oceanfront neighborhoods of Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Beach. For close access to the “Jewel of the California Missions”, book ahead in time at vacation rentals around Mission San Juan Capistrano. Families with young kids inevitably end up choosing accommodation near Disneyland.

With 42 miles of sparkling shoreline, Orange County coast has often been likened to the French Riviera. For a classic beach jaunt complete with sandcastles, and golden sunsets by the pier, try Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City. Little Corona Del Mar Beach is an absolute gem for tide pooling - you’ll find plenty of star fish, sea urchins and anemones here. Crystal Cove is a photographer’s dream with its pretty bluffs and coves. Snorkel in its translucent waters and grab a fish sandwich at Shake Shack. Local favorite, the laidback Seal Beach is recommended for its windsurfing and kite surfing opportunities.

Leading the way is the thin crust California-style pizza, best washed down with sparkling white wine - try the shrimp, seafood and asparagus toppings for a break from chicken and cheese! Next are the iconic Mission Burritos usually stuffed with sour cream, baked beans, rice, and guacamole. You can’t go wrong with the French dip sandwich: finely sliced roast beef (pork/lamb/turkey) set inside a baguette moistened with gravy, and at times a slice of blue cheese thrown in. When in Orange County, it’s only befitting that you try the Agent Orange cocktail – orange juice, vodka and triple sec/Cointreau to get those taste buds tingling.

The OC’s biggest draw is Disneyland Park where children will go absolutely crazy exploring the themed lands: Mickey’s Toontown, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge among others. Adventure City, also in Anaheim, is quieter and just as much fun. Next is to take the kids on a Duffy electric boat ride around the Newport Beach Harbor. These charming canopy-covered boats let guests bring along their own food, drinks, and music too! At Laguna Beach’s Ocean Institute, the entire family can go wild getting showered in salty sea spray and checking out the ocean's wonders. La Vida Laguna is a safe spot for children to try their hand at kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and surfing.

The county boasts a compelling list of museums such as the Orange County Museum of Art in Santa Ana that holds an excess of 4500 art pieces spanning paintings, sculpture, photography and more. Fans of Pre Columbian art, and First American history will enjoy Bowers Museum. There are tons of African and Asian exhibits here too. The International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach, and the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center (SHACC) in San Clemente are worth checking out for their intriguing surfing memorabilia and surf-themed films.

Known as the Birthplace of Orange County, this world-famous Spanish mission established in 1776 is an eye-opener in history, religion and spirituality. Historic Los Rios Street in Downtown San Juan is chock full of surprises – saloons, museums, dance halls, and gourmet coffee stores.

Nicknamed the "Whale Watching Capital of the World", a whale-watching cruise at Dana Point will fetch you close encounters with giant blue whales, humpbacks and the playful wild dolphins. Bring your binoculars along, and try coinciding your trip with the Whale Festival in March.

Costa Mesa in Orange County is home to the world’s largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam. The area has hundreds of eateries serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. A burst of sights, sounds and colors awaits – incense, tropical fruit, chopsticks, hanging barbecues ducks, and more!

Get off the main strip for an escape to rustic San Catalina. Sun, sand and surf aside, the island is a magnet for adrenaline junkies. Take to the air with a zip line eco tour or the Catalina Aerial Adventure. The Falconry Experience is as riveting as the orange garibaldis you’ll spot on the Undersea Sub Expedition.

Dating to 1936, this historic Ferris wheel has served as a cinematic backdrop to Newport's Harbor particularly after dusk. A photo against this Orange County icon makes for an memorable keepsake.

On average, how much do vacation rentals in Orange County cost?

Last year, rentals in this destination had an annual average cost of around $483 per night.

Which months allow you to save the most on vacation rentals?

If you want to save as much as possible during your visit to Orange County, travel in February ($392 per night on average), March ($442), or January ($471), to find the lowest prices for the whole year.

During which months are vacation rentals more expensive in Orange County?

When booking a vacation rental in Orange County, the highest prices are usually found in the month of November (with an average of $511 per night), followed by June ($510), and then July ($502).

Is it necessary to plan a trip to Orange County well in advance?

If you decide to put Orange County on your bucket list, we recommend planning your travels long before you go because it tends to be very high in demand, with an annual average of 83% of rentals booked the previous year.

What time of the year can I find more available vacation rentals?

Last year, the months with more available accommodation of the year in Orange County were May, June and July, with average availabilities of 41%, 30%, and 19%, respectively.

When are fewer rentals available in Orange County?

The accommodations in Orange County reach their peak in demand in March, with an availability rate of 8%. The second most requested month is December, with 9%, and the third is February with 10%. During this period, the availability is very low (9%). It is therefore preferable to reserve early.

How many rentals does Holidu have in Orange County?

We have 1,200 properties for you in Orange County, provided by our 7 local and international partners.