Looking for the best things to do in Orange County this spring? Whether you’re hiking through trails of springtime blooms, picking fresh strawberries, or celebrating at a local festival, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season!
From outdoor adventures to foodie favorites and cultural celebrations, we’ve rounded up the best things to do this spring. Ready to plan your next outing? Here’s your guide to the top spring events and activities in Orange County!
1. Stop and Smell the Flowers at Carlsbad Flower Fields
- Dates: March 1 – May 12, 2025
- Location: Carlsbad Ranch, Carlsbad
Okay, we know we are starting this list with something outside of Orange County, but it’s only a short drive south and a must-do for spring and worth the trip! The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch showcase nearly 50 acres of blooming Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, creating a breathtaking, colorful landscape. You can stroll through the fields, take a tractor wagon ride, and enjoy seasonal activities like flower arranging workshops while also enjoying some live music.
Tickets sell out quickly on weekends, so plan ahead!
2. Have a Picnic Among the Wildflowers at Crystal Cove
- Dates: March – April, 2025
- Location: Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach
If you’d prefer to stay within the confines of Orange County, you can see also see some gorgeous flower displays in their native habitat in a few particularly great spots!
The first is Crystal Cove. Spring is the perfect time to spread out a picnic blanket at Crystal Cove State Park, where the park’s backcountry trails lead through fields of our famous California poppies in addition to bush sunflowers, purple lupines, and fiddlenecks, which are usually at peak bloom between March and April.
While there are plenty of great spots to have your picnic, we recommend to the Moro Canyon Picnic Area, which provides picnic tables surrounded by native plants and easy access to trails where you can admire the blooms if you’d like to take a short hike afterward. If you prefer a (more) oceanfront setting (though the view is basically there no matter where you are), the Historic District’s picnic tables offer stunning coastal views just steps from the sand.
3. Hike Through the Wildflowers at Dana Point Headlands
Dates: March – May, 2025
Location: Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area
The second great local spot to see wildflowers is Dana Point Headlands. These blooms generally last a little bit longer than those in Crystal Cove, and they also have scenic trails that wind through protected coastal bluff scrub habitat where you can spot our famous California poppies in addition to some really beautiful purple lupines and wild buckwheat.
While there are a few great hikes, we recommend the Dana Point Headlands Preserve Trail. It’s is an easy one-mile trail that offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of migrating gray whales offshore (more on that later!).
4. Go Strawberry Picking in Irvine
- Dates: March – May, 2025
- Location: Tanaka Farms, Irvine
Spring marks the start of strawberry season, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by picking your own! From March thru May, Tanaka Farms offers guided wagon rides through their fields, where you can learn about farming before picking fresh, juicy strawberries straight from the vine. It’s a great activity for families, and don’t forget to try their famous strawberry lemonade and chocolate-covered strawberries!
5. Enjoy a Whale Watching Tour During Gray Whale Migration
- Dates: March – May 2025
- Location: Newport Beach & Dana Point
Hop aboard a boat tour from Newport Beach or Dana Point Harbor and keep an eye out for dolphins and sea lions, too!
We often mention whale watching on these round-up lists since they are visible throughout the entire year, but it really is a must-do activity and spring is peak season for gray whale migration! Dana Point, known as the Whale Watching Capital of the World, offers incredible opportunities to see these majestic creatures up close (they even have an annual Festival of Whales we mention on our Winter List). However, if Newport is more local to you, Newport Beach also offers some great whale watching cruises worth taking.
6. Celebrate the Return of the Swallows at Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Date: March 19, 2025
- Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano
Every year on St. Joseph’s Day, the legendary swallows of Capistrano make their way back to Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Orange County celebrates in style. Celebrating the Return of the Swallows long-standing tradition is marked with live music, dance performances, and cultural presentations that honor the history of the mission and the birds’ annual migration.
The event kicks off with a bell ringing ceremony, followed by Mariachi music, Native American storytelling, and hands-on activities for families. You can explore the mission grounds, take a guided tour, or simply enjoy the atmosphere as the swallows return to their historic nesting site.
Alternatively (or in addition to!) you can also celebrate the return of the swallows that Saturday on March 22 at the San Juan Capistrano’s annual Swallows Day Parade where the Budweiser Clydesdales are rumored to be making an appearnace! Learn more about it here.
7. Kick Off Spring with LOCASH at the Hoag Classic Sunset Celebration
- Date: March 21, 2025
- Location: Newport Beach Country Club
March 21 is the official first day of spring, and nothing says spring in Orange County like a warm evening, live music, and coastal views, which is exactly what you’ll find at the Hoag Classic Sunset Celebration & Concert. Held at Newport Beach Country Club, this event brings together great music, community, and philanthropy, all in support of Hoag’s healthcare programs.
This year, country duo LOCASH will be bringing their signature blend of country and rock to an intimate outdoor setting. The Sunset Celebration is the perfect way to wrap up a day at the Hoag Classic, Orange County’s premier PGA TOUR Champions event, or to simply enjoy a night out with great music and an even better cause.
8. Hunt for Eggs at Irvine Park Railroad’s Easter Eggstravaganza
- Dates: March 22 – April 19, 2025
- Location: Irvine Park Railroad, Orange
There are so many amazing community-run ways to celebrate Easter in Orange County each year, and the Eggstravaganza at Irvine Park Railroad is among our favorites! This family-friendly event brings the magic of Easter to life with egg hunts, train rides, carnival games, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.
Egg hunts run throughout the day and are open to kids of all ages, with prizes hidden inside each egg. Beyond the hunt, families can enjoy face painting, bounce houses, and other fun festive treats and activities. The egg hunts are popular and often sell out, so we recommend arriving early, so you can save your timeslot!
9. Walk for a Cause at the Epilepsy Walk Orange County
- Date: March 23, 2025
- Location: TeWinkle Park, Costa Mesa
Lace up your sneakers for a great cause at the Epilepsy Walk Orange County, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and supporting individuals living with epilepsy. Hosted by the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County, this event brings together families, friends, and community members for a meaningful morning of walking, fundraising, and connection.
The walk takes place at TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa, where participants can stroll through a scenic route while enjoying live entertainment, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Funds raised help provide vital resources, education, and advocacy for those affected by epilepsy in Orange County.
10. Celebrate Japanese Culture at the OC Japan Fair
- Dates: April 4 – 6, 2025
- Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, food, and entertainment at the OC Japan Fair, one of Southern California’s biggest celebrations of all things Japan. From traditional performances to modern pop culture, this event brings a little bit of Japan to Orange County for an entire weekend.
Visitors can enjoy taiko drumming, sumo wrestling, and tea ceremonies, as well as a variety of Japanese street food, including ramen, sushi, and matcha desserts. The festival also features a marketplace where you can shop for handmade crafts, anime merchandise, and imported Japanese goods.
11. Discover Local Gardening at GardenFest in San Clemente
- Dates: April 12, 2025
- Location: San Clemente Community Center
Green thumbs and garden enthusiasts (or those hoping just wanting to learn more about plants) won’t want to miss GardenFest in San Clemente, a one-day event celebrating local gardening, native plants, and sustainable landscaping. Hosted by the San Clemente Garden Club, this free event features plant sales, expert gardening advice, and interactive workshops to help you bring spring blooms to your own backyard.
Explore vendor booths with flowers, succulents, and garden decor, and stop by the “Ask the Experts” booth for tips on everything from drought-tolerant landscaping to pollinator-friendly gardening. The event also includes a kids’ gardening zone, making it a fun and educational day for all ages.
12. Spark Curiosity at Imaginology
- Dates: April 12 – 13, 2025
- Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
Speaking of hands-on, educational events that are fun for the whole family, if this is something you’re looking for, be sure to check out Imaginology at the OC Fair & Event Center! This event is all about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and live demonstrations that inspire kids to explore and experiment.
Kids can build, design, and tinker in makerspace areas, get up close with live animals at the petting zoo, and even try their hand at robotics and coding. It’s a great opportunity for young minds to discover new interests and spark creativity in a playful, engaging environment.
13. Sip and Savor at the California Wine Festival
- Dates: April 25-26, 2025
- Location: Sea Terrace Community Park, Dana Point
Sunshine, ocean views, and unlimited wine tastings? Yes, please. The California Wine Festival returns to Dana Point for a weekend filled with premium wines, gourmet food, and live music all set against the backdrop of the Pacific.
The festival kicks off with the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting on Friday, where you can sample exclusive, limited-production wines in an intimate coastal setting. Saturday’s Beachside Wine Festival is the main event, featuring hundreds of wines from top wineries, craft beer and spirits, and delicious bites from local chefs.
14. Travel the World at the Festival of Nations
- Date: April 26, 2025
- Location: Central Park, La Palma
Ever wanted to explore the world in a single afternoon (and for FREE)? La Palma’s Festival of Nations brings together cultures from across the globe for a day of music, dance, food, and community.
The festival kicks off with a parade of nations, followed by live performances, cultural exhibits, and international food vendors serving up authentic dishes from different countries. Whether you’re here for the entertainment, the flavors, or just a fun way to spend the day, it’s a great way to experience the diversity of Orange County!
15. Run (or just cheer!) the OC Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k
- Dates: May 3-4, 2025
- Location: OC Fair & Events Center
Whether you’re chasing a new personal best or just want to soak up the energy, the OC Marathon is one of the biggest race weekends in Orange County. Runners will take off from Fashion Island in Newport Beach, making their way along a scenic course that winds through cliffside coastal views, boat harbors, and more before finishing in Costa Mesa.
Not quite ready for 26.2 miles? No problem! There’s also a half marathon, 5K, and kids run, so everyone can get in on the action. If racing isn’t your thing, grab a spot along the route to cheer on the runners, or check out the finish line festival for live music, food, and post-race celebrations..
Did we miss any other top events in Orange County this spring? Tell us about them in the comments!
