Car Rental Orange County

Orange County is packed full of activities and attractions. The city itself stretches from the south of Los Angeles to San Clemente down the coast – its biggest cities are Anaheim, Santa Ana and Irvine, as well as the resort of Huntington Beach.

If you’re landing at John Wayne Airport you’ll find yourself near the county seat Santa Ana, accessible via State Route 55 (SR 55) heading north.

From Santa Ana it’s easy to reach Anaheim, home to Disneyland Park, along Interstate 5 (I-5) heading north. This route also leads to the southernmost neighbourhoods of Los Angeles.

Alternatively, hop in your rental car from Orange County and head for the Pacific Coast where you’ll find Newport Beach just a few kilometres south of Anaheim along the SR 55 and I-5. From here you can head north along the coast to Huntington Beach and Long Beach.

Orange County also offers easy access to the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs from San Diego in Southern California all the way to the state’s northern border with Oregon. Known as one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, this 1,000-kilometre drive takes you past forests, coastal resorts and vineyards with outstanding views of the ocean.

California shares many of the same driving laws as other states. All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts, and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited.

It’s usually legal to overtake on the right on multi-lane freeways and highways, as long as it’s safe and in a properly marked lane.

California has a Basic Speed Law, which can penalise you for driving faster than is safe for the conditions – even if you’re travelling below the stated speed limit. The maximum speed limit on most California highways is set at 65mph (104km/h), increasing to 70mph (112km/h) on some stretches.

Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway is set at 55mph (88km/h), reducing to 25mph (40km/h) in urban and residential areas, and as low as 15mph (24km/h) near schools.

Other speed limit signs are posted for different types of roads in each area. Speed limits are liable to change so make sure you check you’re not driving above the stated limit or too fast for the conditions.

Whether you’re heading straight for the beach, planning to visit some theme parks or want to experience sightseeing attractions, Orange County is the perfect place for exploring by rental car.

Family fun

If you’re travelling with little ones or you’re just a big kid at heart, Orange County’s theme parks might be at the top of your list. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park boasts everything from water slides to dodgems – and it’s also home to one of the world’s longest and fastest wooden rollercoasters, GhostRider.

Just a short drive away in Anaheim you’ll find perhaps the most famous of California’s theme parks, Disneyland.

Kids can meet Disney princesses and all their other favourite characters, while rides like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure are fun for the whole family. There’s so much to see and do that you might not be able to enjoy it all in just one day.

Surfer’s paradise

This part of California’s coastline has plenty of fantastic options on offer for beach lovers.

For surfers, a trip to Huntington Beach is a real must – the flat, wide beaches and great waves have given it the nickname Surf City USA.

Every year Huntington hosts the Vans US Open, a nine-day surf contest where you can watch the pros battle it out. But you don’t have to be a world-class surfer to take to the waves here, as there are breaks to suit all abilities.

Just a short distance down the coast you’ll find another popular surfing destination, Salt Creek Beach at Dana Point. This cove is loved by locals and visitors alike thanks to its surfing and boogie board facilities, but there’s also a family-friendly picnic area, plus plenty of easy parking close to the beach.  

Wildlife spotting

For excellent shopping, restaurants and nightlife, head for Newport Beach. Here you’ll find resorts such as Corona Del Mar State Beach, with clear blue waters that are a popular option for swimmers.

You can also take a whale-watching tour, offering the chance to see these incredible mammals in their natural habitat. If you’re visiting between December and April, this is the perfect time for spotting grey whales as their migration brings them within minutes of the shoreline. From May to November, the waters are warmer and this brings an opportunity to see blue whales, finback whales and even dolphin pods.

With a rental car you’ll also be able to head down the coast to Crystal Cove State Park, which includes a huge marine conservation area and some spectacular views of the Pacific coastline. The inland part of the park includes the Moro Canyon, where you’ll find scenic hiking and cycling routes to suit all abilities, as well as an array of wildlife including coyotes and bobcats.

With car rental in Orange County, all this and much more is within easy reach during your California vacation.