Car rental John Wayne Airport (SNA)

John Wayne Airport is accessed by the San Diego (I-405) Freeway, the Costa Mesa (SR-55) Freeway, and the Corona Del Mar Freeway/San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Toll Road (SR-73).

The nearest of Orange County’s long list of beach resorts is Newport Beach, a 15-minute drive away on State Route 55 – but the other beaches on offer are all within easy driving distance. The farthest away, San Clemente, is a short 30-minute drive south on Interstate 5 and 405.

The amazing Disneyland Resort is in the city of Anaheim, 13 miles north of John Wayne Airport. Orange County’s other great theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, is about 5 miles farther north, just off Interstate 5.

The Angel Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team, is by the Santa Ana River in the south of Anaheim and reached via State Route 55 and the Interstate 5. Only half a mile from there is the Honda Center, where Anaheim’s beloved Ducks ice hockey team play.

The ubiquitous I-5 runs through the middle of Orange County, taking you to Los Angeles in under two hours and south to San Diego in about the same time. If you’re heading to LA during rush hour, though, you’re probably better taking the I-405 and 605 to avoid the usual heavy traffic.

Interstate routes have a speed limit of 75mph (120km/h) while in built-up areas this can drop to around 20mph (32km/h). Always check the speed limit of the road you’re travelling on to avoid a possible speeding ticket.

John Wayne Airport is perfectly positioned for visiting the many and varied sights of Orange County, with the Pacific coast on one side and the attractions of cities such as Anaheim and Orange on the other.

Enjoy the fun of the fair

If you’re travelling as a family then you have to head straight for Anaheim and the world-famous Disneyland® Resort, the granddaddy of all theme parks. This magical land of make-believe has been wowing kids and grown-ups alike since 1955.

Today, as well as all the old favourites like the Matterhorn Bobsleds, there’s a whole host of exciting new attractions such as Star Wars^™ Launch Bay, Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain. At Disney California Adventure® Park you can fly around the world and enjoy the amazing Frozen-Live at the Hyperion spectacular.

As if that weren’t enough, Knott’s Berry Farm is another great Orange County theme park. Its world-class rides, shows and attractions are grouped into four themed areas, which include the Old West Ghost Town® and the much-loved Camp Snoopy. There’s also Knott's Soak City Waterpark, a summertime oasis of waterslides and pools that’s open May through September.

The coast with the most

One of Orange County's biggest appeals is its beautiful coastline where you’ll find the quintessential Californian beach lifestyle. Everything you could possibly want from a coastal vacation is here: surfing hotspots, sport fishing, whale watching, cool neighborhoods filled with funky restaurants, boutiques and art galleries, or just fantastic ocean views.

Take your pick from Seal Beach in the north, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente; each has its own distinct brand of beach town lifestyle.

Shop till you drop

If you love shopping, you’ve come to the right place. Orange County is home to nearly 1,000 retail stores, selling everything from high-end fashion to vintage chic. For luxury boutiques, department stores and top-class eateries, head to South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Those who like a bargain should head to the Outlets at Orange, an outlet centre in the city, 10 miles north of the airport. Here you can find deals at Bloomingdales, Ralph Lauren, NIKE Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store and a selection of other retailers.

Sports fans are in for a treat. Anaheim is home to two big sports teams: the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim compete in Major League Baseball while NHL's Anaheim Ducks play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Watching a game at the Angel Stadium and the Honda Center is an unforgettable experience. 

Dine in style

Orange County is something of a culinary mecca, with a vast selection of superb restaurants to dine in, all with Southern California’s customary laid-back vibe. The choices are endless. There’s a variety of classic steakhouses and authentic ethnic eateries, alongside a cluster of neighborhood bistros serving regional produce – as well as plentiful fine dining options with ocean views.

One of the region’s most spectacular dining experiences is to be found at 21 Oceanfront in Newport Beach. This grand, elegant restaurant specializes in classic continental dishes using the very best of fresh seafood and prime meats and the food on offer is matched by the stunning sunset views.

Rent a car at John Wayne Airport with Hertz and you can begin your Orange County stay in style.