UNIQUE ORANGE COUNTY ACTIVITIES FOR GROUPS

Let’s face it. There’s more to living in Orange County than career and work. It’s partly why we choose to live here, right? It’s the weather, the casual attitude, and the abundant recreational opportunities. There’s no shortage of unique Orange County activities, and the team at La Vida Laguna can design excursions and adventures for any type or size of group.

There are so many unique Orange County activities for groups. Our county has long been known as a vacationer’s paradise, thanks in part to people such as Walt Disney, but also because of the year-round mild climate, extensive hiking and biking trails, sandy beaches and the Pacific Ocean, not to mention an incredible urban and cultural scene. If you run a business in Orange County, you don’t have to travel far to find great group activities that can bring your team closer and more cohesive.

First, of course, are the thrills. Orange County has them in spades, from the major theme parks Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, to small plane and helicopter flights, to flight simulators, go-cart experiences, and even a Porsche race track a bit further up the 405. If ocean sports are more your thing, go to Newport Beach and rent a charter to take you around the harbor, or even over to Catalina for the day or an overnight. You can rent speed boats, sail boats and jet skis in both Newport and Dana Point Harbor.

If you want to go a little slower, and burn less gas, tent an electric “Duffy” boat in Newport for a leisurely tour of the Harbor’s 7 manmade islands and its peninsula. These boats seat up to 12 passengers, and provide a comfortable, safe way to cruise as a group while enjoying snacks and beverages. If you want to travel via human power, you can rent paddleboards or kayaks in both harbors, or take an ocean group kayak or paddleboard tour in Laguna Beach with La Vida Laguna.

We launch from a wave-protected beach, and paddle the stunning coastline, a healthy Marine Reserve that is home to sea lions, dolphins and migrating whales. These kayak and paddleboard tours are fantastic Orange County activities for groups because the coastline is so unique, and it’s such a thrill to be in the middle of Pacific Ocean, and it’s safe, easy and everyone can participate regardless of skill.

Another unique Orange County activity would be aboard a dolphin or whale-watching charter, either in Dana Point or Newport Harbor. Our waters are home to some of the most prolific dolphin populations in the United States, and you frequently encounter hundreds of the playful mammals jumping out of the water as they ride the wake. We also see an abundance of blue and grey whales, particularly during the migrating seasons in the spring and autumn.

Have a full day to spare? Jump the ferry to Catalina, and spend the day exploring Avalon’s quaint and charming downtown. You also can charter a van and take a guided tour of the whole island, home to a herd of American bison that were left on the island after the filming of a cowboy movie in the 1920s.

With two professional sports franchises, groups also could attend baseball and hockey games, though many cities offer activities such as that. Orange County also offers unique tours of the historic Franciscan mission in San Juan Capistrano as well as the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum in Yorba Linda.  We also boast a vibrant cultural scene with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, a great place to catch a show or musical performance.

Finally, one of the most unique Orange County activities for groups is to simply make a day or afternoon at the beach. Orange County boasts some of the nicest shoreline in California, particularly in Laguna Beach, where they are hidden amongst rock outcroppings and tucked into reefs. La Vida Laguna can orchestrate the perfect beach day, with food, games, music and team-building challenges. On the more reflective side, we also can offer group practices such as yoga, meditation, sound bath, crystal and aromatherapy and can engage in ceremony such as drums circles and “Gratitude as a Daily Practice.”

If team challenges with teachable outcomes would be your ideal Orange County activities, La Vida Laguna offers an assortment of team-building games and activities that can be conducted right on the beach, including treasure hunts, shipwreck adventures, beach games, sand sculpture and much more.