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A scenic overlook on Hamblen Island.
Obscura Day Summer 2025: Uncle Tim’s Bridge
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The Blue Ridge Parkway
Obscura Day Summer 2025: Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains
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Llogara National Park in Albanian Riviera
Obscura Day Summer 2025: A Solo Hike in Albania's Ceraunian Mountains
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All the United States California Orange County

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Orange County

24 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Orange County, California

Updated September 5, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Orange County

The window from which Walt overlooked the park.

Anaheim, California

Walt Disney’s Lamp

Allegedly haunted by Walt Disney himself, this inconspicuous lamp is always kept lit in his honor.
The place where it all started.

Irvine, California

The Original Taco Bell Building

Someone really, really wanted to save this fast-food icon from demolition.
Dad’s, which claims to be the original big banana.

Newport Beach, California

The Frozen Banana Stands of Balboa Island

Try the frozen treat that inspired Arrested Development's famous banana stand.
Peter the Anteater

Irvine, California

Peter the Anteater Statue

This bronze statue commemorates the strange and beloved mascot of UC Irvine—the only university to be represented by a giant anteater.

Anaheim, California

Dominguez Palm Tree

A family agreed to sell their property to Disney on the condition that this tree, planted as a wedding gift, would not be removed.

Anaheim, California

Walt Disney’s Bench

Inspiration struck on this seat outside the Griffith Park merry-go-round.
Jingles the carousel horse.

Anaheim, California

Jingles

The lead horse on a Disneyland merry-go-round that is older than the park itself.

Newport Beach, California

Fashion Island Wind Chimes

These were the largest wind chimes in the world when artist Tom Van Sant created them for a California mall in 1967.
See All 24 Things To Do in Orange County

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Orange County

The place where it all started.

Irvine, California

The Original Taco Bell Building

Someone really, really wanted to save this fast-food icon from demolition.
Dad’s, which claims to be the original big banana.

Newport Beach, California

The Frozen Banana Stands of Balboa Island

Try the frozen treat that inspired Arrested Development's famous banana stand.
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