Home to a charming collection of antique shops, restaurants, and Chapman University – including the Hilbert Museum of California Art – Old Towne Orange somehow threads the needle between old-fashioned small town Americana and the city’s more diverse contemporary reality. Collectible record stores intermix with distinctive cafes including Contra, Army-Navy and estate sale shops with breweries, diners, dessert shops (Chaiwale & Co., Filo Dessert Co.), and alleyway Thai restaurants. With its iconic and frequently damaged water fountain, the circular, centrally located Plaza Park serves as both a picturesque hub and event space, hosting an annual Orange Plaza Car Show with (generally beautifully maintained) classic automobiles.
Although Old Towne Orange is locally very well-known, well-liked, and has been a central gathering place in the community for over a century, it’s if anything underrated: It’s truly a nice place to visit, especially on weekends. Plenty of street parking is augmented by lots, paid and otherwise, for individual businesses and the entirety of the walkable downtown area.
