I always laugh to myself when I write reviews on landmarks compared to actual businesses because it's just so random lol. Like... there are people who actually write reviews about their favorite freeways, so I get it now. No judgement though. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yeah? For a while, my OC people would mention Old Towne Orange and how it's such a nice spot to browse thru vintage/thrift shops and walk around. Honestly, I agree. As someone who's spoiled with places like North Park, South Park, Mission Hills in San Diego (and also Old Town), I never really thought much to come here. Loved all the charming shops around, though. Time felt slow here and strangers felt like neighbors. A memorable moment from this past Saturday was when my friends and I stopped to sit at the bench in the middle of Orange Circle; Met the nicest old man with the cutest and friendliest dogs. Before he left, he joked to my friends and I about how his dogs were always running away from him, like the ladies in life (obviously he wasn't rude or creepy about it). And that entire experience at Old Towne Orange made me think about how many of us yearn for connection and communities like that again. Out-of-towners: If you want something different than Disneyland or Porto's for your weekend trip outing, but still want the actual nostalgic charm experience of the ~good ol days~, look no further. read more

Orange Circle & Old Towne Orange - Local Flavor Near Me - Orange, California

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The Orange Circle and Old Town Orange is such a charming and nostalgic area reminiscent of a time when life was less complicated/rushed and people actually knew their neighbors. There always seems to be people walking up and down the streets, enjoying themselves as they head to their intended destination. The majority of the shops still give off a 50s/60s vibe while still being very well maintained. There are so many antique shops, eateries, mom & pop shops, and so much more. Driving through today made me a bit sad to see that the famous, historic Watson's Drug Store and Soda Fountain is no longer there and has been replaced with a sleek, modern new eatery. The highlight, of course, is the plaza and fountain in the center of the roundabout. Such a beautiful and peaceful space even tho it is the smack dab center of continuous traffic. read more

Orange Circle & Old Towne Orange - The center of it all - Local Flavor Near Me - Orange, California

I looove the Orange Circle! Such a great historical landmark in OC. There's a lot of antique shops, tattoo shops, auto repair shops, etc. Almost anything you can think of, it's conveniently located here. My favorite part are the restaurants because there's endless options for lunch, desserts, coffee, and more. The fountain in the center of the roundabout has its good and bad days. It's very beautiful and peaceful to sit around. Unfortunately, it was under construction in the last couple years due to an idiot crashing into it. Parking can be a nightmare, despite what day it is and time of day. My biggest tip is to park in the free parking structure on Lemon St and Chapman. There's also street parking, but it's almost impossible to find. There's specific areas where you cannot park because it's surrounded by a neighborhood. read more

I like coming here to chill with a cold beverage. Its fun to people watch. I usually catch up on my Yelp posts and look up some place good to eat. read more

Orange Circle & Old Towne Orange - Fountain at center of circle - Local Flavor Near Me - Orange, California

Orange circle is where we hang out from time to time. It's not far from us so it's a good place for a relaxing Saturday or Sunday. They have an array of restaurants, bars, antique and thrift shops. They have different street fairs in summer. We attended the chili fair and it was so much fun with good chilis, beers and live music. Some buildings are historic so it feels nostalgic walking around. We like Urth cafe, Zinc cafe, Chapman brewery, Bosscat and O sea. I especially like O sea seafood restaurant for their food allergy friendly menu. There are a couple dive bars with a fun atmosphere and serve greatly priced strong drinks. In fact the restaurants and bars at Old Towne Orange are very reasonably priced! A great place for comfort food, great drinks and a bit of antique shopping! read more

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So firstly, this is my favorite place to go antiquing, and Thrifting! They do an international food fair once a year that is one of the funniest events ever! From what I hear every morning when weather permits, the veterans military, they raise the US flag! I miss Watsons, it was an old town soda fountain shop - apparently, a lot of movies were done there as well. I heard that the owners want to bring it back. Let's keep our fingers crossed. This is a circle, and you have to yield, you get to yield to all the other cars and the pedestrians, every five years it seems like somebody drives into the fountain! Christmas time is really decorated, old-school! read more

Orange Circle & Old Towne Orange - Nothing like the traffic going around in the circle! - Local Flavor Near Me - Orange, California

It's the best! The 2nd largest historical city in the United States. Multiple breeds of trees in the circle surrounding a fountain. Offshoots to local businesses in walking distance (food, shops, cafes). Every Labor Day weekend they host the Orange International Street Fair. read more

Orange Circle & Old Towne Orange - Local Flavor Near Me - Orange, California

Such a cute spot in Orange! Thrifting, antique shops, cafes, restaurants, street fairs, free parking (in certain lots), historic buildings, and serene fountain in the middle of the circle. Highly recommend visiting if you've never been. Great place to spend a day! read more

Old Towne Orange: A Vintage Gem in Southern California Old Towne Orange is one of those rare places in Orange County that feels like you've stepped back in time. With buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this historic area is centered around the charming Orange Plaza Square. At the heart of the plaza, a lovely fountain becomes the focal point of this district. Much like Garden Grove, Orange was first established in 1871, when it was all farmland and ranches. Citrus groves (as everyone might figure it from the name already.) were a big part of its economy, and when the Southern Pacific Railroad extended here, it grew into a unique commercial hub. As modernization swept through in the 20th century, many historical buildings in surrounding areas were remodeled or demolished. But in the 1970s, locals recognized the value of preserving this little piece of history. Thanks to their efforts, Old Towne Orange became Orange County's only "National Register of Historic Places" district, preserving its original architectural styles. Today, the area showcases Orange County's largest collection of historic buildings, with a mix of Victorian, Craftsman, and Spanish Revival styles. Now, Old Towne Orange has become a favorite spot for both tourists and locals. The streets are lined with antique shops, coffeehouses, restaurants, and unique boutiques. If you're into vintage vibes and thrifting, you'll love browsing places like the Antique Depot and Orange Circle Antique Mall. I spent a good amount of time browsing and found some surprisingly cool vintage finds - also from second-hand designer bags to classic jewelry and watches. I even joked with my friends about renting a booth and selling all the quirky treasures we have lying around at home! Old Towne is also known for its annual Orange International Street Fair (August 30 - September 1). And when it comes to Halloween , locals here go all out. The decorations are serious business! There's even a judging competition with awards like Best Theme, Most Old-Fashioned, Creepiest Street Award, and Best Fall Theme. They also host a Treats in the Streets event on October 24 2024 from 4pm to 7pm for an evening of Halloween fun. Old Towne Orange is the perfect blend of history and modern life. The community is vibrant, with people strolling everywhere, which gives it an energy you don't usually find in other OC cities. It's a must-visit spot for city walks, coffee breaks, and a taste of nostalgic charm. Parking is pretty well organized here. You can park on the street (though it can be tricky depending on the time), but I recommend the free Old Towne West Parking Structure (130 N Lemon St, Orange, CA 92866). It has 5 levels (from level B2 to level 3), with signs showing availability by floor. It's well-lit and just a five-minute walk to the fountain, making it super safe and convenient. For an official Citywalk guide: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d0c30e56e7724920b47036b51e7b15fe For a Halloween house decor guide and award winners (2022-2023): https://iheartoldtowneorange.com/halloween-decorated-houses-in-orange/ read more

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Nice servers, and overall good vibe. Expect to spend some money, but it is a good time. read more

Love the Circle! Great place to spend an afternoon. I gotta say, though, the place needed to be fully pedestrianized ages ago. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I saw two teens literally nervous to cross the road because cars didn't seem to be stopping. I don't like the idea that people are made to feel unsafe in a place that's supposed to be pleasant. Let people roam free without dealing with obnoxious exhausts and worrying about their kids darting off the tiny sidewalks into the road. We spend enough time in our cars on SoCal, so to have the Circle become fully pedestrianized would be a dream! read more

such a cute place to just walk around and site see. plenty of places to eat at, drink and shop. plan on parking ahead of time, gets busy close to evening/night. unfortunatly the starbucks that was hella cute is no longer there but figured id do a throw back photo anyway. read more

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Before I first went here in the Fall of 2023, I had dealt with something traumatic. But this place has been nothing but kind to me during those troublesome days after I arrived to this area. This place is just the best during the Fall and Winter seasons as I've mentioned in the previous review. If you come here during Christmas, I swear the vibe just screams Sabrina Carpenter's A Nonsense Christmas a lot. The decorations are enough to make me smile. I had a disdain for the Christmas season because of my toxic family and an incident that happened to me when I was 10. I started to like Christmas a bit but the trauma of that is just strong. So I just enjoy it whenever I could. Before Halloween and their annual Trick or Treat street thing, the vintage shops have lots of Halloween themed stuff to sell. It really brought a smile to my face when I first arrived at this place. The Urth caffe nearby does a splendid job at creating their pumpkin spice boba and pumpkin spice themed waffles and such. It really makes me smile. I also love the International Street fair at the end of August that they have annually. It really makes me smile that this place embraces food from various parts of the world. I even got the chance to meet a cute cop at this place as well. This place also hosts the Ghost Adventures tour as well. I've made many memories along the way. read more

Such a cute area and one of the best places to walk around, people watch, and peruse antique/vintage shops.

Plaza Park, fondly known as the Orange Circle, serves as the vibrant heart of Downtown Orange, California. This historic public park, designed in 1886, sits at the center of a unique roundabout that gives Old Towne Orange its distinctive charm. Unlike most cities in the region, Orange was deliberately planned around this iconic circular space. At its core, the park features a beautifully preserved fountain, which has become a recognizable symbol of the area. Repeatedly voted Orange County's favorite downtown, Old Towne Orange exudes timeless charm. Its streets are lined with antique and collectible shops, specialty boutiques, art galleries, and an impressive array of restaurants. This historic district has been a cherished gathering place for residents and visitors for over a century. Locals affectionately refer to it as "The Circle," reflecting the deep connection between the community and its historic centerpiece. The history of Orange is as rich as its architecture. The city was incorporated on April 6, 1888, but its roots trace back to 1869 when Alfred Chapman and Andrew Glassell, two lawyers, received 1,385 acres of land from Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana as payment for legal services. The area was later named "Orange City" in honor of the Dutch Royal House of Orange, a nod to its patronage and the thousands of acres of orange groves that once blanketed the region. Old Towne Orange Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasting the second-highest concentration of historic buildings in California. Its streets are adorned with well-preserved craftsman homes and bungalows that transport visitors to old Southern California. The district's vintage charm has made it a favorite filming location for movies set in the past. Strolling through the antique shops and quaint eateries housed in historic buildings feels like stepping back in time. For food lovers, the area is a haven of culinary delights. From cozy diners serving comfort food to trendy bistros offering farm-to-table cuisine, the restaurants around the Orange Circle are as diverse as they are delicious. Whether you're enjoying a slice of artisanal pizza, savoring a hearty breakfast, or sipping on handcrafted coffee, every dining experience is enhanced by the district's nostalgic atmosphere. But Old Towne Orange isn't just about history and food, it also holds an air of mystery. Known as one of the most haunted spots in Orange County, the area is home to ghost tours organized by "Haunted Orange County," where visitors can hear eerie tales and uncover local legends. For those who enjoy a touch of the supernatural, a ghost walk through Old Towne Orange is an experience you won't forget. Whether you're exploring its antique malls, like the Orange Circle Antique Mall, the first of its kind when it opened in 1980, or simply soaking in the park's serene beauty, Old Towne Orange seamlessly blends history, community, and a hint of the paranormal. Its enduring charm and lively spirit make it a beloved destination for all who visit. read more

This is located in Old Town Orange and has a very nice charm to it. I believe it was mostly filled with antique dealers, but there are so many nice restaurants to choose from as well. They have a very small circular park area with a fountain. My favorite places were the Bosscat Kitchen and Liberations and the Citrus City Grille. The whole area is a large two blocks in each direction from the fountain. I really enjoyed walking around and sightseeing. I recommend coming here for a few hours and just walking around and then having lunch. read more

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Good restaurants and food...Best places from bars and restaurants to hang out....prices are convenient and quality is super

Wow!!!! Lots to see! Talk about being able to spend all day at one place. Lots of nostalgia. If you're looking for treasure or just a stroll down memory lane, you've come to the right spot. read more

Beautiful place to walk around with cool stores. If you like antiques goodies and furniture, you must visit this place in Orange County.

Old Towne Orange is my absolute favorite place to stroll around! Any time of day, I love it here. It's also one of my favorite places to jog -- as long as you don't mind uneven sidewalks or jogging in the street. (Only recommended during daylight!) I love all of the historic buildings in the area. I also love how pedestrian-friendly the circle is. There's a variety of restaurants and coffee shops, too, so there's bound to be something you'll like. During the holidays, the Christmas Tree is in the center of the circle and there are often carolers. I love the small town/old town charm. I liked it more before chains were present. There's still a lot of locally operated shops and restaurants, but some corporate chains have perked up. 2021: 45/100 read more

I had some free time on Thursday and thought it would be nice to shop in Old Town Orange, they have so many adorable shops. However, when I got there and started walking I realized I needed to use the restroom. I assessed my situation and figured I was okay for one lap up and down until I found a public restroom. Wasn't I surprised to find out there are no public restrooms in Old Town Orange. Maps told me there was a park a mile and a half away, but that was too far to justify staying so I left without spending any money. How there can be such a dense cluster of shops without a single restroom is beyond me. I will have to come prepared next time, or more likely, not return. read more

Old town is excellent. You can go fine dining or something less. Extra Time (?), Main Street is full of Antique Shops. One is two floors. Gotta come here! read more

The Orange Circle and Old Towne Orange brings back nostalgic memories for me. Back when we had our former Orange office, my broworkers and I would lunch in the area at least once a week. With the pandemic and office closures we no longer have our Orange office... and unfortunately my beloved broworkers are now all former coworkers... but forever friends. Recently one of them was back in town so a group of 5 of us decided to have a reunion and met at the center of the Orange Circle. Full on bro-mantic symbolism right?? There were plenty of benches and a water fountain as the epicenter of all the lively atmosphere. Some of my personal favorites are The Taco Stand, Taco Adobe, Bruxie's and Blaze. The team also enjoyed Felix, Wahoo's, and Burger Parlor (closed). Honorable mentions to Mead's Green Door Cafe and The Pie Hole. After our office closed, Philz Coffee and Blue Bowl opened in Old Towne Orange and I was so envious. I wish they were open when I still had the office in Orange but I probably would have been broke over indulging myself with Phil'z Mint Mojitos and Blue Bowl's Acai, Pitaya and Chia Pudding with all the toppings I want :) When the pandemic occurred, a few of the streets were blocked off to support the small businesses and outdoor dining. I genuinely love this area and always have warm feelings reminiscing the times that used to be. Those kids at Chapman are sure blessed with the finest spots within walking distance. read more

Recently came to Orange Circle/Old Towne Orange with our pug. We had a great time here, especially our little guy. There's a lot of open parking lots scattered throughout the area. It can get a bit crowded on the weekends, so just keep looking around. We got a spot about 5 minutes upon arrival. The area is packed with brunch spots, restaurants, bars, antique shops, boutiques, etc. It's the only old town that actually feels like an old town in Orange County, even more than old town Tustin. It's really a great hangout spot for a quick bite and a nice stroll to digest some of the food or just to enjoy a cup of coffee/beverage. We'll be coming back again soon to try some of the food spots here. The park at the center of the roundabout is a nice touch too! read more

I hated this place before the pandemic, but now that the main stretch is shut off to traffic and is reserved for outdoor dining, this place is great. There's less noise and less douchebaggery with this closure. How long is this going to last? I don't know, but I hope this closure become permanent because it really enhances the draw to the area because it creates a greater feeling of community. Laguna Beach off PCH has permanently closed off that section of Forest ages ago and it's increased business draw. Fingers crossed the Orange Circle can follow suit. read more

Orange Circle & Old Towne Orange - Someone walking a pet goose on a leash. - Local Flavor Near Me - Orange, California

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Probably my favorite area in all of Orange. You have just about every thing you could want in this area. Dining, drinks, shopping. Family friendly. Good vibe. read more

My sister told me to come here to decompress before my long journey back to the high desert. Old Towne is a charming community, rather very noisy due to traffic, and surprisingly not too many people galavanting the streets like I expected. There are quite a few cafes and eateries where I found more "life"....and was hoping for more of the street life vibe with gals and their large shopping bags and outdoor eats with their bright colored umbrellas and leashed doggies. I only needed a cup of coffee and a decent lunch to fuel up here, and I found that, along with a few artsy-fartsy jewelry to soothe my soul. I'm sure there is more to Old Town and I look forward to coming back, esp during the holidays. read more

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I love coming here to go thrifting and always end up seeing cool interesting things! All the shops owners were super nice! Also recommend coming here just to do work as well! read more

Very walkable. Loved the town's feelings here. Interesting to see antiques. Everyone that I encountered is very nice and thank you to the older gentleman who gave me free popcorn. read more

Orange Circle & Old Towne Orange - Pinball Machine - Local Flavor Near Me - Orange, California

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Downtown area of Orange is very cute, charming, nice to walk around and explore. The main street is arranged around a circle with a nice park, surrounded by orange trees and a pretty fountain in the middle. There are plenty of coffee shops, antique malls, restaurants in this historic downtown. There's a Metrolink stop very close to it, a nice Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. Near the Metrolink station there's Hilbert Museum of Art, free to visit, with nice exhibits (closed on Sundays). The are is a mix of laid back, old school town with a modern vibrancy. You have the classic Americana Watson's Soda Fountain Cafe and the Chapman Crafted Brewery (modern, hip, located in an old warehouse) in the same neighborhood. The Chapman University nice campus is next to downtown. On the way, there are more unique stores, cute outdoor cafe, streets and nice houses with many orange trees around. Nice mix of new and old, present and past. If you visit the campus and love California, there's a nice, free, permanent Huell Howser exhibit within the Leatherby Libraries. A cool activity, fun and interesting. The central location of the public library is in downtown, big, elegant with a great book selection. I know about the Labor Day Food Street Fair, that'd be fun to attend! I wish more stores would stay open passed 6 pm and they'd be open on Sundays. Otherwise, cute, unique downtown, no chain stores, full of historic buildings. Cozy, nice to explore. Downtown Orange could be a nice weekend destination! More off the beaten path! read more

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I was here a few months ago and think about it every day because I really want to go back and hang out there, it is the cutest throwback hang out in all of Orange County! They have a lot of cool restaurants and a vintage shop that is beyond cool, let me see if I can find my pictures from the last visit and I'll attach them, I highly recommend this place and there is a goose on a leash that a guy walks around with it which is very entertaining! read more

This is my favorite area in Orange. The middle of the traffic circle has a large fountain and live orange tree. People have definitely picked the low hanging fruit off of it. Families come here and spend the day eating at the different restaurants and shopping at the various antique shops and stores. It has a very relaxing vibe, so it's a place to enjoy the day outdoors, shopping, eating, and hanging out. And because there are quite a few restaurants with outdoor patio dining, if you're taking your dog for a walk and want to grab a coffee or bite to eat, you can easily do that. read more

How I love this place! They have so many cute stores and antique shops to browse around. When you are hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, ramen, Italian, Cuban, bbq, Mexican, fancy, casual...you name it! Now, they closed down part of the circle in order for the restaurants to operate outside and what a smart idea! You feel like yourself are sitting outdoor in Europe on a good day or night...Come for a coffee, beers or boba or grab a pizza or treating your spouse for a fancy dinner and take her for shopping at the local boutiques. I just love this place!!! read more

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Orange Circle & Old Town Orange. I shopped in cute specialty stores and enjoyed a quiet dinner street side. Afterwards I poked around a large antique shop and purchased a few antique toys. It was a very enjoyable afternoon. read more

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One of the last places in Southern California that looks and feels like an actual town, with it's own personality and charm, as opposed to featureless suburban sprawl. The Circle is lively and artistic- Lots of antique shops and great restaurants. A few great bars as well- I don't do the bar thing much these days, but on those rare occasions, I personally dig "Paul's Cocktails " , which is just a block west of the circle on Chapman... Great staff, reasonable prices, pretty decent place to knock back a few! In the morning, "Bagel Me" is right there to cure the hangover! read more

It's a nice few block to walk around but must go in to all the shops as they take you back in time - so many antique shops to see and buy item from the pass love it read more

We've driven around the circle in the past for a charity event. Remembering how charming and historic it appeared, we made a special trip yesterday to check it out, heading inland from Newport Beach. We were able to snag a free parking space on the circle, then went exploring. We checked out the Charity League's thrift shop "Now & Again" first. Two's Company offered yummy shakes made from their gelato bar flavors. We ordered up, then found a seat under the umbrellas out front on the sidewalk. Great spot to enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the heart of the historic area on a warm summer afternoon. We then strolled part way around the circle, detouring down Chapman, checking out several of the antique stores there. We then went back to the circle, then detoured a block up Glassell, window shopping and appreciating the variety of shops and restaurants. Also enjoyed the well-preserved architecture of many of the buildings. When we did enter several of the businesses to check them out, we were mostly greeted warmly. We spent about an hour and a half in the area before the shops started closing. We noted several restaurants we'd want to try at future visits. I've since learned that there is a large nationally-designated historic preservation area beyond the circle area. Great news! This old towne is worthy of special attention and care. read more

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Old town Orange is a cute little town and was all decked out for the holidays. If you are into antiquing this is the town for you ! Lots of Antique Stores and over a half dozen eateries. We tried a place called ""The Wall " where you can buy beer by the ounce or by the glass and eat food. First time I've seen this concept and it's great when you want to try multiple beers without getting too bloated. The food is pretty good too. After lunch we browsed in a handful of antique stores and even made some purchases. All in all a fun day was had!! read more

Very cute place to visit for a nice day out on the weekend. They have a huge antique store that could be the size of a mini mall with prized possessions of all kinds. There is definitely something there for everyone. From clothes and knick-knacks, to games, and one-of-a-kind figurines and objects that could be almost a century old. There are also many restaurants and diners in the area for a quick bite. The center of the traffic circle is decorated during Christmas and is great for pictures. I also went to a comic book shop with a wide selection organized in alphabetical order and some collectibles in the back. There is something here for everyone. read more

Great place to shop and eat. Old town Orange is still the place to go, even during Covid-19. Everyone seems to practice safe distancing and using their head. Fantastic. read more

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