14 Historic Sites in Orange County, CA (2024)

Orange County has transformed significantly over the past few centuries from a vast agricultural region to an icon of suburbia.

However, there are still historic sites that can give us a glimpse into Orange County’s past.

Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens (Silverado, CA)

Read our guide here.

Muckenthaler Cultural Center (Fullerton, CA)

The Muckenthaler Mansion is also a popular wedding venue.

George Key Ranch Historic Park (Placentia, CA)

Check out our guide to George Key Ranch

The Old Schoolhouse (Buena Park, CA)

Located on the grounds of Knott’s Berry Farm —the old schoolhouse was built in Kansas in the 1800s and moved to Buena Park in the 1940s after being purchased by Walter Knott at an auction. Children of Knott’s employees attended school here.

Note: Theme park admission is required to visit this site.

Old Orange County Courthouse (Santa Ana, CA)

Ramon Peralta Adobe Historic Site (Anaheim, CA)

Historic Yorba Cemetery (Yorba Linda, CA)

Click here

The Bradford House (Placentia, CA)

The Bradford House is a relic of Orange County from the 1800s.

Founders’ Park (Anaheim, CA)

Click here

Crystal Cove Historic District

Within the expansive 2,791-acre Crystal Cove State Park, the 12.3-acre Crystal Cove Historic District boasts 46 vintage coastal cottages dating back to the 1930s and '40s. Some of the cottages are undergoing significant preservation efforts. A portion of them are available for daily rentals.

Heritage House (Fullerton, CA)

The Heritage House is a Victorian-style home located on the grounds of the Fullerton Arboretum. The structure was built in the 19th century by Dr. George C. Clark, Orange County’s first coroner.

Floral Park (Santa Ana, CA)

Floral Park is a historic neighborhood in the city of Santa Ana, CA, boasting architecturally distinctive homes with large lots and historic charm. In 2023, Floral Park was officially approved as a federal and state recognized Historic District, earning a listing on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior.