Old Towne Orange is the historic heart of Orange, California, with a central Plaza, shops, restaurants, galleries and cultural landmarks. Its historic streets and nearby museums make it a useful place to start getting to know the city.
- Orange city centre is about a 4-minute drive from a small hotel in Orange.
- The City of Orange describes Old Towne as containing California’s largest Nationally Registered Historic District.
- Plaza Park has served as a gathering place for more than a century.
- Orange Station and OCTA buses provide public-transit access to Old Towne.
Getting oriented in Orange
Old Towne Orange is organized around the Plaza, with historic commercial streets and residential areas extending from the center. The City of Orange divides the historic district into four components: the Plaza Historic District, Downtown Core, Spoke Streets and Residential Quadrants.
Commercial buildings in Old Towne date from the 1880s through the 1920s. The area’s mix of shops, antique and collectibles dealers, art galleries, restaurants and Chapman University gives you several ways to spend time between the historic landmarks.
For a walking orientation, begin at the Plaza and then follow the surrounding streets into the Downtown Core and Spoke Streets. The residential quadrants complete the district’s four-part layout. The City’s visitor-information menu includes several guided options, such as the Historic Plaza Tour and tours of the El Modena Barrio, Cypress Street Barrio and Eichler Tract.
Old Towne Orange and the Plaza
The Plaza is the central public space in Old Towne Orange, with a history of continuous use dating to its layout in 1886. Its circular park has a fountain that dates from 1937.
Plaza Park has been a gathering place for Orange residents and visitors for more than a century. From the park, you can take in the surrounding historic commercial buildings, then continue into the nearby streets for shops, restaurants and galleries.
Community events include the Orange International Street Fair, Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession. The Orange Home Grown Farmers and Artisans Market takes place every Saturday. Check the City of Orange’s official site before you go for current event, market and parking details.
Museums, venues and local sights
Old Towne’s landmarks include the Hilbert Museum of California Art, Chapman University, Orange City Hall and the Orange Public Library & History Center. These give you a mix of art, university architecture and civic history to add to a walk around the Plaza. The Hilbert Museum of California Art visit guide covers planning a stop at the museum.
Other places identified in the City’s visitor information include Veterans Memorial at Depot Park and Antepasado Park.
For live entertainment, the Yost Theater is another local landmark; its show-night and ticket guide can help with the visit.
How do you get to Old Towne Orange?
Orange Station and OCTA bus service are public-transit options for reaching Old Towne Orange. Amtrak and Metrolink serve Orange Station, which is steps from the Plaza, and OCTA buses stop within walking distance. Routes 22, 57 and 55 are among the bus routes identified for access to Old Towne.
If you’re arriving by train, how to get around from Orange Station is a useful part of planning your arrival. The City also identifies the 5 Freeway as an access route. Bike racks are available throughout Old Towne near businesses and public facilities.
Paid parking hours are seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless posted otherwise. On-street and lot rates range from $1.25 to $2.00 per hour, depending on location.
Free parking areas include Lot 11 at 326 E. Almond Ave. and Lot 15 at 194 N. Atchison, the Orange Train Station lot; posted signs apply. Accessible spaces are available subject to proper placard rules.
Planning time in the neighborhood
For a simple visit, start at the Plaza, walk through the surrounding historic commercial area, then choose a museum, local landmark or tour to extend your time in the district. The four historic tours include options focused on the Plaza, named barrios and the Eichler Tract.
If you’re coordinating your visit with a market or community event, check its schedule before setting out. The Saturday farmers and artisans market follows a regular weekly pattern, while Old Towne also hosts community events.
For visitor information, the City gives 300 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866, and (714) 744-2225.
FAQs
What is Old Towne Orange known for?
It is known for its historic district, central Plaza, shops, antique and collectibles dealers, art galleries and restaurants. Chapman University is also part of the area.
How many parts make up the Old Towne historic district?
The district has four components: the Plaza Historic District, Downtown Core, Spoke Streets and Residential Quadrants.
Is there a regular market in Old Towne Orange?
Yes. The Orange Home Grown Farmers and Artisans Market takes place every Saturday.
Can you reach the Plaza by public transit?
Yes. Amtrak and Metrolink serve Orange Station, which is steps from the Plaza, and OCTA buses stop within walking distance.