Old Towne Orange Will Take You Back in Time

Old Towne Orange is certainly one of the best historic districts in California. It is known as the "Antique Capital of Southern California" with numerous antique, collectible, and specialty shops. There are also numerous restaurants, specialty food shops, and tea rooms. The historic downtown is an outstanding example of "Main Street USA" and has been used as the backdrop of several films. Old Towne is full of historic structures that could never be covered in one blog posting, so this is only a sampler of what a visitor might see.


Old Towne Orange - South Bound View of Glassell St. from Orange Circle

You will certainly not go hungry while exploring Old Towne Orange because there are a variety of dining options. Two well known restaurants include Watson Drug & Soda Fountain (1950's styled diner which is an institution in Old Towne) and Felix's Cuban food.

Old Towne Orange - Various restaurants and shops

Old Towne boasts two of the oldest operating banks in Orange County.

Old Towne Orange - Wells Fargo Bank

Tourists and locals alike can shop for antiques until they pass out. You easily could spend an entire day shopping for obscure treasures in Old Towne. I guess it's not called the "Antique Capital" for nothing.

Old Towne Orange - Numerous Antique Shops to Explore

The plaza fountain is the centerpiece of the Orange Historic District. This is a popular location for photos, picnics, and just hanging out.


Fountain Plaza in the Middle of Old Towne Orange

There are hundreds of restored homes in Old Towne. Many of the houses along the major corridors of Chapman and Glassell are used for small businesses. Chapman University has also purchased many of these houses to use for university business.


Restored Historic Houses

St. John's Community Music Conservatory.


Community Music Conservatory

St. John's Church sanctuary was dedicated in 1914 and seats 1100 people. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

St. John's Church

Chapman University is located in Old Towne and lends a nice college vibe to the area. Chapman and the residential community have collided over the university's rapid growth. Although the university positively contributes to the area, there has been tension over quality of life issues.


Chapman University - Memorial Hall

Chapman University is a beautiful campus that has also been used for movies. In the film Crimson Tide (1995), Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington meet for the final time on the steps of Chapman's Memorial Hall.

Santa Fe Train Depot

Old Towne Orange also has its own Santa Fe Train Depot, which serves the Metro-Link commuter trains. The Santa Fe Depot has been fully renovated and serves as a Ruby Diner right on the edge of the tracks. This station is a short walk from Old Towne's historic plaza which makes it easy to visit for the day without driving.

Ruby's Diner is Located in the Restored Santa Fe Train Depot

Overall, Old Towne Orange is a phenomenal historic district that is worth a visit.