Every summer, my friends and I tend to stick to the same routine: beach days, pool hangouts and shopping sprees.

I know a lot of teens who repeat these same activities over and over again, so this year, I wanted to switch things up. After researching, here are five places to go in Orange County [OC] that are perfect for making the most of your summer.

For those who crave thrills and love roller coasters, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is the place to go. The amusement park is packed with food, rides and entertainment that makes it a fun destination this season.

Spend the day in Ghost Town Alive!, where one can immerse oneself in the experience of interacting with townsfolk, participate in missions and enjoy Knott’s Summer Nights festivities, an event that stretches from June 13-Sept. 1.

As the sun sets, the festivities take over with live music, DJs and a variety of food options. The park transforms into a vibrant nighttime festival offering games, photo ops and a lively atmosphere perfect for summer evenings.

Don’t miss the Fourth of July celebration, featuring a magnificent fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The display lights up the sky with dazzling colors, creating the most beautiful ending to a full day of fun.

For waterpark enthusiasts, Knott’s Soak City Waterpark is open on select dates from May 17- Sept. 7. With 23 different slides, a lazy river and a wave pool, it’s the perfect place to cool off during the hot summer days.

With its blend of interactive experiences, nighttime festivities, and classic attractions, Knott’s Berry Farm offers a dynamic summer experience that’s hard to beat.

For anyone who loves the waves, the Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing event, established in 1959, is an annual professional surfing competition held in Huntington Beach.

This year, the event will be held from July 26-Aug. 3 south of the Huntington Beach Pier. It will include world-class surfing and live music every day at the Beach Bar stage.

Beyond the surfing competitions, the U.S. Open offers a festival-like atmosphere with various activities including live music, food vendors, yoga classes and live art demos. The event is free to the public, who can watch from the pier or the sand.

However, the event may not appeal much to those who aren’t, or don’t enjoy watching, surfers. If that’s the case, one can sign up for surf lessons at Corky Carroll’s Surf School, also in Huntington Beach.

The school offers private lessons tailored to beginners of all ages. With 25 years of experience, the school provides two-hour sessions that include a surfboard and wetsuit, ensuring that newcomers have everything they need to get started.

Lessons take place at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Pricing for private lessons starts at $155 for one surfer, with discounted rates for groups.

Additionally, during the summer months, students can enjoy perks like free equipment rentals until 2 p.m. and a complimentary T-shirt. Whether aiming to pick up a new hobby or simply looking for a fun day at the beach, Corky Carroll’s Surf School provides an easy, enjoyable introduction to surfing.

With the recent matcha craze going around among teens, Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe in Anaheim is a must-visit. This cozy Japanese bakery serves fresh, fluffy pastries that are perfect for a sunny day treat.

Their Salt & Butter Roll is a fan favorite — light, buttery and with a hint of salt that melts in your mouth. 

The Strawberry Milk Cream Croissant or the adorable Kobo Kuma, a bear-shaped bun filled with vanilla bean custard, are great options for anyone with a sweet tooth.

For those who love savory treats, definitely try the Curry Pan, which is filled with Japanese-style vegetable curry and coated in a crispy panko crust. They also offer unique paninis such as the Japanini, which combines shiso leaf, basil pesto, bacon, cheese and tomato.

Pastries can be paired with one of their specialty drinks to cool one down on a hot day. The Matcha Sea Salt Cold Brew and Lavender Latte are refreshing options that complement the bakery’s offerings.

Located at 155 W Center Street Promenade, Okayama Kobo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a great spot to grab a treat before heading to the beach or after a morning of shopping.

This season is the perfect time to check out Downtown Disney for the perfect summer hangout. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 7-1 a.m. Friday-Monday, and it’s leveled up a lot with new food spots that go way beyond churros and sandwiches.

Their new Parkside Market food hall opened in January, and it’s loaded with options: GG’s Chicken Shop brings crispy sandwiches, Seoul Sister offers Korean rice bowls and Sip & Sonder serves coffee and Caribbean treats, and it even features an upstairs lounge with refreshing drinks.

One restaurant that seems to be a fan favorite is Din Tai Fung, which offers the most delicious Taiwanese food: xiao long bao, cucumber salad, spicy noodles and a modern, sit-down vibe.

Downtown Disney also brought the heat with three Mexican-inspired spots: Paseo, for upscale dishes, Céntrico, for those who love street tacos and tequila mocktails and Tiendita, for people in a hurry and who need a quick bite.

Beyond the food, Downtown Disney is packed with fun activities. One can go bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, catch live music on the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage or explore the massive LEGO Store, which features life-sized Disney characters built from LEGO bricks.