While many people visit Southern California for the fine weather, scenery and seacoast, there are many attractions in the area that provide fun for children and adults alike. Visit national historical landmarks, as well as theme parks and amusement parks, many with educational opportunities as well as recreation.
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, originated in 1955 as an amusement park featuring Mickey Mouse. Today, Disneyland Park consists of eight "lands:" Adventureland; Critter Country; Fantasyland; Frontierland; Main Street, USA; Mickey's Toontown; New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland. Visitors are enchanted by marching bands, horse-drawn carriages, Disney characters including mermaids and Minnie Mouse, Cinderella's castle, and rocket-ship trips through the galaxy. Popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean; the Haunted Mansion; Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage; It's a Small World; and Indiana Jones Adventure. A newer attraction is Captain EO, a 3-D show starring Michael Jackson. There are many parades and performances, and visitors are advised to come early for a good vantage point. Dining opportunities include Blue Bayou overlooking the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, serving Cajun-Creole cuisine; upscale Napa Rose at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel; Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel; French Market, a New Orleans Square restaurant; and Café Orleans, a buffet.
Disneyland
1313 Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92802
714-781-7290
Home.disney.go.com
Every March, the swallows leave their winter home in Argentina and make their way to the Mission of San Jan Capistrano. St. Joseph's Day, March 19, marks the official return of the birds that then proceed to build nests in the ruins of the old stone church. A special event takes place annually at the mission, a designated national landmark and museum, to celebrate the return of the swallows and the beginning of spring. Live music, presentations, performances and the ringing of historic bells are featured. An audio tour is offered daily for children and adults at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, highlighting the history of California and the mission, and garden tours are offered on Wednesdays. There is also a Living History day for teachers and students on the second Saturday of the month.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Hwy.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949-234-1300
Missionsjc.com
Knott's Berry Farm is a theme park in Buena Park, California, that began in the 1920s when Walter Knott and his wife sold berries and pies from a stand near Route 39. Now the park has a wide range of attractions, including a reproduction of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Ghost Town, the oldest section, is a replica of an 1880s California boom town featuring gunfights, stagecoaches and authentic buildings. Attractions here include Ghost Town & Calico Railway, Calico Mine Ride, GhostRider wooden roller coaster and the Bird Cage Theater. Other on-site attractions are the Fiesta Village, a Mexican carnival attraction; the Boardwalk, featuring adventure rides such as the Perilous Plunge and Supreme Scream, the tallest descending thrill ride; Camp Snoopy, designed for young children offering 30 rides, shows and attractions; Wilde Water Wilderness, a turn-of-the-century water park; and Indian Trails, highlighting American Indian culture. Knott's Berry Farm has regularly scheduled park events such as the popular annual Halloween Haunt. Corporate year-'round tickets, discount programs for youth and special groups and a coupon program for companies, unions and associations is also available.
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
714-220-5200
Knotts.com
