Mild climate and beach lifestyle make Orange County in Southern California a favorite destination for tourists. Families enjoy theme parks, museums, shopping and dining. The landscape also provides a scenic backdrop for hiking and camping. Bird watching and cruising to see dolphins and whales are also popular activities.
The history of Disney can be seen in character-based rides from the woodcarver’s cart of Pinocchio’s Daring Journey to the underwater journey in Finding Nemo’s Submarine Voyage. The Adventure Park within the resort contains thrill rides, such as the elevator ride, the water rafts and the roller coaster. Musical shows entertain all ages in productions based on the story of Aladdin, High School Musical, Toy Story and Monsters Inc. Disneyland is the original Disney theme park, opened in 1955.
Disneyland
W Ball Rd. at S Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
714-781-4565
www.disneyland.disney.go.com
Adults and children alike find fun and information at the Discovery Science Museum. Visitors learn by doing activities in the various sections, such as learning to fly in the flight simulator in the Air and Space area. Space exploration exhibits are also here. Children aged five years or less have their own area in the KidStation, a colourful environment to experiment in. Natural forces and how weather works are the themes in the Dynamic Earth Gallery. The museum presents science-based 3D films in the Discovery 4D Theater.
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-542-2823
www.discoverycube.org
Many visitors stay in beach resorts in the county. The beaches have soft sand and are popular for swimming, surfing, sunbathing and playing games. Huntington Beach, also referred to as Surf City, is known for its pier and as a venue for professional sports competition. Sports featured include beach volleyball, surfing and fishing. Newport Beach is also popular with surfers and other activities, including rollerblading and biking on the boardwalk and surrounding trails.
Huntington Beach
Beach Headquarters
103 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-536-5281
www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us
Newport Beach
Balboa Blvd. at Oceanfront and 21st St.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-644-3309
www.visitnewportbeach.com
A diverse terrain offers lots of hiking opportunities. Experienced walkers trek in the Santa Ana Mountains, where the highest peak is 5,687 feet. The tops of the Chino Hills also have panoramic views. Trails also wind through the Laguna Hills and the Anaheim Hills. Reservoirs, lakes and rivers also attract hikers along these shores.
