Huntington Dog Beach
Disney's California AdventureOf course, when people hear “Orange County” or “Anaheim,” they think “Disneyland.” While Disney does hold a strong presence in Anaheim and offers tons of fun for the whole family, Orange County’s idyllic beaches and wildlife preserves provide respite from the crowded, lively theme parks.
Traveling down a high speed slide in total darkness toward a pool of water, watching an authentic jousting tournament, competing in a sand sculpture contest, or holding your own at sea in the midst of a cannon battle are all adventures that await you in Anaheim/Orange County. Read on for some of the highlights of the area.
DISNEYLAND/CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
The kids still love "It's a Small World" and grownups may admit to loving "Space Mountain," but everyone will love the re-'Imagineered' "Pirates of the Carribean" at Disneyland. California Adventure has its own treasures, including "Soarin' Over California" and "Aladdin."
Head on over to City Hall on Main Street USA and sign up for the Historical Tour of Disneyland, where you’ll learn the special meaning of objects in the park. Or stroll through Disney Gallery in New Orleans Square, located upstairs from the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean, and see the original paintings and intricate models used in the design of Disneyland Park. At California Adventure, visit Disney Animation and view the secret original concepts for many of your favorite characters or create your own animation.
Downtown Disney
This is the happening place whether you want to build your own bear, play and purchase Lego bricks, tap your foot along to some jazz and blues, or dine amid waterfalls and rain showers.
LEGOLAND
While this park is geared for kids under 12, adults and kids alike can jump into a trademark LEGO® helicopter, airplane, boat or auto and drive—off track! Take a factory tour and see how LEGO® bricks are made or buy LEGO® bricks by the bulk. Or hop on a rollercoaster for an adult-sized thrill.
For those diehard curious adults who used to spend hours creating their own LEGO® structures, the favorite past time will no doubt be watching LEGOLAND model makers create new structures for the park. Don’t miss Miniland USA, where models created from 20 million LEGO® bricks on a 1:20 scale replicate five areas of the United States.
KNOTT'S SOAK CITY USA
Want to buzz down a high-speed slide in total darkness or float along in the sunny lazy river? You choose how, and if, you get wet from a selection of twenty-two rides and attractions in this 32-acre park. The colorful theme is reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s San Diego coastline and comes complete with a Gremmie Lagoon and Tykes Trough for pint-sized visitors.
KNOTT'S BERRY FARM
What started as a berry farm is now 160 acres of thrill rides and entertainment. Be transported back 100 years in Ghost Town and experience the Wild West all around you. The adventurous will love the rides and enjoy California’s Spanish heritage in Fiesta Village. Spend time at the ‘beach’ in The Boardwalk and ride the largest man-made whitewater river in Wild Water Wilderness. Stop in at Indian Trails to explore authentic tepees, native American dance and music, or sample Indian fry bread.
WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES
Anaheim/Orange County’s 42 miles of coastline lays the foundation for sun activities such as surfing, sailing, tide pooling, boogie boarding, and the act of quiet contemplation while soaking up the rays.
The diverse settings of the beaches are legendary.
Newport Beach
and
Balboa Island
are reminiscent of Cape Cod on the New England Coast, where families can rent clapboard cottages and visit ecological reserves, harbors and coves or rent beach chairs and umbrellas, boogie boards, rollerblades and bicycles. The kids will beg to take the Balboa Auto Ferry to the Balboa Fun Zone where they can ride bumper cars and a Ferris wheel, or choose from other fun activities. Rent a sailboat or paddleboat, take a harbor cruise, or stroll out onto the 919-foot-long Balboa Pier for a little fishing.
In
Newport Beach
early risers will be treated to the opportunity to purchase the fresh catch of the day from the fishermen of the Dory Fishing Fleet. Explore the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, a 700-acre wildlife and migratory sanctuary. View sea urchins, starfish and octopus up close in the tide pools of the Corona del Mar Marine Life Refuge.
If surfing is your passion, head on over to Surf City USA in
Huntington Beach
to catch a wave and tour the International Surfing Museum, stuffed with old surfboards, photographs and surfing memorabilia.
Stroll through the idyllic seaside village of
Laguna Beach
heralded as the jewel of Southern California beach cities. Here you’ll find restaurants, shops and art galleries, as well as the long-running Sawdust Festival which features 2000 artists and craftsman from around the country. The private coves beckon kids to play with the gentle waves.
In addition to world-class resorts, one will find tide pools, whale watching, the Ocean Institute and a charming harbor at
Dana Point.
If it's quiet you seek, head south to San Clemente, a seaside town perched high above the Pacific.
BBQ pits, playgrounds, picnic areas, snack bars, and volleyball courts can all be found at Huntington Beach, Aliso Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach and Capistrano Beach.
FUN DINING
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Step back in time as a noble Lord or Lady and be a spectator to costumed knights competing in tournament games on horseback, sword fights and authentic jousting tournament. Included is a four-course meal including roasted chicken and BBQ spare ribs.
MUSEUMS/HISTORIC SITES
Discovery Science Center
Experience the lift of a wind tunnel, the shake of an earthquake in Quake Zone, or the secrets of movie making in Behind the Screen-Science of Movie Magic. You’ll walk through eight different themed areas, so allow about three to four hours.
The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
Enter the Lincoln Sitting Room or the President’s Private Study, get up close to President Nixon’s Presidential Limousine and a full-size Apollo space suit, walk through the magnificent gardens, and tour the turn-of-the-century farmhouse where President Nixon was born. You’ll also have the opportunity to walk through the library’s largest exhibit, The Watergate Library, where you can hear portions of the “smoking gun” conversation from June 23, 1972 where President Nixon is first given John Dean’s idea for covering up Watergate. See a replica of the White House’s East Room, the “nation’s parlor” where First Families have hosted dazzling galas to entertain world leaders and American icons.
Crystal Cathedral
Resembling a four-pointed star made up of 10,000 panes of glass, this structure has been acclaimed the most spectacular religious edifice in the world. The cathedral and Memorial Gardens are open to the public.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Founded more than 200 years ago, the mission is the birthplace of Orange County. If you’ve ever read of the Return of the Swallows, that event takes place at this mission in March. Walk the well-worn paths, listen to the tolling of the bells, or just wander through the ten lush acres of fountains and flowers.
Ocean Institute
Ever wonder what it would have been like to sail the seas in a tall ship back in the late 1700s? You can cast off with a professional crew for a three-hour voyage or an overnight adventure to Catalina Island in a full-size replica of a Baltimore clipper schooner. Experience being in the midst of a cannon battle at sea aboard a tall ship during the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, or just sit back and watch the parade of tall ships entering the harbor as they fend off cannon blasts of renegade vessels.
SHOPPING
The
Block at Orange
offers fun entertainment for the whole family. Active youngsters will enjoy the combi-bowl and huge half pipe at Vans Skatepark, Mom will love shopping at OFF 5th--Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet and the whole family will enjoy delicious appetizer-sized portions at Café TuTu Tango. Feeling lucky? Try your hand at
Lucky Strikes
upscale bowling lounge.
In sharp contrast is
Old Towne Orange,
claiming to be the antique capitol of California. Here Mom will find several opportunities to introduce the family to the charms and traditions of High Tea, Dad will enjoy browsing through the architectural wonders of vintage hardware, and junior will get a kick out of the vintage jukeboxes.
Browse ethnic boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops at the
Asian Garden Mall,
dubbed Little Saigon. This is also the home of Orange County’s largest jewelry center. Westminster
Many other shopping experiences await you and you can pre-browse the options at the
Anaheim and Orange County website.
COOL OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
During
Pageant of the Masters,
artists re-create famous paintings by holding their pose for several minutes amid a backdrop of props and live orchestral music. Buy your tickets ahead to this event, as it sells out early. July-August, Laguna Canyon (949) 494-1145
Annual Orange County Fair,
July -Aug at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa Headline entertainment, authentic livestock shows, a carnival and many other fun activities await you at the fair. 714-708-FAIR
Live musical acts can be enjoyed while dining under the stars in the tranquil courtyard of the Mission San Juan Capistrano during
Music Under the Stars.
July - August (949) 234-1333
An
International Street Fair
where you can sample a variety of international cuisine, enjoy folk dancing, music and over 100 craft booths. September (714) 532-6260
Watch the ships approach the harbor at nightfall and choose your favorite to sail during the
Toshiba Tall Ships Festival.
September, Dana Point Shuttles are available from various locations. 949) 426-2274
Try a variety of gourmet foods from local restaurants and chefs, wines and brews at a
Taste of Newport,
September, Newport Beach. Live musical entertainment and hands-on activities offer fun entertainment. (949) 729-4400
Entertainment Under the Stars
offers everything from magic shows to a colorful circus with trapeze artists and acrobats. Different events run throughout the summer. Pearson Park Amphitheatre, Anaheim (714) 765- 5274
The
Summer Concert Series
offers a variety of musical entertainment to enjoy during the beautiful Southern California summer, Wednesday nights July - August. (949) 721-2000
AWESOME ADVENTURES
A hot air balloon or bi-plane adventures
over Temecula wine country or the Del Mar coastal valley include traditional champagne celebration with continental breakfast, official flight certificate and photo. (800) 373-3359
Be a fighter pilot for a day
and fly the SIAI Marchetti aircraft, no license or experience necessary. You’ll team up with an instructor to out-maneuver, out-gun and out-smart the opponent through G-pulling dogfights. (714) 522-7590
Be a grand prix driver for a day
by taking part in one of the latest sports rages of Europe—Dromo 1 (D1). You’ll race against your friends or other drivers in 12-minute heats on this 1,000 foot indoor course. Drivers must be at least 60” tall. (714) 774-4779 x105
Ride in a luxury gondola
in the Newport Harbor. (949) 650-2412
UNIQUE SPECTATOR SPORTS
Major League Baseball’s 2002 World Champion Anaheim Angels
play April through September in the 44,050-seat stadium at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. (714) 634-2000)
Old Glory Boat Parade
July 4, Newport Beach. This unique parade features decorated boats in Newport Harbor.
U.S. Open of Surfing & Beach Games
Summer, Huntington Beach. Watch international world-class athletes as they compete in surfing, skateboarding, in-line skating and BMX biking competitions.
Annual Sand Castle & Sand Sculpture Contest September, Corona Del Mar State Beach. This unique contest is open to adults and children, amateurs and professionals.
TRAVEL DEALS
If you plan to visit Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Universal, SeaWorld, and the San Diego Zoo, you may want to purchase a
Southern California City Pass,
which will save you 30% off the box office price of these attractions.
