Overview
What makes Orange County, California, is its beaches – 42 miles of them to be exact. Anaheim neighbors its six beach cities, made famous by pop culture. Seal Beach, San Clemente, Laguna Beach – they all have stunning seaside views, faded ice cream stands and romantic appeal. Wear your flip-flops to sidewalk cafés, try surf lessons, take seasonal whale watching trips, bodysurf, fish from long wooden piers and shop at quaint gift shops. Look up local events such as the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the Festival of Whales and an annual sand castle contest. When you visit the OC, beach towels and sunscreen are required packing.
Make sure you pack a smile, too, because Anaheim is the location of “The Happiest Place on Earth.” The original Disneyland® Park is an enchanted kingdom of eight themed lands and more than 60 adventures and attractions, including the new Iron Man 3. Next door, visit Disney California Adventure® Park featuring Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, a bug’s land, the Radiator Springs Racers ride, the Mat T Party nighttime celebration, the World of Color nighttime show and Toy Story Mania. All ages will enjoy learning and experiencing the thrills of movie making, a California pastime, at Universal Studios® Hollywood. Steven Spielberg helped build its set street expansion – the largest in Hollywood history. Last but not least is “America’s 1st Theme Park,” Knott's Berry Farm® Theme Park. What began in the 1920s and gave birth to the looping roller coaster is now a 160-acre adventure park. Favorites include the Coast Rider, Surfside Gliders and Pacific Scrambler, and dinner must be eaten at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
Don’t overlook Anaheim culture either. Its streets will lead you to contemporary art museums, science museums, ethnic neighborhoods, street vendors, Broadway productions and ballet performances. Whether you’re at the beach or downtown, delicious local restaurants abound. Try waffle sandwiches at Bruxie, sophisticated Mexican dishes at Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen or American regional cuisine with a side of country music at THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon. Top your trip off with talented dinner theater performances, trendy wine bars, popular comedians and world-class concerts, and you’ll have stories to share when you return home.