Imaginations turn, twist and fly through 120 exciting hands-on exhibits at Discovery Cube Orange County. The park, which was formerly called the Discovery Science Center, is located in Santa Ana and has been inspiring kids of all ages for years. Experience science in the museum's themed areas, which include Quake Zone, Techno Arts, Discovery Stadium, Perception, Dynamic Earth, Air & Space, Kids Station and Dino Quest. Kids and adults alike are given a chance to lie on a bed of needles, run with dinosaurs, and dive to the depths of the ocean, all in one building! The establishment also hosts educational programs throughout the year.
This place recalls the days when a Saturday night date meant a trip to the local amusement park, complete with a ride on the Ferris wheel and a few games of skill where a boy could win a teddy bear for his sweetheart. It opened in 1936 and has remained a Newport Beach institution to this day. It's not that big, so don't count on a full day of activity, but it is a nice place to spend a couple of hours. Nights are especially festive here, so bring the family, a group of friends, or a special someone. There is no entrance fee, but each ride requires tickets.
Located in the historic Anaheim Colony, the district includes three principal areas, the Packard Building, Farmers Park and the original Packing House. The Packard Building houses the popular Umami Burger and Anaheim Brewery while the Packing House hosts a myriad of restaurants. The food selection is mind-boggling, from Quiche Lorraine at Pandor to Banh Mi at Saw Leaf. Farmers Park is where the market opens on weekends and oftentimes, you will see live music as well. Overall, the Anaheim Packing District is one of the most entertaining spots in a town that is mostly known for Mickey Mouse.
Crystal Cove State Park spans 3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers) of beach and over 2000 acres (809.37 hectares) of wilderness. Visitors to the park can relax on the beach, hike or go horseback riding on the many trails that criss-cross the verdant landscape. Explore tide pools and hidden coves as well as canyon flora and fauna. Finally, the crystal clear waters have been designated as an underwater park and are great for scuba diving, skin diving, and underwater photography, thus covering all aspects of outdoor exploration.
Irvine Regional Park is the perfect place to spend an idyllic day outdoors with friends and family. Santiago Creek meanders through the park, passing shaded hillsides dotted with picnickers, the Orange County Zoo, and group sites that accommodate all sorts of celebrations. The 495-acre (200 hectares) park features built-in barbecue spots, restroom facilities, and a biking and walking path that cuts through the park and shows off its best features. Equestrian enthusiasts can take their horses for a jaunt along the designated equestrian trail and past a beautiful lake. The park also boasts the Irvine Park Railroad, which takes visitors of all ages on a 10-minute ride to an oak grove and past several lakes.
Orange County Zoo is a tremendously family-friendly attraction located in Irvine Regional Park. Prominent for boasting an impressive selection of animals, the zoo has a majority hailing from the southwestern United States. Here, visitors can marvel at the black bears, be awed by the turkey vultures, and be able to interact with the barnyard animals, including sheep and domestic goats. The zoo concept originated in 1905 when Red Foxes were added to Irvine Park. Then, by 1920, an animal collection started, steadily expanding until the official opening of the modern zoo in 1985. Thus, visit this attraction to learn more about the fascinating creatures in a fun-filled environment.
A seaside city in Orange County, California, Huntington Beach is known for its fabulous beaches and warm, coastal climate. Best visited in summer, the city comes to life with several events which draw in hordes of visitors from across the country. One of the most popular surfing destinations in the country, the city plays host to some of the biggest surfing events, including the U.S. Open of Surfing and World Surfing Championship. Apart from its beaches and water sports, it is also home to the famous Huntington Central Park and the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, which are great sites for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bommer Canyon is a preservation zone that is home to numerous endangered animal and plant species. It is situated within the Irvine Ranch, a National Natural Landmark. Trails wind through the canyon, catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts alike. This preserve also has spaces for hosting wedding receptions and other events. The area is also home to historic landmarks, including old cattle ranch structures, providing a glimpse into the region's ranching history. Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature walk, a challenging hike, or a place to observe local flora and fauna, Bommer Canyon offers a delightful retreat for people of all ages.
Crystal Cove State Park spans 3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers) of beach and over 2000 acres (809.37 hectares) of wilderness. Visitors to the park can relax on the beach, hike or go horseback riding on the many trails that criss-cross the verdant landscape. Explore tide pools and hidden coves as well as canyon flora and fauna. Finally, the crystal clear waters have been designated as an underwater park and are great for scuba diving, skin diving, and underwater photography, thus covering all aspects of outdoor exploration.
Irvine Regional Park is the perfect place to spend an idyllic day outdoors with friends and family. Santiago Creek meanders through the park, passing shaded hillsides dotted with picnickers, the Orange County Zoo, and group sites that accommodate all sorts of celebrations. The 495-acre (200 hectares) park features built-in barbecue spots, restroom facilities, and a biking and walking path that cuts through the park and shows off its best features. Equestrian enthusiasts can take their horses for a jaunt along the designated equestrian trail and past a beautiful lake. The park also boasts the Irvine Park Railroad, which takes visitors of all ages on a 10-minute ride to an oak grove and past several lakes.
Peters Canyon Regional Park offers visitors a variety of recreational activities that are sure to delight the whole family. Wander the Lake View trail and take in idyllic views of the Upper Peters Canyon Reservoir while looking out for resident waterfowl. Stroll under the shade of the willows and rare black cottonwoods that grow along a creek that can be seen from the enjoyable Peters Canyon Creek Nature Trail. If mountain biking is more your speed, the park offers several trail options that are sure to excite. While hiking or biking, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, which includes mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes and bobcats, among other species.
Set in the Downtown core, Long Beach Waterfront is something not to be missed. This area overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles River, is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Dotted with restaurants, hotels, shops and a world-class marina, there is a lot you can do here. Some of the interesting sights are the ShoreLine Aquatic Park, Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, Marina Green Park, Bixby Passageway Tunnel Mural and Long Beach Museum of Art. Embark on scenic cruises from the Waterfront by hiring boats as well.