Explore the Old Towne Orange Historic District and step into yesteryear. Centered around Plaza Park, this district features several historical buildings and holds the prestigious status of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll through the one-square-mile district to witness diverse architecture, including Victorian and Spanish Revival buildings. Recognized as a premier shopping destination, the district boasts numerous art galleries, boutiques, and antique stores near the plaza. It is interesting to note that Old Towne is also the largest National Register District in California.
Disney's magic kingdom, Disneyland Park in Anaheim is the original theme park. A labor of love designed by Walt Disney himself, it is the only one of the franchises to have been built directly under his utmost care. Since its grand opening in 1955, this theme park has become renowned as a place where dreams come true, where ogres, dragons, and wizards roam, and where dazzling visions of the future get realized. Due to substantial growth and development throughout the years, this whimsical wonderland now includes eight playfully themed lands like Critter Country and Mickey's Toontown. Here, fairytale princesses and Mickey Mouse greet visitors of every age and welcome them into a world of thrilling experiences where magical lands come to life and where imagination knows no bounds.
This beautiful park is more than a mile long and rests on 175 lush acres of land. With more than 400 picnic tables, this park is ideal for a family outing. There are four lakes with connecting streams for fishing and sailing model boats. There are plenty of pedestrian and biking trails for the more active visitors. For children, there are many sets of play equipment like slides and jungle gyms. This place opens daily at 7 am.
Irvine Park Railroad is located in beautiful Irvine Regional Park. The one-third-scale train takes visitors on a scenic, 12-minute ride through the 495-acre (200-hectare) park. Other park attractions include pony rides, the Orange County Zoo, walking trails, horseback riding, snack bars, and more. You can rent paddle boats, bikes, and horseshoe and volleyball sets. Annual Irvine Park Railroad events include the Pumpkin Patch, Christmas Train, Easter Eggstravaganza, Santa’s Village, and Anniversary Celebration. School field trips are available. You can also reserve space for private parties.
This Disney theme park is your one-stop shop for everything in California! Tour Hollywood back lots, the Sierra High, the San Francisco Bay Area, and a contemporary re-imagining of the party-pier amusement parks of 1940s Santa Monica - all without ever leaving the convenience of a single city block in downtown Anaheim. You can also pay a visit to Radiator Springs at Cars Land, the themed land dedicated to the hit movie Cars. Thrill rides here go above and beyond the kiddie fare at neighboring Disneyland, and the concession stands offer beer, wine and margaritas. The "oceanfront" bandstand plays host to classic California mainstays like the Beach Boys and Kool & The Gang, solidifying the location's reputation as a theme park destination truly fun for the whole family.
Tucked away in a spot by the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, the 1000 Steps Beach takes some effort to get to. Once there, the beach rewards you with more than just stellar views. Its somewhat hidden location in busy southern California is a blessing, leaving the beach and its pristine stretch practically to yourself. Sandstone cliffs bookend the beach's golden sands, even as you watch the shore-break waves crash in resoundingly. The beach offers plenty of activities such as kayaking, paddle-boarding and kayaking. Prepare yourself for a steep ascent on your way back.