Things to do in Orange county
Orange county Things to do on weekends -
Orange County is a county in Southern California, United States. The Golden Coast of California with over 42 miles of coastline with spectacular views. Orange County is home to some of the worlds most popular attractions. As the county is home to such attractions as DisneyLand (The Disney Resort and California Adventure), San Juan Capistrano known as "The Jewel of the Missions" and Knott's Berry Farm, as well as sandy beaches for swimming, surfing, yacht harbors for sailing and pleasure boating, and extensive area devoted to parks and open space parks for golf, tennis, hiking, kayaking, cycling, skateboarding, and other outdoor recreation.
The Mission San Juan Capistrano is also the location for The Great Stone Church, a cathedral ruin that has been named one of the world's 100 most endangered Sites. Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago as the 7th of 21 missions statewide, and one with a chapel still standing where Fr. Serra once celebrated Mass. Today it is a monument to California's multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. Originally built as a self sufficient community by Spanish Padres and Indians, the Mission was a center for agriculture, industry, education and religion.
Almost in the shadow of Disneyland is Edison Field formally called "The Big A" where the California Angels have been thrilling baseball fans since 1966. Also nearby is Honda center, previously known as Arrowhead pond, is an indoor arena in Anaheim, California. The arena is home to the NHL's Anaheim Ducks and was home of the former NLL’s Anaheim Storm. Nearby in Orange City is a shopping, dining and entertainment place classed “The BLock”.
A favorite destination set on the famous South Coast in Orange County is Laguna Beach a the destination for art lovers who visit each summer to attend The Sawdust Festival, Pageant of the Masters, Festival of the Arts and Art-A-Fair.
To the North of Orange County is Huntington Beach or 'Surf City' as it is known hosts a number of major surfing competitions including the US Open. Huntington Harbor, Newport Harbor and Dana Point Harbor light up winter nights with festive boat parades.
Just South of Anaheim in Orange County is the Crystal Cathedral, a 12 story glass and steel wonder, known for it's Easter and Christmas festivities. In nearby Costa Mesa just east of Newport Beach is South Coast Plaza a center for shopping and dining. In Irvine which can be called a tech hub or Orange County is a open area shopping and dining center “Irvine Spectrum”. Similar to Irvine Spectrum in Newport beach we have “Fashion Island”.
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Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
1801 E. Chestnut Ave.,
Santa Ana, CA 92701.
714/835-7484
Today the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a public zoological garden occupying a unique urban site in the heart of Orange County. Situated on approximately 20 acres, it hosts more than 270,000 people annually.
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Discovery Science Center
2500 Main St.,
Santa Ana, CA 92705.
714/542-CUBE
Discovery Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs.
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Ocean Institute
Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point
Phone: 949-496-2274
The public can join their scientists aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for an in-depth study of whales, dolphins and sea lions using customized state-of-the-art equipment including plankton nets, grab samplers, video microscopes and the dolphin-cam! Free Marine Mammal Lecture Series 2002 will run January through March.
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Wild Rivers Waterpark
8770 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 768-WILD
The perfect place to have a full day of fun cooling off from the summer heat. Only 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and just yards away from the 405 freeway where the 5 meets the 405 in Irvine. Cool off in any of their over 40 rides and attractions. Enjoy rides designed for all ages from toddlers to adults.
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Crystal Cathedral
13280 Chapman Ave.,
Garden Grove, CA 92840
714/971-4069, fax: 714/750-3836
The Hour of Power from the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California
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Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92862
Phone: (714)633-2022
The Orange County Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Park. The park is located within the city limits of the City of Orange. The zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park. The zoo specializes in the animals and plants from the southwestern United States.
Located within Irvine Regional Park
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Zoomars Petting Zoo & Bird Park
31791 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949/831-6550
ZOOMARS is home to hundreds of friendly animals to feed, pet, love and learn from. There are goats, emus, llamas, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, geese, ducks, guinea pigs and a bunny patch. After petting the animals, youngsters can saddle up for a pony ride or hop aboard the miniature train. At the front of the property is the century-old Olivares House, listed on the National Registry. Behind it sits an 1890�s bathhouse and picnic area available for birthday parties or family gatherings.
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Newport Landing Whale Watching-Newport Beach/Newport Harbor
December - April
Newport Landing offers California Gray Whale watching cruises twice daily Monday thru Friday and three trips total on Saturdays and Sundays. Since the Gray Whale can be readily found within a few miles off the coast, a simple cruise of a few hours lets thousands of people view not only the whales in their natural habitat, but also many species of resident marine animals, such as common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Sea Lions, Marine Birds and occassionaly Killer Whales and Sharks.
Sightings are Guaranteed: You will get a free trip if we do not see whales or dolphin!
309 Palm - Suite A
Balboa CA
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OC WildLife & Beach Tour
Come see the hidden treasures in Orange County� A 4-hour land tour through paradise! See the beauty of Southern California Beaches, see seals & sea lions up close, explore the sea life in the tide pools, or experience a nature preserve where you can see thousands of migrating birds. Learn about the importance of wildlife & conservation. See the quaint town of Laguna Beach with its fabulous restaurants and shops. Tour in a luxury mini coach or passenger van.
Phone: 949-500-6981
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Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whalewatching
- Dana Point Harbor
Offering the best in Sportfishing and Whale Watching. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites you to discover all they have to offer. Ideally located in the heart of Orange County minutes from the five freeway in Dana Point Harbor. Mutiple yachts, schooners, sailboats to choose from.Special Event Cruises
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Atlantis Hummer Tours
Off-Road Hummer Tours & Sightseeing Tours in a Hummer H2. Door to door service. Serving all of Orange County. Drinks, snacks and sourvenir photo included. Their Orange County Beach Tours include Fashion Island, Newport Back Bay and Balboa Island.
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Anaheim Museum
241 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, California 92805
(714) 778-3301
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The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art and Bowers Kidseum
2002 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 567-3600
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Casa Romantica
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 498-2139
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Centennial Heritage Museum
3101 West Harvard Street
Santa Ana, CA
(714) 540-0404
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Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-8971
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Orange County Center for Contemporary Art
117 North Sycamore
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.667.1517
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Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
8001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 993-5075
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Susanna Bixby Bryant Ranch House and Museum
5700 Susanna Bryant Drive
Yorba Linda, CA
714-694-0235
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Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.,
Buena Park, CA 90620
714/220-5200 (general info.)
The "Friendliest Place In The West"! home to rides, shows and attractions
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Disney's California Adventure
313 Harbor Blvd.,
Anaheim, CA 92803-3232
714/781-4565, fax: 714/781-1341
"Where Disney Meets California Fun"
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Disneyland
1313 Harbor Blvd.,
Anaheim, CA 92803-3232
714/781-4565, fax: 714/781-1341
Walt's original Theme Park continues to reign as "The Happiest Place on Earth" and home to almost five decades of Disney wonder and magic. Greet old friends like Mickey and Minnie. Make new friends, too.
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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 21:34 | weekendtrip
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The ultimate Guide for weekend Destinations
