Orange County Area Attractions
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The surroundings of Los Angeles are contained in the Orange County area of California.
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Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, Silverado, California
The Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary is located south of Silverado and is a bird watcher's paradise! A variety of birds gather at the bird feeders allowing for close up viewing - visitors won't want to miss the abundant hummingbirds. The natural history museum has preserved specimens of the wildlife that currently inhabit the surrounding area, such as cougars, bobcats, squirrels, eagles, owls and a giant grizzly bear. The hands-on Children's Garden attracts butterflies at certain times of the year.
Costa Mesa, California
Orange CountyLocation and importanceCosta Mesa forms part of the chain of middle-sized towns which lie one after the other southeast of Los Angeles on both sides of the U.S. 405, the so-called San Diego Freeway. Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana and Newport Beach run almost imperceptibly one into the other. Costa Mesa takes precedent over the other towns in Orange County because of its commitment to culture.
South Coast Repertory Company
Costa Mesa is notable in the theatrical sphere. The South Coast Repertory Company, quite close to the Cultural Center, is one of the best theaters in California. In its two auditorium, main stage (seating 500) and second stage (seating 160), five to six premieres are presented every year (season tickets are obtainable). Californian authors are often asked to speak here.
Orange County Performing Art Center
In 1986 the Orange County Performing Arts Center was first set up, where the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the New York City Opera Company are regular guests, as well as numerous other orchestras and soloists. Rock concerts are no rarity here either.
Orange County Fair Grounds
In Costa Mesa, are the Orange County Fair Grounds, where in July each year the Orange County Fair which is worth a visit is found. Within the Fair Grounds stands the Pacific-Amphitheater where open-air performances are held all the year round.
Orange County Museum of Art South Coast Gallery
The Orange County Museum of Art South Coast Plaza Gallery in Costa Mesa is associated with the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach.
Stanton, California
Stanton (pop. 30,491) is located southwest of Anaheim. Stanton can trace its origins to one of the largest land grants made in California - a concession which covered over 300,000 acres of land. Manuel Perez Nieto, the successful petitioner, found his grant reduced approximately one-half following a protest by the padres of Mission San Gabriel.
Hobby City and Adventure City
Hobby City and Adventure City in Stanton is a great place for the little ones with 15 rides to thrill the kids. There is a petting farm, children's theater, miniature airport, ferris wheel, roller coaster and a 1946 carousel.
Orange, California
Orange is a university town located 22mi/35km east of Long Beach. The Block is an open-air promenade offering shopping, dining, and entertainment. Orange is also home to Irvine Park, which features the Orange County Zoo, nature center, mini railroad, pedal boats, and several miles of hiking trails.
Irvine Park Railroad
The Irvine Park Railroad in Orange is a one-third scale train located in Irvine Regional Park. The engine is a model of an 1863 Huntington steam engine. The railroad sits on 477 acres and the one mile train ride, narrated by an engineer, gives visitors a sight of a number of interesting displays.
Heritage Hill Historical Park, El Toro, California
There are four historic buildings at the Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest. Restored buildings reflect Orange County's history, such as the 1863 Serrano Adobe and St. George's Episcopal Mission.
Children's Museum, La Habra, California
The Children's Museum at La Habra offers a creative, hands-on environment for children: carousel, model trains, a nature walk, mini-market, science gallery, bee observatory and train caboose.
Yorba Linda, California
Yorba Linda (pop. 52,422) is located east of Fullerton. It is the birth and burial place of Richard M. Nixon, the 37th president of the United States. The Nixon Library is also located here.
Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace
The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace is set on nine acres in Yorba Linda. The birthplace of the 37th President features the First Lady's Garden, the President's 1910 birthplace and his private study.
Dana Point, California
Dana Point is located near Capistrano. It boasts a modern marina where whale-watching cruises depart late November through March.
Orange County Ocean Institute
The Orange County Ocean Institute in Dana Point has exhibits of sea creatures, lab activities, and visitors can enjoy Octopus and Jellyfish feedings. It is located at the west basin of the marina at the end of Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Dana Point Marina
The Dana Point Marina is a natural cove with a capacity of 3,000 boats. There are sandy beaches and excellent shopping and dining.
Salt Creek Beach Park
The Salt Creek Beach Park is located just below the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dana Point. It offers miles of sandy beach and excellent surfing.
Fullerton, California
Fullerton (pop. 114,144) is located 17mi/27km northeast of Long Beach. The city is an industrial center with oil, paper and manufacturing.
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center was the home of Walter and Adella Muckenthaler, built in 1924. The 18-room mansion was designed by architect Frank Benchley. The Italian Renaissance-style structure is reminiscent of buildings constructed for San Diego's 1915 Exposition in Balboa Park. The galleries feature fine art exhibitions.
Fullerton Arboretum
The Fullerton Arboretum is located on a 26 acre site with paths and pools. Heritage House was built in 1894 as the home and office of Fullerton's pioneer physician, Dr. George C. Clark. It now serves as a museum of family life and medical practice of the 1890s.
Garden Grove, California
Garden Grove (pop. 143,050) is located south of Anaheim. There are citrus groves in the area.
Crystal Cathedral
The Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove is the home of the televangelist Robert Schuller and his Hour of Power television show. The Crystal Cathedral seats 3,000 and features a 236 foot mirrored steeple.The 32 acre campus has fountains, pools and mosaics in a garden setting. The Memorial Gardens is a cemetery for people from all faiths, and from all over the world.
Historical Society at Stanley Ranch Museum
The Stanley Ranch Museum is owned and operated by the Garden Grove Historical Society. Located in a two acre park the museum features the Ware Stanley House built in 1892. A number of historic buildings have been moved to the grounds.
Irvine, California
A former land grant, Irvine (pop. 110,330) is located southeast of Santa Ana. It is the site of the University of California, Irvine.
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (formerly Irvine Meadows Amphitheater)
In the grounds of the former Lion County Safari Park, you will find the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in which concerts are held from June to the end of September on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The amphitheater holds 10,174 people.The lawn holds 5,911 spectators.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Set on 3,200 acres the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Irvine offers hiking, mountain bicycling, trail running, and horseback riding. Regularly scheduled guided tours are available.
Boomers! Irvine (formerly Palace Park)
Boomers! Irvine is an amusement park for families. Bumper boats, batting cages, laser tag, rock wall and miniature golf are some of the activities available.
Irvine Museum
The Irvine Museum was opened in 1993 and is dedicated to displaying the work of California artists from the Impressionist period (1890-1930).
Wild Rivers Waterpark
Wild Rivers Waterpark has over 40 water rides. There are water slides, wading pools, children's play areas, and two wave pools.
San Clemente, California
San Clemente, located southeast of Los Angeles, is also known as "Spanish Village by the Sea." The town is famous as the vacation home of the late Richard Nixon.
San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente State Beach is located three miles south of San Clemente offering good surfing, swimming and skin diving opportunities. Visitors can also hike along the trails on the bluffs or enjoy the picnic areas.
Cabrillo Playhouse
Housed in a red tile, white stucco 1920s building - the Cabrillo Playhouse features live productions in this 66-seat theatre.
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