Where Is Orange County In California?
Orange County hugs the coast in Southern California, located south of Los Angeles County, north of San Diego County, and west of Riverside County. It has its own airport, Orange County Airport (SNA) but is also within easy reach of Los Angeles International Airport and Long Beach Airport. Some of the major freeways that enter the county are the 5 and 405, both running north/south and the 91 freeway going east/west. You can also reach Orange County by sea with marinas and small-boat ports at Newport Beach and Dana Point.
Where To Go In Orange County
Locales and visitors typically divide Orange County into three sections for purposes of knowing where to go. Northern Orange County is known for its theme parks and has the best tourist infrastructure in the county. Central Orange County includes the oldest and more densely populated sections of the county and is a haven for those looking for Victorian architecture as well as ethnic enclaves for Latinos and Vietnamese. Southern Orange County boasts relatively undeveloped areas with newer subdivisions and high-tech industries. A less formal destination is Coastal Orange County, which stretches from north to south and covers beach areas and those who enjoy water recreation such as surfing, sailing, and swimming.
What Is Orange County?
The third most populous county in California, Orange County also stands out as the sixth most populous in the United States with a population of over 3 million, according to the 2010 US Census. Blessed by year-round fair weather, the county impresses with strong tourism, high-tech industries, and shopping. The county gets its name from oranges, which is once produced. Although numerous native American groups, Luiseño, Juaneño, and Tongva, once dominated the area, it was settled as early as 1776 by Europeans when Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded.
How Many Cities Are In Orange County Ca?
Orange County contains 34 incorporated cities. Santa Ana is the county seat. However, Anaheim, which was incorporated in 1870, contains the biggest population. Huntington Beach is known for its surfing and Laguna Beach has a strong arts community. Most of the population lives in Central and Northern Orange County, and cities like Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, and Huntington Beach have traditional downtowns.
What To Do In Orange County Ca
No visit to Orange County is complete without a trip to its many beaches for sunbathing and hanging ten. Each coastal community has its own vibe. If you’re into surfing, Huntington Beach offers the best waves for pros but also teaches beginners at surf schools. Art lovers can spend time browsing the many galleries in Laguna Beach while those seeking uncrowded family-friendly shores can head for Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.
Culture vultures can find plenty to ingest at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, which contains an opera house, concert hall, and two theaters. It lies across Bristol Street from South Coast Plaza, the largest mall on the West Coast. This mecca for shoppers features over 250 stores and 30 restaurants.
What To See In Orange County
Arguably the county’s most popular sight is the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, which entices with two theme parks: the original Disneyland and the distinctive California Adventure. If you want to see some spectacular roller coasters, head for Knott’s Berry Farm. If history is high on your list of things to see, make your way to the Bower’s Museum in Santa Ana, which presents early life in Orange County while showcasing other cultures, such as Chinese and Mesoamerican. For spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, try Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. Inland vistas of up to 40 miles are possible from the big orange balloon that rises 400 feet over the Great Park in Irvine. That city also hosts the 108-foot-tall Giant Wheel at the Irvine Spectrum shopping center for more bird’s-eye views.
What County Is Orange Ca In?
The city of Orange straddles the border between Northern and Southern Orange County and lies on the junction of the 5, 57, and 22 freeways. The 55 freeway crosses its western edge. The city is known for its Circle, which is a plaza that sports an antique fountain and is surrounded by Victorian-era shop buildings. The city hosts a popular and jam-packed street fair during the Labor Day weekends.
Where To Go In Orange County Ca
Try the Santa Ana River trail, if you want to engage in outdoor activity such as biking or hiking. For a night out on the town, downtown Fullerton delights with plenty or restaurants and bars. Make time to visit Yorba Linda so you can learn all about the life and times of the 37th president at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.
Where To Eat In Orange County Ca
Pockets of Mexican cuisine exist all across the county with one of the best belonging to the family-run El Farolito in Placentia. You can get your fill of Oaxacan-style mole at El Fortin in Fullerton. For Vietnamese food, head for their largest community in Garden Grove and look for Pho Lu. For modern fusion dishes such as Pork Belly Burrito, try the eateries at 4th Street Market in Santa Ana where Dos Chinos mixes Vietnamese and Mexican Grub. After your meal, go to Rich Farm in Placentia to savor their house-made ice cream. If you want a view with your American meal, climb the hill to Orange County Mining Company, perched on the hills of Orange.