Anaheim

Covering 50 square miles, Anaheim is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is home to more than 341,000 residents (one of California's most populous cities). This vibrant metropolis attracts approximately 20 million visitors (40 million in all of Orange County) each year.

 

On most days, soft light streams through the palm trees lining Center Street Promenade in the re-energized historic district of Anaheim. Today, it's the new shops that have recently opened that have dramatically changed the vibe of this up-and-coming trendy district. Center Street Promenade, located in the heart of Downtown Anaheim, is surrounded by newly built lofts, the historic Carnegie Library, MUZEO Museum, the Gehry-designed Anaheim ice rink and the historic neighborhoods of the Colony District. New, distinctive shops are giving this section of town a nostalgic look and feel with a trendsetting twist.

 

Two blocks away at the nearby Anaheim Packing District, historic buildings have been remodeled and repurposed to create a new, communal gathering place for residents and visitors alike, adding to the retro resurgence of Downtown Anaheim. The Anaheim Packing District includes the restored Packard Car Showroom (now the gourmet eatery, Umami Burger), and the Anaheim Brewery. Located adjacent to the Anaheim Packing District is the Packing House, slated for completion in early 2013. Once completed, the Packing House will be an outdoor marketplace, filled with unique dining and shopping options.

Huntington Beach – Main Street

Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA®, is the city that defines Orange County's surf culture.  Only thirty minutes from Anaheim, Huntington Beach is the nexus of what became the surf movement to the rest of the world. Godfathers of the surf cultural such as Dick Dale, pioneer of surf music, Bruce Brown, producer for the movie “Endless Summer,” Jon Van Hamersveld, artist for the iconic “Endless Summer” poster, Corky Carroll, first paid surfer and the original surfing wild child, all got their start in Orange County. These surfing legends legitimized the sport and its laid-back lifestyle and inspired the boom of the surfing industry, including a plethora of OC-based surf companies such as Quiksilver, Rusty, Billabong, USA, Hurley International, Volcom and Pacific Sunwear.  Huntington Beach is where the “Woodie” car, bikinis, surf literature and even surf language was first popularized.

 

Huntington Beach is the ideal surf culture with eight and a half miles of pristine sandy beaches, casual restaurants and shops on Main Street where pretentiousness takes a back seat to mellow and cool.

 

In Huntington Beach you can surf California's most epic waves, light up a beachside fire ring, build sandcastles, or just feel the sand between your toes on the West Coast's longest stretch of clean, uninterrupted beachfront. Every year in the summer, large crowds gather to watch the U.S Open of Surfing, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball, and other sporting events near the picturesque Huntington Beach Pier. The city also boasts legendary landmarks such as the Surfing Walk of Fame, Hall of Fame and the International Surf Museum.

 

Boasting a comfortable climate throughout the year with mild temperatures, visitors can take part in the many outdoor activities such as biking, inline skating, jogging, and walking trail along the ocean. Even bird watching becomes a sport here in Huntington Beach. Bolsa Chica Wetlands is a vital migratory bird refuge where you literally spot more than 300 species of birds on their journeys up and down the Western World.

So whether you want to catch a wave, enjoy the relaxed vibe of the beach culture, or watch the flight of a brown pelican, you can do all that and more in Huntington Beach.

Laguna Beach

Nestled between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the majestic Laguna Canyon - and only 30 minutes from Anaheim - Laguna Beach is a year-round retreat for art lovers, nature enthusiasts and beachgoers.

 

There are many ways to discover and enjoy the art and creativity of this quaint town. At the First Thursdays Art Walk, you can visit more than 40 galleries, artist receptions, demonstrations and live music venues.  The Laguna Art Museum focuses on the art of California. The Laguna Playhouse is an award-winning, critically acclaimed professional theater company offering a year-round performance. Featuring more than 145 artists and crafts people, Art-A-Fair Festival invites art lovers to browse through booths of original watercolors and oil paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass and more.

 

The arts come alive every summer in Laguna Beach at the Pageant of the Masters, a world-famous stage presentation featuring “living pictures.” Cast members are magically transformed into famous works of art with make-up, costumes and special effects lighting. The resulting three-dimensional portrait is accompanied by a full orchestra and live narration. At the Sawdust Art Festival artisans create and sell unique handcrafted pieces from a wide variety of media including recycled materials, blown glass, fused glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, textiles, painting, woodwork, metal, ceramics and much more.

 

The picturesque village of Laguna Beach has great shopping as well and is home to more than 20 parks, including Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Nix Nature Center, Willow and Laurel Canyons, James Dilley Preserve, el Moro Canyon, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and the famous Crystal Cove State Park, a spectacular 2,400 acres of open grassland and shaded canyons.

 

In addition to its world-renowned artist community and cultural scene, Laguna Beach features seven miles of soft sand and breathtaking coastline with a wealth of year-round outdoor activities from hiking and mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, swimming, snorkeling or diving.

 

Whether you want to delve into a unique arts culture or enjoy the beauty of a coastal community, Laguna Beach has what you've been waiting for.

Orange – Old Towne Orange

Ideally located in the heart of Orange County and just ten minutes from the Anaheim Resort District, Old Towne Orange conjures up the feeling of Main Street, USA with its memorabilia and specialty shops, collectible boutiques and art galleries.

 

This quaint destination is especially well known as an antique collector's dream, with more than 60 antique dealers all within walking distance.

 

The eclectic cuisine in Old Towne Orange ranges from new and trendy gastropubs to authentic Cuban dining. But any visit to downtown would not be complete without stopping into the locally famous Watson's Soda Fountain and Lunch.

 

Established in 1899, Watsons serves up delicious all-American fare. You can sidle up to the soda fountain for a malt, float or banana split or a enjoy hamburger while listening to '50s jukebox jams.

 

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen, another local favorite, mixes old world ambiance with a modern twist on classic Mexican dishes. Proprietor and chef Gabbi Patrick is dedicated to sharing new discoveries in indigenous and traditional recipes with restaurant guests.

 

After walking the roundabout, you may want to relax and enjoy the sunshine and warm breezes at the central plaza with its large fountain, benches and tall cypress trees. The surrounding historic Victorian neighborhoods encompass one square mile, offering an idyllic walk about town.

 

A few blocks north along Glassell Street and find yourself at Chapman University, whose campus greens are dotted with busts of important contributors to arts and culture, a section of the Berlin Wall, Global Citizens Plaza, and modern art pieces.

 

Come summertime, pack your picnic baskets and enjoy fantastic free entertainment for all ages at Hart Park (about one mile south of the Plaza.)

 

On Labor Day you can dance the Chicken Dance or practice your Rumba at the Orange International Street Fair, an annual three-day event featuring food, drinks, and music from over ten countries.

 

And Christmas time finds the Plaza ablaze with lights for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

 

No matter what time a year you may visit Orange, you can find the old with the new, international and the domestic mixing it together in grand style.

Santa Ana – Downtown Santa Ana

Conveniently located near the Anaheim Resort District, Santa Ana blends the innovation with the city's rich Latino history. With nearly 80 percent Latino American residents, you can find any number of restaurants throughout the city that serve cuisine from Mexico, South and Central America. The Santa Ana Arts District brings original art and music to the downtown area with its Spanish tiled staircases, broad arches and rustic brick buildings. Galleries open their doors to showcase students, as well as burgeoning and seasoned artists' latest work along the Second Street promenade of the Arts District every first Saturday.

 

In recent years, some eclectic restaurants, retailers and entertainment options have cropped up in the area now known as the East End, which was formerly known as the Fiesta Marketplace. Some of the offerings include the newly-renovated Yost Theater, which was built in 1912, making it the oldest in OC; Frida Cinema, great spot for independent film viewing and film festivals; nearby Playground restaurant, which features themed dinners in an intimate setting; Blends, a sneaker boutique shop; American Barbershop and Left of the Dial Records.

 

Just down the street from the Arts District is the Bowers Museum of Cultural Arts. From intellectually stimulating lectures to fun loving family festivals, you will learn about other cultures through their arts, traditions and customs. The Bowers Kidseum is a fun-filled space in which kids can explore the world around them in a culturally rich environment where creativity and imagination are nurtured.

 

The Discovery Science Center features more than 100 interactive exhibits designed to spark children´s natural curiosity and appreciation of science, math and technology. Lie on a Bed of Nails, play Virtual Volleyball, or experience an earthquake but don't miss annual events such as BubbleFest, Spooky Science and Science of Gingerbread.

 

Not too far away you can rock out with the animals residing within the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park for the summer concert series. Or take a ride on the Zoofari Express as it prowls through zoo grounds.  On the Conservation Carrousel, learn about the value of environmental conservation through the preservation of endangered animals, all while having fun on a classic carrousel.

 

Santa Ana clearly offers unique peek into art, science and culture in more ways than one!

San Juan Capistrano – Los Rios District

There is no better place to explore Orange County's bucolic past than in San Juan Capistrano. Located 30 minutes south off Anaheim, San Juan Capistrano is an eclectic mix of historic buildings, quaint cafes and antique and specialty shops.

 

It is also, of course, home to Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776 known, and is known as the Jewel of the Missions.

 

While at the Mission you can stroll through the garden or cemetery, visit the early adobe barracks, Friars' quarters, olive millstone, aqueduct system, and the original Stone Church.

 

A leisurely walk across the Amtrak train tracks from the Mission and you'll find yourself in the Los Rios Historic District, Orange County's oldest neighborhood.

 

The District's 40 acres of lush landscape, mature olive and sycamore trees, and 31 structures, including three adobe homes built in 1794, provide visitors a charming glimpse into Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences of Early California life.

 

You'll also find Zoomars' petting zoo, which offers train and pony rides and the opportunity to cuddle with or watch 100 animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, donkey, tortoise, llama, alpaca, emu, pheasants, chickens, and roosters.

 

After all the site seeing, you'll need a bite to eat, and for that you'll want to try the finest Mexican cuisine at the historic El Adobe Restaurant.

 

If you're looking for something locally grown, head into the heart of downtown on Wednesday's for the San Juan Capistrano Farmers' Market and purchase fresh flowers, produce, and specialty foods.

 

And you definitely won't want to miss the festive atmosphere at the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas (Festival of the Swallows), a three month event that culminates in the joyful welcoming of the swallows return as they wing their back to San Juan Capistrano around the first day of spring every year.

Westminster – Little Saigon

Only 10 minutes from the Anaheim Resort District, you can experience a trip to a land of exotic yet community-oriented customs in Westminster's Little Saigon - the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam.

 

Little Saigon offers visitors an array of experiences from meeting with traditional Eastern herbalists, to the reverence and respect at the Vietnam War Memorial and the meditative Buddhist temples.

 

In the Asian Garden Mall you will find a bustling food court with long row of grills roasting duck and other Asian favorites, cafes, French bakeries, snack shops, and the popular pho (noodle broth) restaurants.

 

You can explore unique souvenir, toy and trinket shops, clothing stores selling colorful Vietnamese garments, and a variety of services offered in Vietnamese, though many shopkeepers speak English.

 

The mall's second level is dedicated to half a dozen jewelry shops selling Asian-designed 24-karat gold jewelry and precious jade baubles. Vendors will barter, so take your time, and have a little fun haggling over the price.

 

For an authentic dip in Vietnamese culture, you cannot miss Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, held annually in Little Saigon around early February. Tet is the most observed holiday within the Vietnamese community and celebrated with a vibrant array of traditional foods, ceremonies, and customs such as giving lucky money to children and elderly people.

 

More information on the program can be found at anaheimoc.org.

The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB) is Anaheim and Orange County's largest destination marketing organization. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Anaheim/Orange County as a premier leisure, convention and meeting destination. More than 44 million travelers visited the Anaheim/Orange County area in 2013, generating more than $9.6 billion in revenue and creating nearly 156,000 tourism-related jobs. For more information, call (714) 765-8888 or visit anaheimoc.org. Follow the AOCVCB on Facebook (AnaheimOC), Twitter (@Anaheim_OC, @MeetAnaheim) and Pinterest (AnaheimOC).