Anaheim & Orange County

Overview

Huntington Beach, aka “Surf City USA,” is home to the International Surfing Museum, dedicated to legendary surf pioneer Duke Kahanamoku; the landmark Huntington Beach Pier, a renowned surf spot; and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a 1,300-acre coastal estuary. Upscale Newport Beach is known for its championship golf courses, luxury shopping, and picturesque coastline. Down the coast in Dana Point surfers flock to famed Doheny State Beach and Salt Creek Beach. Orange County also possesses revered Disneyland, which is located in Anaheim and is the first theme park opened by the Walt Disney Company; Knott’s Berry Farm in nearby Buena Park, California’s original theme park; and Mission San Juan Capistrano, which was founded in 1776 by Spanish missionaries. 

What to See

Mission San Juan Capistrano – This historic landmark in the city of San Juan Capistrano was founded more than 200 years ago and contains the oldest building in California still standing, Serra Chapel, which is also the only chapel still standing in which Father Junípero Serra said mass. Mission San Juan Capistrano is also famous for the annual migration of Cliff Swallows, which come back to Capistrano in spring. 

Disneyland Resort – Anaheim’s world-famous Disneyland Resort consists of two theme parks: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Iconic Disneyland is home to the landmark Sleeping Beauty Castle and classic rides such as Thunder Mountain, the Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum – Learn about the history and culture of surfing at this informative museum. In addition to artifacts, such as historic surfboards and films, surfers from across the globe congregate here to share their wisdom about the sport and lifestyle of surfing. 

Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula – Newport Beach’s man-made Balboa Island is a quaint coastal getaway teeming with eclectic restaurants and chic shops. The nearby Balboa Peninsula is known for its surfing and sandy beaches, pier, bars, restaurants, and the Balboa Fun Zone and its iconic Ferris Wheel. 

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – This nature reserve adjacent to the city of Huntington Beach features open water, mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, five miles of trails, and seabird nesting islands. In fact, it boasts approximately 200 resident and transient bird species.