THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA - ORANGE COUNTY ATTRACTIONS

Attractions

Newport Landing Whale Watching - Newport Landing provides year-around whale watching & dolphin cruises daily departing from Newport Beach. Newport Landing is centrally located in Orange County and minutes from Los Angeles in the heart of Southern California. Newport Landing offers whale watching cruises viewing many different species of whales including giant blue whales that attain lengths of up to 80 feet or more. Along with whales, several species of dolphin are commonly sighted. It is not uncommon to view huge pods of dolphin that number in the thousands. Many other marine creatures are sighted including seals, pelicans, and many more. Killer whales and even sharks are also seen occasionally. Multiple cruises daily. $25 for adults and $20 for juniors.

The 2009 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade - The premier Christmas event for Southern California. With 100 years of history Newport Harbor comes alive with decorations. Homes, yachts, docks, whole landscapes are transformed into a magical holiday experience. Thousands of lights and hundreds of themed estates. Hundreds of yachts, cruise ships, and water craft of all kinds participate in the parade. Approximately one million people will view the parade from shore, by boat, or along one of the many docks that line the bay.

Newport Landing offers holiday cruises from December 7 through December 28 including the 5 nights of the parade. During the parade the cruises are in the parade. Great event for families and kids.

Disneyland - 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. Disneyland offers over 60 world-famous parades, shows, and attractions, including The Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, and FANTASMIC!

Disney's California Adventure - Located next door to Disneyland. Celebrate the fun and adventures of California. Immerse yourself in the California spirit through Hollywood magic, beachfront boardwalk thrills, and great outdoor adventures Disney style.

Downtown Disney - Shopping, dining, and entertainment featuring AMC, Catal Restaurant, ESPN Zone, House of Blues, LEGO, Naples Ristorante, Rainforest Cafe, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, World of Disney, Y Amba Y Arriba.

Medieval Times - At Medieval Times, you'll feast on a 4-course dinner, see spectacular pageantry, dramatic horsemanship, exciting swordplay, and an authentic jousting tournament.

Orange County Performing Arts Center - The Orange County Performing Arts Center invites you to experience the thrill of live performance. The world's greatest singers, dancers, actors and musicians take to The Center's stages to create spectacular entertainment.

South Coast Plaza - South Coast Plaza is one of America's 9 famous streets to stay, shop, and dine. The plaza features stores, restaurants, carousels and more. The 260 stores and restaurants, spa, cinema and theatre is an adventure that takes you to 17 countries.

Santa Ana Zoo - 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.

Orange County Zoo - 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.

Southern California Fishing - Newport Landing Sportfishing is located in Newport Beach and is the premier fishing marine center in Southern California. Privately charter or rent one of our 5 boats for just your company or group or join one of our open to the general public 1/2 day, 3/4 day, or longer fishing trips. Several departure times each day means that there is a trip time and length to fit almost any schedule. Whether a family or just yourself these trips are an ideal opportunity to experience the best of Southern California Sportfishing. Yellowtail to 40 pounds, barracuda, bonito, calico bass, sand bass, white sea bass, halibut, yellowfin tuna, and many more species available. Newport Landing Sportfishing's fleet has state of the art electronics, spacious indoor/outdoor seating, full amenities including a full service snack bar/kitchen, and crew assistants to help with all fishing needs.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching - Dana Point Harbor, Orange County, CA. We offer year round whale watching and fishing trips that are fun for the whole family. Sightings are guaranteed! Lowest price in Southern CA whale watching!

Knott's Berry Farm - Knott's is a 150 acres of thrilling rides, exciting attractions, outstanding live entertainment, fascinating historic exhibits, world-famous dining and one-of-a-kind specialty shops.

Fullerton Arboretum - The Fullerton Arboretum, a 26-acre botanical garden with an ecologically arranged collection of plants from around the world, is located on the northeast corner of the California State University, Fullerton campus.

International Surfing Museum - The International Surfing Museum located in Huntington Beach, California is home to a collection of some of the most significant artifacts in the history of surfing. With surf music and videos playing in the background, you'll be in the mood to view the many fine exhibits.

Orange County Natural History Museum - The Orange County Natural History Museum, operated by the Orange County Natural History Association, is dedicated to the preservation, exhibition and interpretation of Orange County. The Museum offers natural history exhibits, free community lecture series and programs for the entire family.

Fashion Island - Fashion Island is one of Southern California's most extraordinary shopping experiences. With 200 stores, 40 restaurants and two cinemas with more than a dozen screens, you'll have the time of your life shopping outdoors amid sparkling fountains, sidewalk carts, ocean breezes and tree-lined paseos.

Bowers Museum of Cultural Art - One of Southern California's finest museums and Orange County's largest, the Bowers Museum is one of the only museums in the United States devoted to promoting human understanding through art. The Museum's collections include African, Oceanic, Native American, pre-Columbian, and California Plein Air paintings.

Discovery Science Center - Discovery Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing understanding and appreciation of science, math and technology. In short, Discovery Science Center is a place where children and adults alike can learn while having fun.

Movieland Wax Museum - At Movieland Wax Museum, visitors can see more than 300+ famous stars in thrilling sets with authentic costumes and props.

Wild Rivers - Wild Rivers water park located in Irvine features rides and attractions for the entire family.

Arrowhead Pond - As Southern California's premier entertainment and sports venue, the Arrowhead Pond hosts a variety of first-class events each year including concerts, sporting events and family shows.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center - A non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals stranded along the Orange County coastline and to increase public awareness of the marine environment through education and research. Open every day free of charge to view the animals.

Orange County Region