Orange County - The Artistic Heart of California

        

Orange County is visited by about 45 million tourists annually. It is not simply a neighbourhood, but a large area, with population of 3 million people, stretching from Los Angeles to San Diego. The close proximity to Mexico has greatly affected the architecture, the restaurants, the food and the speech. Once, this state used to be a Mexican territory. The climate is comparatively dry, despite the closeness of the Pacific Ocean. The stunning beauty of Orange County is supplemented by orange orchards, palms, beautiful foliage and flowers that line streets and the sidewalks between the houses.     

Orange County is the home toone of the most luxurious mansions in the United States and respectively, in the world. The most emblematic landmark in Orange County is the world famous amusement park: Disneyland Resort. The themed park created by the legendary Walt Disney opened its doors in1955. In its first three decades, it entertained more than 250 million visitors, including presidents and people of acknowledged reputation. The Disneyland Resort has irresistible temptations for the whole family, from adults to the smallest children, and is known as “the happiest place on Earth”. Your children will certainly remember the numerous adventures offered in the amusement complex. As a boost for their imagination, kids will love to hug their favourite animation characters brought to life.     

There are six world-popular resorts that are located within the confines of Orange County: Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente and Seal Beach. Among these, Laguna Beach is the one carrying the crown: it is where art is a way of life. Laguna Beach is an attractive epicenter for the world's artistic societies. Attracted by the dramatic rocky scenery of the Californian shores, artists from all over the world flock here in search for inspiration. Every summer the Laguna Canyon is the host of a Carnival parade, featuring arts and crafts exhibitions, a culinary feast, the Laguna Dance Festival and much more. The resort's streets are lined with alluring restaurants, cafes, clubs, art galleries, and boutiques. The central beach is appropriate for sunbathing relaxation and some sports activities like volleyball and basketball.     

Newport Beach is considered to be Orange County's inspiration, strewn with immense and luxurious houses, many of which are literally at the seaside, with yachts parked on the entrance. Newport Beach boasts kilometres of soft-sanded beaches. It is a wonderful location for an active vacation, mainly for sporting and sailing, both with boats and cruises. The refined resort offers shopping on “Fashion Island” and numerous restaurants serving a rich array of specialties in stylish settings.      

Seal Beach is a charismatic movie place, receiving its name after the seals that used to lounge on the shores. Ancient buildings can still be seen behind the pier. The downtown area has preserved its look from the 1920's. The local dining places still serve shakes and burgers prepared in 1940's genuine recipes. Dana Point is the water escape. As one of the most romantic resorts in California, Dana Point is named after the notorious traveler Richard Henry Dana.      

Orange County is blessed with almost year-round summer, although there are also rainy months. Winter is thoroughly missing: it is replaced with sunny days, and abundant greenery. The ocean waters, however, are cold, so that the best way to enjoy them is while riding the surf.      

The perfect starting point to begin your trip in Orange County is the city of Anaheim with a population of about 330,000 residents, situated only 45 km southeast of Los Angeles. The city was established by fifty German families in 1857. Today, Anaheim is the most common starting point for a vacation in the area.      

The list of the attractions that beckon to you does not end here: you can encounter the underwater creatures in the Pacific Ocean Aquarium and The Discovery Scientific Center will present you the latest scientific research.