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Pelican Bay
Golf in Orange County
Golf in Orange County
Tee up at top courses, with some ocean views
With ideal Southern California weather and some of the country’s most celebrated courses, Orange County justly earns the nickname “California Golf Coast.” Considering that Tiger Woods grew up playing on local public courses, including Anaheim’s Dad Miller Golf Courses, the county certainly boasts an impressive pedigree. Many of the best courses are open to the public, including the Tom Fazio-designed Pelican Hill Golf Course just south of Newport Beach, which offers ocean views from its 36 championship holes. Pelican Hill’s South Course is famous for the back-to-back par 3s on the cliffs just above the Pacific. There are great inland courses, too, such as the Ted Robinson-designed Tustin Ranch Golf Club, with handsome foothill and mountain views.
Huntington Beach by Scott Mansfield
Southern California
Southern California
Discover Orange County
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From board shorts to mouse ears to designer clothes, what you wear in this sun-splashed corner of the state says everything about how you like to play. Whether it’s surf-perfect beaches or celebrated theme parks, all framed by oceanfront towns dotted with luxury yachts, “The O.C.” stands out as one of California’s—make that the country’s—most iconic destinations.
“Surfing is like golf. . . it keeps knocking you down. But when you stay with it and catch that wave. . . magic.” --actor Dennis Quaid
Shop at spectacular South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, or get the surfer look in Huntington Beach, aka Surf City, USA.
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Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776, was the first winery in California.
Courtesy of Disneyland Resort
Spotlight: Disneyland Resort
Just saying the name sets a child’s face glowing
The undisputed granddaddy of theme parks, Disneyland Resort has been leading the...
The magic of Disneyland, walking through the tunnel underneath the train station to Main Street, it just transports you to other places and other times.
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Unleash the kid within at California’s ultimate play lands
From Disneyland classics to beachfront carousels, the Golden State’s best-in-class theme parks deliver something for everyone, from tots and teens to film buffs and daredevils. Find out what is...
Lucas Himovitz
Courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park
Feast on boysenberries, ride rollercoasters and take in a show or two
A few miles from Anaheim, Buena Park first found fame due to a small family farm,...
California Welcome Centres in Orange County
Amazing theme parks, world-class shopping, spectacular beaches
Known as The OC, Orange County is located in the heart of Southern California – the geographical centre of beautiful places and bountiful...
Tom Story
Orange County Surfing & Surf Culture
Take a lesson or just watch pros carve it up
Orange County’s surfing tradition dates back more than 100 years when pioneering Hawaiian surfer George Freeth performed wave-riding...
Orange County is the cultural center of the surf world and Huntington Beach is like the heartbeat.
Harriot Manley/Sunset Publishing
O.C. Shopping
Discover boutique brands and bargains
Shopping in The O.C. is almost as legendary as surfing. Start at expansive South Coast Plaza, California’s largest luxury shopping complex, with...
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Where to release your inner fashionista
Shopping is an art form in California. Whether you are in search of the perfect cocktail dress or an authentic Mexican piñata, you will find it here. Want to sample fresh fruits and...
Prayitno/Flickr
September
Get dressed up and party at special events all over this beautiful beach town in ‘the O.C.’ Special chefs’ dinners at area restaurants, live cooking demonstrations and other special experiences...
Kodiak Greenwood
Huntington Beach
Catch a wave in Surf City, USA
The endless summer lives on in Huntington Beach. Southern California’...
July/August
With a nickname like ‘Surf City, USA’, Huntington Beach is the obvious place for this 9-day, sun-and-wave extravaganza, the world’s largest surf event. Top pros including Kelly Slater and Rob...
William Fovall/Flickr
Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Orange County's Luxury Resorts
Live like a star at posh getaways
The good life might have been invented in ‘The O.C.’—especially when it comes to resort destinations. With spas, elegant dining, five-star...
July - August
Arguably one of the most unique events in the world, this eye-popping pageant presents tableaux vivants ("living pictures"), ultra-detailed recreations of classical and contemporary...
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Get into the coastal vibe
Maybe it’s the sun-streaked hair, the frequent smiles, the eyes always gazing west, looking to the horizon to see when the next set might roll in. It’s the unmistakable look and vibe of a...
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Discover the awesome sports scene in the Golden State
With nearly twice as many professional teams as any other state, California is big league all the way. But the state’s sports scene goes far beyond football and baseball, with a diverse line-up of...
Christina Lauren/Flickr
Harriot Manley/Sunset Publishing
Crystal Cove State Park
Stroll a perfect beach with an intriguing past
In 1912, an early Laguna Beach artist described finding a rugged coastline “with cove after cove and headland after headland, golden cliffs and...
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From Gold Rush history to 8th wonders of the world, visit these favorites
Amy Meredith/Flickr
December
Rated by The New York Times as one of the country's top Christmas happenings, this glittering event is a must see in The OC during the Christmas holidays. Local boat owners...
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade by fortherock/Flickr
Golf in Orange County
Tee up at top courses, with some ocean views
With ideal Southern California weather and some of the country’s most celebrated courses, Orange County justly earns the nickname ‘California Golf...
SPECIAL FEATURE
Check these amazing experiences off your bucket list
Kiss a beluga, see cool movie props, and learn about Walt’s secret hideaway on exclusive and behind the scenes tours at California’s theme parks and attractions. Here’s a roundup of actvities...
Photo by Michael Saechang/Flickr
Courtesy of Orange County Great Park
Orange County Great Park
Explore an impressive urban park
Turning former military land into a roughly 1,300-acre green space, this Irvine park is as ambitious as it is beautiful. Though it...
Every year, the Orange County Great Park Balloon dons a smiling jack-o-lantern mask, marking the unofficial start of fall in Orange County.
Walter Bibikow/Getty Images
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
The Orange County museum offers a fascinating look at a turbulent time
Walk through the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum to explore a...
Mitch Diamond/Getty Images
Irvine
This centrally located Orange County city is the perfect home base for shopping, dining, and kid-friendly exploring
Irvine’s central location—45 miles from Los Angeles, 85 from San Diego, and 15 minutes from ...
Trace Rouda/Getty Images
Laguna Beach
With its art scene and unique coastline, this Orange County town may be literally picture perfect
The Orange County town of Laguna Beach gets to have it both ways:...
Costa Mesa
This Orange County town spoils both foodies and shoppers
Although it was named after its topography—“coastal tableland”—Costa Mesa has...
Discover the Inland Empire
Dozens of artisan beer makers have sprung up all over this sunny region of Southern California. Riverside and the...
Spotlight: Sonoma County
The best way to get better acquainted with the city of Sonoma, in the heart of...
Spotlight: Death Valley National Park
It may be the driest spot in North America, but Death Valley ...