Much of Orange County’s 798-square-mile (2,050-square-kilometer) area is covered by sprawling urban communities linked by busy highways. Anaheim, home of Disneyland, is its second largest city, after Santa Ana.
The popular Knott’s Berry Farm theme park is just a few miles northwest in Buena Park, and together these towns form the county’s tourism capital. Most of the coast is urbanized, but its communities have more variety and character than those found around the theme parks. Inland, open spaces can be found where the eastern region of the county encompasses part of the vast Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana Mountains.
Best Places to See in Orange County, California
- Bowers Cultural Art Museum
- catherine island
- Centennial Heritage Museum
- crystal cathedral
- Disneyland Resort
- Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City
- San Juan Capistrano Mission
- Richard Nixon Birthplace and Library
Orange County, California: GET AROUND
Interstate 5 is a major north-south artery linking Los Angeles and San Diego. The new express toll lanes are now running in an effort to eliminate traffic jams. The more scenic Hwy 1, the Pacific Coastal Highway, links the coastal resorts. Amtrakand Metrolink commuter trains run south from Los Angeles. Stops include San Juan Capistrano and Anaheim. Most bus routes are designed to meet the needs of local commuters, but shuttle vans and tour buses offer quick connections to theme parks and Los Angeles.
Ferries to Catalina Island run daily in summer, but travelers should check schedules in winter. Crossings from the mainland to Avalon or Two Harbors take 1-2 hours.