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Orange County 's Leading Attractions

Fun & Leisure Activities
Historical Sites Landmarks
Zoos - Petting Zoos
- Other Attractions & Things to Do -
Catalina Island Museums
Theme Parks Tours
Whale Watching
 

 

Fun & Leisure

FLIGHTDECK Air Combat Center
1601 S. Sunkist
Anaheim

Authentic military flight simulation center providing civilians the opportunity to pilot a fighter jet in actual flight simulators. Flight gear, training and in-flight instruction are provided to ensure a challenging aviation-themed adventure. Open to the general public with special programs for corporate events, team building and group parties. With a maximum capacity for 28 people,

Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869

Irvine Park Railroad is a one-third scale train that takes both children and adults on a scenic, 12-minute ride through beautiful and scenic Irvine Regional Park. Other park attractions include bike and paddle boat rentals, the Orange County Zoo, pony rides, full-service snack bars and more. Annual events include an Easter Eggstravaganza, Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Train. Located in the foothills of Orange, Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM.

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Historical Sites

Casa Romantica
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente

Overlooking San Clemente pier, this 1928 estate was the home of the city’s founder, Ole Hanson. The renovated 2.4-acre site features historic exhibitions, literary symposia, musical attractions, special events, and diverse educational and cultural opportunities that encourage visitors to explore the Romance and Reality of the Southern California experience.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
Ortega Hwy and El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago. Today it is a monument to California' multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage.

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA 92886

The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace opened its doors on July 19, 1990 with celebration, fanfare and more than 50,000 friends and well wishers including Presidents Nixon, Bush, Reagan and Ford and their First Ladies. It is a privately supported, non-profit institution dedicated to educating the public about the life and times of the 37th President and encouraging interest in history, government and public affairs.

Ronald Reagan Federal Building
411 W Fourth Street
Santa Ana, CA

This federal courthouse was nominated for the Presidential Design Awards 2000 and for the Presidential Millennium Award for Design Excellence. This building, which incorporates technology and tradition, since opening, has become a catalyst in the revitalization of downtown Santa Ana.

The Pilgram
Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point

The Pilgrim is a full size replica of the hide brig immortalized by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. in his American seafaring classic novel Two Years Before the Mast. Dana said of the Pilgrim, "The vessel I am going on is small, but strong and a remarkably fast sailer having been built for the smuggling trade."

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Landmarks & Attractions

Crystal Cathedral
13280 Chapman Ave.
Garden Grove, CA 92840

The Hour of Power from the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California

Ocean Institute
Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point

The public can join their scientists aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for an in-depth study of whales, dolphins and sea lions using customized state-of-the-art equipment including plankton nets, grab samplers, video microscopes and the dolphin-cam! Free Marine Mammal Lecture Series 2002 will run January through March.

Wild Rivers Waterpark
8770 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618

The perfect place to have a full day of fun cooling off from the summer heat. Only 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and just yards away from the 405 freeway where the 5 meets the 405 in Irvine. Cool off in any of their over 40 rides and attractions. Enjoy rides designed for all ages from toddlers to adults.

Discovery Science Center
2500 Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Discovery Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs.

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Tours

Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari
Dana Point Harbor

Captain Dave's specially designed Sailing Catamaran will get you UP CLOSE! You can stay dry in our protected & comfortable cockpit area or venture out on the special 'Tram Net' for a really close encounter! You'll see what the dolphins and whales are doing below the surface with their 'Dolphin & Whale Cam'. You'll hear the unique languages of the dolphins and whales with research-quality hydrophone. Captain Dave will also play songs and talk to the animals and you can help them observe what they respond to! And last, but not least, your invited to enjoy Mrs. Capt. Dave's famous triple fudge brownies on the ride back to the harbor.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whalewatching
Dana Point Harbor

Bringing high quality fishing and whale watching experiences to residents and anglers of the Dana Point and surrounding areas since 1958. Dana Wharf is proud to offer the best whale watching deals on the west coast - trips as low as $14.50! Dana Wharf showcases several top of the line vessels, from the fiberglass Dana Pride to the brand new 63’ state of the art catamaran, the Ocean Adventures. All of the boats ensure total passenger comfort and enhance the fishing and whale watching experience. Dana Wharf's experienced, family oriented crew is there to make your fishing and whale watching experiences as enjoyable and educational as possible - every skill and experience level is welcome!

OC WildLife & Beach Tour

Come see the hidden treasures in Orange County and experience the California Riviera on a ˝ day eco-tour though paradise! Observe seals & sea lions up close, visit hidden beach coves with breathtaking views, and explore the sea life in the tide pools, or experience a nature preserve where you can see thousands of migrating birds. Learn about the importance of wildlife, conservation and protecting the environment. Tour in a luxury mini coach or passenger van. Light walking. Tours include transportation, educational guide, bottled water and snack.
For a reservation, call: 949-500-6981 or visit our website.

Newport Landing Whale Watching-Newport Beach/Newport Harbor
December - April

Newport Landing offers California Gray Whale watching cruises twice daily Monday thru Friday and three trips total on Saturdays and Sundays. Since the Gray Whale can be readily found within a few miles off the coast, a simple cruise of a few hours lets thousands of people view not only the whales in their natural habitat, but also many species of resident marine animals, such as common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Sea Lions, Marine Birds and occassionaly Killer Whales and Sharks.

Sightings are Guaranteed: You will get a free trip if we do not see whales or dolphin!

309 Palm - Suite A, Balboa CA

 

Zoos in Orange County

Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92862

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.
Located within Irvine Regional Park

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Today 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.

Zoomars Petting Zoo & Bird Park
31791 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA

ZOOMARS is home to hundreds of friendly animals to feed, pet, love and learn from. There are goats, emus, llamas, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, geese, ducks, guinea pigs and a bunny patch. After petting the animals, youngsters can saddle up for a pony ride or hop aboard the miniature train. At the front of the property is the century-old Olivares House, listed on the National Registry. Behind it sits an 1890’s bathhouse and picnic area available for birthday parties or family gatherings.

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