To the south and east of Los Angeles lies Orange County (pop. 3 million), home to some of the nation's favorite attractions and pleasant residential neighborhoods. Separated from the artifice and glamour of L.A., the residents and visitors here tend to be looking for simpler pleasures. Whether enjoying the coastal bluffs and art galleries at Laguna Beach, shopping in Old Town Orange, or watching whales at Dana Point or swallows at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Orange County is a place for fun and relaxation.
Which is not to say you won't find excitement here, if you're looking for it. Disneyland in Anaheim is the most famous theme park in the world, and it's joined by a host of competitors offering roller coasters and cotton candy galore. Volleyball and surfing tournaments are a mainstay at Huntington Beach, fun for spectators and athletes alike, and live music and clubs sprinkle both the beachfront and inland neighborhoods.
But most of the entertainment Orange County has to offer is of the quieter sort. Miles and miles from the center of the urban sprawl, there's room here for golf courses and city parks. Boating is a popular pastime in Costa Mesa, and the arts can be enjoyed at theaters and symphony halls. Even driving is more pleasant, whether on the curving boulevards of Yorba Linda or the planned streets of Mission Viejo. Convenient access to the Santa Ana Mountains allows outdoors lovers to escape the metropolis to a beautiful protected landscape.
Orange County is located in southwest California in the L.A. metropolitan area. It is easily accessible on the extensive freeway system. Go-California also offers extensive coverage of Central Los Angeles and Coastal Los Angeles.
