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« Previous Edition | This California Travel Edition Posted on 05/15/12 | Next Edition »

Visiting Orange County

Nothing says Orange County like amusement parks. OC's fun began years ago at Disneyland. Still the Happiest Place on Earth, 2012 sees Disney California Adventure Park celebrate its expansion - with new and familiar attractions Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure are just the start of fun in Orange County. Buena Park’s Knott’s Berry Farm offers thrills for all ages and now features the Silver Bullet suspended coaster. Cool off nearby at Knott’s Soak City Water Park – Orange County is filled with fun. Orange County’s amusement parks are just the beginning – with 42 miles of coastline, take your pick of beaches, it’s the season!

Ahhhh, the beach, from Dana Point in the south through Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, there is plenty of sand and surf to keep any family busy. Relax, or plan for events like Huntington Beach’s US Open of Surfing or the 30th Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance. Take a whale watching tour from Newport Beach Harbor, browse Laguna Beach Galleries or check the OC calendar for events and festivals.

Fullerton hosts the 2012 Muckenthaler Jazz Festival May 24th through June 28th. Concerts are held at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, the former Muckenthaler residence, now Fullerton’s arts and cultural center. The jazz festival kicks off with May performances by Gonzalo Bergara and Carl Saunders Quartet. The last of the four June concerts features Glenn Cashman, on June 28th. Enjoy great outdoor jazz concerts at the Muckenthaler amphitheater.

Huntington Beach, Surf City USA, the quintessential California beach community, hosts the US Open of Surfing July 28th through August 5th. Throngs of fans head to the beach south of Huntington Beach Pier, to cheer on their favorite surfers, skateboarders, and BMX riders. Along with all the sports action, enjoy the Walk the Walk Fashion Show, and concert Stage with live music and DJs. The US Open of Surfing is a full week of surfing, excitement and fun.

Make summer complete with a visit to the 2012 Orange County Fair, from July 13th through August 12th. Join the fun Wednesday through Sunday July 13th through August 12th. Held at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, the Pacific Amphitheatre hosts a full lineup of concerts including artists like Willie Nelson, Scotty McCreery and Martina McBride, among many. The Hangar hosts a variety of tribute band performances and the Action Sports Arena hosts events like the OC Fair Kart Racing Challenge, Extreme Rodeo and the Fiesta del Charro. See award winning livestock and agriculture from Orange County while you enjoy midway games and rides, all at the OC Fair.

Long Beach on your itinerary? The Port of Long Beach is home to attractions like The Queen Mary, Long Beach Marina and Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. Make a visit and be sure to put the Aquarium of the Pacific on your plans. The new June Keyes Penguin Habitat at the Aquarium opens late spring featuring the Aquarium’s first penguins. This exciting exhibit includes a crawl-in space for visitors to get safely close to the penquins.