Orange County is located in the heart of Southern California, with mild temperatures all year long where you can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. Orange County includes the cities of Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, Orange and Corona Del Mar. Though Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are the most well known spots that attract tourists, there is abundant shopping, outdoor sports, places of interest and healthy spots to eat.
Beaches
Visiting Orange County should include a day at the beach. The beach is not only a fun spot, but a way to enjoy an inexpensive day. There are intermittent boardwalks along the miles and miles of beaches in Orange County where you can hike, bike or roller-blade; and find many equipment rental places for whatever beach sport you want to partake. Enjoy watching the waves, building sand castles, dipping in the ocean, surfing or just relaxing on the warm sand and people watching.
Golf
Golf is a year-round sport which attracts many tourists as well as local residents. Alizo Creek Inn and Golf course is located in Laguna Beach and has been in operation since the early 1970's offering one of the most dramatic canyon views in Orange County. Black Gold Golf Course is located in Yorba Linda and is open to the pubic with enough challenging hills, water and bunkers for the most expert golfers. Oak Creek Golf Club designed by Tom Fazio is also open to the public.
Shopping
Orange County has an abundance of places to shop til you drop. Fashion Island, a popular shopping spot, is located in Newport Beach with outdoor shops featuring many well known designers. During your shopping excursion, stop at one of the several outdoor cafes to enjoy a meal and California sunshine. Anaheim Garden Walk is one of the newest outdoor shopping venues which houses a bowling alley and a movie theater. Enjoy the cool waterfalls and well manicured gardens that surround Anaheim Garden Walk with its location just steps away from Disneyland.
Parks
Orange County has a wide variety of parks suitable for the most daring mountain biker to those wishing to stroll along and enjoy nature by foot. Irvine Regional Park encompasses 447 acres of trails and lagoons. Carbon Canyon Regional Park encompasses wild and rugged terrain and offers hiking, horseback riding with an atmosphere of being miles from civilization. Featherly Region Park is located in Santa Ana Canyon includes an RV park, small cabins and trails for hiking and biking.
Where to Eat
In health conscious Southern California, you will find many healthy eating establishments. Huntington Beach Farmer's Market, open only on Fridays, is one of many open air markets in Orange County offering fresh, organic produce, cheeses, range free chickens and eggs, along with live music and entertainment. The Health Emporium located in Corona Del Mar is a market as well as a restaurant offering organic, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Taco Bell in Irvine has a special fresco-style alternative menu with low-fat and low calories entrees. Several Whole Foods grocery stores are located throughout Orange County where you can purchase food to go for picnics in the park or the beach.
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