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Do you enjoy surfing or even laying under the warm weather during any season? If so then head to the West Coast’s hottest spot, Orange County, CA. Often referred to as the “OC,” it mainly attracts tourists for the beaches, though it boasts terrific shopping as well. Orange County has made a name for itself and its culture through television shows like, “The OC” and MTV’s “Laguna Beach.” It is made up of 34 cities, a few popular ones being Laguna Hills, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Buena Park. The “OC,” the 5th largest county in the United States, has a population of over 3 million residents. Orange County borders Los Angeles and San Diego, so even if surfing and long beach days aren’t your thing, there’s always plenty to do in this famous destination.

Orange County Pictures

Things to do in Orange County

If you plan on taking in the gorgeous sun and beaches on your trip then Orange County has endless miles of both. Huntington Beach is known as “surf-city” and Newport Beach is for the more well-to-do types. But it’s up to you, you can pick from many different beaches along the west coast of California. Apart from the surfing and beach activities, Orange County is home to two major theme parks. Disneyland, located in Anaheim, is a must-see attraction, especially if the whole family is tagging along. A more adventurous theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, in Buena Park, is home to the longest wooden roller coaster in the western United States. Reaching heights of 118 feet and speeds of 56mph, it’s definitely an attraction worth stopping in for.

Nightlife in Orange County

Since Orange County is made up of many different sized cities, there’s not just one city to go to for the best bars and clubs. However, regardless of your location in Orange County there’s more than enough to do. If you’re located in Anaheim, Downtown Disney is the place to be at night, especially for tourists. The many bars and lounges with familiar names like ESPN Zone and House of Blues are the place to be after a long day of enjoying the sun. If you happen to be in Costa Mesa and want to enjoy great drinks, hip DJs and an exotic setting, Sutra should be on your list. While you’re still in Costa Mesa, check out the Shark Tank, an all encompassing night out including dancing, billiards, and an actual shark tank in the middle of it all. If you’re still in Huntington Beach from a day of lounging in the sun then head over to Main Street, and stroll into Hurricane, a balcony-driven bar with an upbeat atmosphere. All up and down Main Street you can find hidden nightlife spots that locals flock to.

Dining in Orange County

Orange County is the place to be if you have an appetite for good food, regardless of what it may be–you will find everything. With over 5,000 restaurants in the County, there’s sure to be something for you. Mexican your choice? Taco Mesa in Costa Mesa should be on your list, they’ve received awards for their fresh, vibrant food at fast food prices. Looking for a good burger? There are three main burger chains in Orange County, Tommy’s, Fatburger, and In N’ Out. If you happen to be in Orange check out Orange Hill, an upscale steakhouse with a breathtaking view of all of Orange County. An interesting place to stop by for the student traveler is Cafe Di Vang 2, which serves mainly smoothie drinks and coffee the beverages, though that isn’t what people come for–the servers are outfitted in little more than lingerie. It’s kind of like the Vietnamese equivalent of Hooters. All throughout Orange County you can find restaurants to satisfy your cravings and keep your wallet happy.

Shopping in Orange County

Orange County has a lot to offer for shopping, especially on the higher end of retail. South Coast Plaza, in Costa Mesa is in the running for the top-selling mall in the United States. Here you’ll find anything from Sears to a private Armani showroom. The Asian Garden Mall is one of the largest mainly Vietnamese operated malls in the US. This two story mall is packed with interesting restaurants and shops. Many of the shops place no price tag on items and the customer is expected to haggle with the store owners. If you speak Vietnamese you’re good to go in this mall, because the best prices usually go to those who can bargain in Vietnamese.

Orange County travel tips

• Pack for warm weather regardless of when you plan your visit.
• Be aware that dialing 911 from a cell phone in Orange County will direct you to California Highway Patrol.
• Seriously consider renting a car. Public transportation is not popular or plentiful within Orange County.