Orange County is a vibrant and diverse region situated in Southern California, bordered by Los Angeles County to the north, San Diego County to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and San Bernardino County and Riverside County to the northeast. It is home to many celebrities and sports stars, including Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, John Wayne, Tiger Woods, Dennis Rodman, Kobe Bryant, Mark McGwire, Kevin Costner, John Stamos, Steve Martin, Will Ferrell, Michelle Pfeiffer, Diane Keaton, Gwen Stefani and Richard Nixon - the 37th President of the United States who was born in Yorba Linda. The county is said to have been named after citrus fruits in an effort to attract immigrants by suggesting a semitropical paradise - a place where anything can grow. This connection made Orange County an ideal weekend destination for many people and real estate developers quickly began to divide land and promote their residential areas near the sea.
Southern Orange County has relatively undeveloped areas with newer subdivisions and high-tech industries. Downtown Orange County includes the oldest and most densely populated sections of the county and is a paradise for those seeking Victorian architecture as well as ethnic enclaves for Latinos and Vietnamese. Locals and visitors often divide Orange County into three sections so they know where to go. No visit to Orange County is complete without a visit to its many beaches for sunbathing and hanging out. You can also reach Orange County by sea with the marinas and for small boats in Newport Beach and Dana Point.
Northern Orange County is renowned for its theme parks and has the best tourist infrastructure in the county. The city of Orange lies on both sides of the border between north and south Orange County and is located at the junction of highways 5, 57 and 22. It has its own airport, Orange County Airport (SNA), but it's also a short distance from Los Angeles International Airport and Long Beach Airport. The majority of the population lives in central and northern Orange County, with cities such as Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange and Huntington Beach having traditional centers. If you want to enjoy an American meal while taking in the views, climb the hill until you reach the Orange County Mining Company, located in the Orange Hills. Orange County is a unique region that offers something for everyone - from its rich history to its vibrant culture. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a place to call home, Orange County has something for everyone.
