Bowers Museum of Cultural Art: 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana (909/567-3642). The largest museum in Orange County, and the only institution in the region with the mission to preserve, display and interpret the fine arts of indigenous peoples of the Americas, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The permanent collections feature exhibits like Africa: Beyond the Nile and Arts of Oceania which focus on the cultures of ancient Mexico and Central and South America.
Crystal Cathedral: 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove (714/971-4000). Designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the Crystal Cathedral was built to inspire and reach out to the surrounding community and world as an instrument of the positive message which Dr. Robert Schuller proclaims weekly through his international ministry. A Visitor’s Center assists visitors with a guided tour of facilities.
Discovery Science Center: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana (714/542–CUBE) www.discoverycube.org Experience science Southern California style through the 120 hands on exhibits. The center’s themed areas include Quake Zone, Techno Arts, Discovery Stadium, Perception, Dynamic Earth, Air & Space and Kids Station (an area for children 5 years and under.).
Disneyland: Ball Rd. at Santa Ana Freeway, Anaheim (714/781-4000). www.disneyland.com World-famous Disney park features themed areas including: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Bear Country, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, and Fantasyland.
Disney’s California Adventure: Harbor Bl. between Ball and Katella, Anaheim (714/781-4000). A magical journey up, over and across the landscape of the Golden State includes California Screaming’, Grizzly River Run, Mulholland Madness, Paradise Pier, and the 2,000 seat Hyperion Theater. Rides, shows, restaurants, all with a California theme.
Knott’s Berry Farm: 8039 Beach Bl., Buena Park (714/220-5200). www.knotts.com Popular Old West theme park with more than 165 rides, attractions, shows, shops, and a variety of restaurants.
Orange County Museum of Art: 850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach (714/759-1122). Offering a fascinating view into the world of modern art, with a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs focusing on post-World War II California. Changing exhibits feature emerging and established California artists as well as international works. The museum defines current trends in art and places modern art in a historical context.
Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace: 18001 Yorba Linda Bl., Yorba Linda (714/993-5075) www.nixonlibrary.gov The presidential library and final resting place of the 37th President of the United States. offers a narrative of Nixon’s life and career. Behind the museum is the birthplace which was constructed by Nixon’s father using a home building kit. The compound also contains a special exhibit room and replica of the East Room of the White House.