Page 87 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

KONSTANTIN YOLSHIN/SHUTTERSTOCK; THE IMAGE PARTY/SHUTTERSTOCK; GLENN HIGHCOVE/SHUTTERSTOCK. OPPOSITE:PAUL MASSIE PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK
SAN CLEMENTE PIER,
opposite; Knott's Berry
Farm Stagecoach, below;
Legendary Disney castle
of Sleeping Beauty in
Disneyland, right; The
Pacific City food hall
known as Lot 579, right
bottom.
Fashion Island in Newport Beach, vie
with dozens of local shopping districts.
Sports fans cheer the Los Angeles
Angels at the Angel Stadium of
Anaheim and the Anaheim Ducks
hockey team at Honda Center, which
doubles as a big-name concert venue.
Fifty courses and a temperate climate
await golfers, while hotel and day spas
stand ready to soothe aches and tone
muscles.
City & Town
By population, Anaheim is the largest of
Orange County’s 34 cities. None has a
typical downtown, though Huntington
SPECIAL EVENTS 2025
DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES March 7-9, Dana Point festivalofwhales.org
SWALLOWS’ DAY PARADE AND MERCADO STREET FAIR
March 22, San Juan Capistrano swallowsparade.com
SAWDUST ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL June 27-Aug. 31, Laguna Beach sawdustartfestival.org
HUNTINGTON BEACH 4TH OF JULY July 4, Huntington Beach hb4thofjuly.org
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS July 5-Aug. 29, Laguna Beach foapom.com
OCEAN INSTITUTE MARITIME FESTIVAL Sept. 3-15, Dana Point Harbor maritime-fest.org
NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE
Dec. 18-22, Newport Beach christmasboatparade.com
MUST
SEE,
DO
• DISNEYLAND RESORT The centennial party
may be over, but Disneyland’s magic never fades! As
the park gears up for its 70th anniversary, new
attractions will thrill guests of all ages. On May 16,
2025, the debut of Walt Disney—A Magical Life will
celebrate the visionary behind it all. Over at Disney
California Adventure Park, the Avengers Campus is
expanding with Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark
Flight Lab, immersing fans in cutting-edge Marvel
action. Get ready for heroic adventures!
• disneyland.disney.go.com
• ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARK Anchored by
its iconic orange balloon, this ever-evolving 1,300-acre
park is a must-visit. In 2026, aviation fans can explore
the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, bringing
historic aircraft and exhibits to a new home.
Meanwhile, the Cultural Terrace is transforming with
plans for a 12,000-seat amphitheater, lakes, trails, and
a new museum, making the park a cultural and
recreational hotspot.
• ocgp.org
• LOT 579, HUNTINGTON BEACH A foodie’s
paradise just steps from Huntington Beach Pier, this
mouthwatering waterfront food hall is a gastronomic
hub for unique eateries. Part of the Pacific City
complex, its upstairs communal space offers plenty of
seating and stunning ocean views.
• gopacificcity.com/lot579
• LAGUNA BEACH’S PAGEANT OF THE
MASTERS Art comes alive in this one-of-a-kind
spectacle where actors recreate world masterpieces
with breathtaking 3D realism. It’s the crown jewel of
Laguna Beach’s arts scene, set in a seaside town
brimming with galleries, workshops and public art.
• visitlagunabeach.com
• foapom.com
• KNOTT’S BERRY FARM From its humble berry
farm beginnings, Knott’s has grown into a theme park
favorite with five immersive lands. Ghost Town
transports visitors to the Wild West, Camp Snoopy
delights kids with the Peanuts gang, and Fiesta Village
celebrates California’s Hispanic heritage. Thrill-seekers
can tackle HangTime, the state’s first dive coaster, or
get soaked on Big Foot Rapids. Adventure awaits!
• knotts.com
2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA 85