An Orange County Guide to the Location and Destinations of "The O.C."

Many people outside of California have heard of Orange County but are not quite sure where it is. When people hear about celebrities who are spotted in Orange County or reality shows based on Orange County residents they are not quite sure where this place is. The question, friends outside the area, often ask is, "Where is Orange County?" Here are some answers to a few of the questions asked from those not from the Southern California area.

Where is Orange County located?

Orange County is located along the Pacific Coast bordering Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. North Orange County borders South Los Angeles at the city of Long Beach and South Orange County borders Camp Pendelton before you get to North San Diego.

Where is Orange County: Nearby Destinations

You can drive from Las Vegas to Orange County in about four hours according to Google maps but you should always consider traffic when driving through Southern California.

A day trip from San Diego near attractions such as Sea World are usually estimated to be one hour and a half. From Legoland San Diego which is in the northern area of San Diego expect about an hour drive.

Driving north from Los Angeles to Orange County may take longer then driving south because traffic is congested once you enter Los Angeles County. There are less driving lanes to make things worse. From Santa Monica to Orange County expect a two hour drive during high traffic daylight hours or weekends.

Where is Orange County: Attractions

You can spend a lifetime living in Orange County and never run out of things to do. North Orange County houses some of the most popular amusement parks in the country including Disneyland and California Adventure in Anaheim. Knotts Berry Farm and Knotts Soak City is located in Buena Park along with popular attractions like Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Central Orange County is home to the Santa Ana Art District.

South Orange County is where the wealthy like spend their time at five star resorts such as the Ritz Carlton and St. Regis Resort in Dana Point. South Orange County also hosts events such as Festival of the Whales which celebrates the migration of the great whales from Southern Waters for mating. The Return of the Swallows to the historic Missions in San Juan Capistrano.

Where is Orange County: Colleges and Universities

Central Orange County is home to University of California, Irvine, California State University Fullerton, Chapman University, Concordia University, University of Redlands Orange County Campus, Community Colleges in Orange County include Coast Community College, Fullerton College, Golden West College, and Saddleback College. There are also several Art and Design Colleges throughout Orange County.

Where is Orange County: Beaches and Harbors
Surf City is located in Huntington Beach and was made famous by the Beach Boys' song, Surfin' USA. Balboa Park in Newport Beach has a fun boardwalk and arcade. Doheny State Beach is a great family and camping beach. The Dana Point Harbor has many restaurants, shops and water sports to choose from.

Where is Orange County: Stats

Orange County, California is the smallest county in Southern California. The land are of Orange County is 789 square miles and has one of the highest medium incomes in the country according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Fault lines that run through Orange County include the Puente Hills fault, Whittier fault, San Juaquin Hills fault, and the Newport-Inglewood fault which puts Orange County at high risk for serious earthquakes.

Check out more about Orange County Beaches, Surfing & Water Sports, and Education along the "Golden Coast".

Sources:
U.S. Census Bureau: Orange County, California Quick Facts
OC Register: O.C.'s Faults