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Five Reasons To Visit OC For Spring Break

Three surfers wait to catch the swell at 610 header
(credit: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Orange County is famous for its sunny beaches, but they are only one of the many amazing reasons to visit Orange County this spring break. Three major theme parks will whisk vacationers away to a fantasy land full of exciting rides and attractions. For nature lovers, a vast system of wilderness, beach and regional parks are just waiting to be explored. With all these exciting destinations and more, Orange County is the perfect place to visit this spring break.

YorbaRegionalPark(OCParks)
(credit: OC Parks)

OC Parks
13042 Old Myford Road
Irvine, CA 92602
(714) 973-6855
www.ocparks.com

With nearly two dozen wilderness, regional and beach parks that include hundreds of miles of trails to explore, OC Parks offers the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate over spring break. Visitors can explore densely wooded canyons and high mountain ridges that provide stunning panoramic vistas of coastal and inland Orange County. While the regional parks are more developed and offer more amenities, the wilderness parks offer a more wide open, pure environment in which to connect with nature. Many must-see historic sites are also housed within the OC Parks system, such as the Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens and the Old Orange County Courthouse.

Tourists walk near entrance to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim
(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4636
www.disneyland.disney.go.com

You just can't go wrong visiting the happiest place on Earth over spring break. The Disneyland Park offers a classic Disney experience with its familiar characters and timeless rides including the uplifting It's A Small World and the exhilarating Space Mountain. The California Adventure Park provides an exciting airborne tour of California on the Soarin' ride, and the stunning World of Color show each night. In addition to these amazing theme parks, the adjacent Downtown Disney District has plenty of dining and shopping options to explore while strolling outdoors along the promenade in gorgeous SoCal spring weather.

knotts berry farm
(Credit: Knott's Berry Farm)

Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com

Knott's Berry Farm has the best collection of roller coasters and breath-taking rides in Orange County. From Supreme Scream to the Xcelerator, the thrill rides at Knott's will get your heart racing and the adrenaline pumping. For families and younger children, there are plenty of options for you, too, including the Flying Ace and the old-timey Calico Mine ride. Spring weather in the OC is also the perfect time for making a splash on the Bigfoot Rapids or the Timber Mountain Log Ride. In addition to these electrifying rides, Knott's Berry Farm also offers a variety of dining, shopping and live entertainment options to explore including Native American dancers and bluegrass country music.

RelatedBest Places To Take Family Photos In OC

newport beach hotel ocean
(credit: Four Sisters Inn)

Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 644-3309
www.visitnewportbeach.com

Put the sand at your doorstep by renting a gorgeous beach house in Newport Beach. Spring break is a time to relax and there's no better place to do that than on a sunny SoCal beach where surfboards, boogie boards, bikes and more are all available for fun in the sun. Local attractions include the beautiful Newport Harbor and the classic boardwalk-style Balboa Fun Zone and its famous Ferris wheel. Visitors to Newport Beach can also connect with nature at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve or the Environmental Nature Center with its stunning butterfly garden.  

DiscoveryScienceCenter_ShelbyBarone
(credit: Shelby Barone)

Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 542-2823
www.discoverycube.org

Spring break doesn't have to mean a complete brain vacation. The Discovery Science Center has two floors of exciting exhibits to stimulate your family's learning this spring break including the Science of Hockey, Dino Quest and the Planetary Research Station. Special exhibits now featured or coming soon are the Lego Travel Exhibit and the extremely popular Bubblefest. For added convenience, a Taco Bell restaurant is located within the museum so families can pause and refuel before heading back for more educational fun. 

Related: A Guide To SoCal's Major Theme Parks

David McDonald is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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