Best Roadside Attractions Near Orange County
When making a trip to a more popular destination, viewing roadside attractions is a great form of entertainment. It's nice to visit Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm, but there are plenty of other, smaller venues to see along the way. Sometimes it's the diversions that make a road trip truly special. The following roadside attractions don't take much time to view and each has a unique quality. At the very least, they are something for a family to talk about during a long, dull drive.
Historic Yorba Cemetery
625 W. Bastanchury Road
Placentia, CA. 92870
(714) 973-3190
www.ocparks.com2
You may have to beware of the Yorba Cemetery in Placentia as this spooky site is home to the famed "Pink Lady." On every even numbered year, it is rumored that the ghost of a woman known as the Pink Lady rises from her grave on June 15. Unfortunately, the visiting hours for the historic cemetery are only on the first Saturday of each month between 11am to 1pm. Attempting to get a glimpse of the famous lady will have to be done from beyond the cemetery's fence line.
Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House And Gardens
29042 Modjeska Canyon Road
Modjeska, California
(949) 923-22302
Madame Helena Modjeska was a famous stage actress from Poland. Throughout the years, she toured the U.S. and made a name for herself as a successful Shakespearean actress. During her downtime, she lived on a beautiful piece of property that she dubbed Arden (the name of the forest in Shakespeare's "As You Like It"). Her beautiful home and gardens have been well preserved since her death, and the property is now a historic park open to visitors.
Old Orange County Courthouse
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 973-6605
www.ocparks.com2
For those who are fans of courtroom history, having a look at the Old Orange County Courthouse should be a treat. It opened in 1901 and still offers some services, though there are no more court trials within its walls. Presently, it is still possible to obtain a marriage license or search through archives at the courthouse. The rest of the building has been preserved and functions as a museum. Permanent and temporary galleries about the history of the courthouse are a tribute to Orange County's legal past.
Related: OC's Most Popular Filming Locations
Water Tower House
1 Anderson St
Sunset Beach, CA 90742
Does anyone remember the water tower house from the old cartoon show "Animaniacs?" The three main characters lived in a water tower house at Warner Bros. Studios. Believe it or not, there is an actual water tower house, but it's located in Seal Beach. Street viewing of the house is free, but it's listed online as a $4,000 a week rental. A movie theater, jacuzzi and other extra features make up for the hefty price.
Ramon Peralta Adobe Historic Site
6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 973-3190
www.ocparks.com
Adobe life can still be experienced through the miracle of preservation. Ramon Peralta Adobe is the last remaining adobe in Santa Ana Canyon. The adobe is thought to have been constructed in 1871. it is now a small museum with exhibits and photographs showing the history of Santa Ana Canyon. The adobe is open to the public either by appointment or during visiting hours.
