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Guide To A Long Weekend In OC

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(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Orange County's unique Mediterranean climate provides a generous amount of warmth and sunshine all year long, so no matter the time of year you visit the OC, you will want to take advantage of these desirable activities. You can soak up the sun surfing, hiking, riding amusement park rides and perusing beach communities for a memorable long weekend in Orange County.

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(credit: WPPilot/Wikipedia)

Crystal Cove State Park
8471 Pacific Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3539
www.crystalcovestatepark.com

Crystal Cove State Park embodies much of what makes the OC a desirable place to live. With alluring beaches, trails and palm trees, the state park is where to go for an active day full of surfing, swimming, diving, hiking and horseback riding. The 2,791-acre park provides friends and family with plenty of nature to explore on and off land. To extend the experience into the morning, Crystal Cove State Park has quaint, beach-side cottages for rent. Learn how to reserve your special overnight cottage here.

Related: Best Hiking Trails In Orange County

knott's berry farm
(credit: RSZ)

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

For a fun-filled day of amusement park rides, live entertainment, water rides and games, Knott's Berry Farm has you covered. With more than 10 roller coasters and five "thrill rides" to make you scream with excitement, game rooms, rides suitable for children and families and seven live stage shows, this amusement park is sure to entertain the entire family - even mom and dad. To make sure you get to experience as much as possible during your trip, you may want to get a "Fast Lane" pass that will enable you to bypass lines throughout the day and hop on the next ride more quickly. To get yours, go to the website.

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(credit: Balboa Fun Zone)

Balboa Island Ferry
410 S. Bay Front
Newport Beach, CA 92662
(949) 673-1070
www.beachcalifornia.com

Take a ride on the Balboa Island Ferry to see the charming shops, delightful coastlines and beautiful oceanfront homes nestled in this exquisite area of Orange County. For $1 each way, the ferry will take you from the Balboa Peninsula to Balboa Island for an enjoyable, relaxing jaunt to break up the day of perusing clothing shops, bookstores and restaurants. You can even take your car on the ferry for only $1 extra. While you are there, be sure to try one of the area's well-known frozen bananas.

Related: How To Spend One Day In Newport Beach

Summer Surfing
(credit: Randy Yagi)

The Cali Camp
24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 289-8274
www.thecalicamp.com

When one thinks of Orange County, surfing usually comes to mind. Known as one of the best areas for surfing, you can make your OC trip complete by hitting the waves. The Cali Camp will set you up with seasoned surfing professionals that are tailored to your experience level and will also show you where the best surfing spots are. Whether you want to book a day of surfing in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach or Trestles Beach, The Cali Camp can show you the ropes. There's even opportunities to catch some waves at sunset if you already have plans during the day.

Disneyland
(credit: Randy Yagi)

Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4565
www.disneyland.disney.go.com

No matter your age, Disneyland Resort is sure to bring some magic to your Orange County getaway. In addition to seeing classic characters including Mickey, Minnie and Goofy roaming around, the theme park provides an acclaimed colorful light show that celebrates an array of Disney characters, amusement park rides for all ages and opportunities to meet your favorite Disney princess. To wake up in the happiest place on Earth, you can book a room right inside the park. Make your reservations for the entire family here.

Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, dancer, marketer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, volunteering, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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