Seniors Discover The California Riveria

Senior travelers learn that Orange County, California, is sandwiched between the vibrant metropolis of Los Angeles and the relaxed waves of San Diego. “OC,” as it’s called by locals, is made up of a group of cities located along the Pacific coastline and inland.

Orange County whose seat is Santa Ana, has a population of over 3,000,000. Thirty-four incorporated cities are located in the county. With over 42 miles of Pacific coastline and spectacular vistas, many enjoy calling it…the ‘California Riviera’.

When California became a state in 1850, what is now Orange County was a part of Los Angeles County. It took nearly 20 years of struggle for the area to break away and create a county of their own. Many contend that Orange County was named for its most promising crop.

Seniors Visit Disneyland And Knott’s Berry Farm

Orange County is the second most densely populated county in the state, second only to San Francisco County. Due to Orange County’s proximity to Los Angeles, many film and media celebrities have moved or bought second homes in the county.

Actor John Wayne, who lived in Newport Beach, is the namesake for Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. The county is famous as the home of attractions like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and several beaches along the  coastline.

The county’s four largest cities, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, and Huntington Beach each have populations exceeding 200,000. Several of Orange County’s cities are located on the Pacific coast, including Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente. Senior visitors will discover lots of beautiful scenery and a host of fun things to see and do all over Orange County.  

 Seniors Enjoy California’s Gold Coast

Orange County invites senior visitors to check out the spectacular South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, or stroll the famous Huntington Beach Pier and watch the surfers off Huntington Beach, aka Surf City, USA. 

Senior golfers can enjoy the region’s excellent golf courses. Then there’s the  Cleveland National Forest and the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. The Gold Coast of California with over 40 miles of coastline and spectacular vistas have led many to proclaim it the “California Riviera”.

Orange County is home to some of the world’s most popular attractions: The Disney Resort and California Adventure, Mission San Juan Capistrano, ‘The Jewel of the Missions” and Knott’s Berry Farm.

The Great Stone Church, a cathedral ruin that has been named one of the world’s 100 Most Endangered Sites is located at The Mission San Juan Capistrano. The migration of the swallows back to Capistrano every March is celebrated with their famous Swallow’s Day Parade.

 Seniors, set your GPS for Orange County and discover its rich heritage. -jeb