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Profile

It's difficult to imagine that in such a beautiful and bright place that's home to a magic kingdom, land was once purchased for a mere $2 an acre. Back in 1889 that's exactly how it began when two German settlers acquired their "home by the river" to grow grapes and produce wine, which began a thriving agricultural industry that carried on until shortly after the second World War.

In 1955, Walt Disney introduced Californians to the world's first Magic Kingdom, one that predated its "worldly" Floridian brethren by 16 years, and was the start of a string of successive developments that would include the former Anaheim Stadium, currently Edison Field, where the Angels baseball team plays, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, the home to the Mighty Ducks hockey team, and the creation of the monumental Anaheim Resort, an 1,100-acre garden district that also includes the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Resort.

With a population of nearly 330,000, Anaheim is the second largest city in Orange County next to Santa Ana. It is located approximately 28 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, 31 miles southeast of Los Angeles International Airport, 90 miles north of San Diego, and 400 miles south of San Francisco. Anaheim is also neighbored by several popular Orange County cities and coastal towns such as Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna, Irvine, Costa Mesa and others, and is less than an hour drive from the Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

Weather

Few places in the world have the lovely weather enjoyed by Southern California year round. Eighty percent of the days in Anaheim/Orange County bring sunny weather that's similar to Mediterranean climate patterns. Summers are moderate to hot with temperatures averaging 70 degrees. Winters are mild with an average temperature of 55 degrees, with breezy afternoons and cool evenings. Rainfall averages just 13 inches annually with most occurring from December through February.

Current Weather

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Attractions

Downtown Anaheim underwent a massive $5 billion transformation in 2001 that included a redesigned and expanded Anaheim Convention Center, the creation of the Disney California Adventure Theme Park, which compliments the original Disneyland Park. Together, they comprise the Anaheim Resort, an 1,100-acre district that serves as an all-inclusive destination for business travelers and tourists.

Disneyland Park (1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim; 714-781-4565; www.disneyland.com), the original Disney theme park, encompasses more than 60 rides and attractions, including 50 shops and 30 restaurants divided among eight themed lands. Guests can board the Disneyland train and circle the park to explore the glorious history of the past as well as look into the future, then stroll through 1890s Main Street or along the Rivers of America in Frontierland. Catch a quick photo op with Mickey and Donald and all their famous friends, or take the ride of your life thundering through mountains or skyrocketing into space. It's a Walt Disney original that's wrought with tradition, yet continually forward moving and modern.

Disney's California Adventure (1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim; 714-781-4565; www.disneyland.com) theme park, located directly across from Disneyland, celebrates the fun and diversity of California with the expected Disney slant. The treasures of the Golden State are revealed amidst true-to-life recreations where visitors can experience the making of movie magic in a Hollywood Pictures Backlot, visit the classic piers that dot the California coast or experience the romance of Napa Valley's wine country. Exciting thrill-rides and effects-driven shows and attractions allow guests to take a frightful freefall into the Twilight Zone then step into the secret world of Disney animation, or interact with Disney's Pixar Film pals, then settle in for an evening of Disney's Electrical Parade.

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Family Fun

Discovery Science Center (2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana; 714-542-2823; www.discoverycube.org), known as "the Amusement Park for your Mind," is where visitors learn more about the world by experiencing scientific phenomena in a fun environment through more than 120 interactive exhibits, live shows and hands-on experiences. Climb aboard the flight deck of a full-size replica of Space Shuttle Endeavor or try out a game of virtual volleyball; bring the kids to Kidstation where children five and younger will find safe activates that stimulate the imagination. The center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

With origins dating back to 1920, Knott's Berry Farm began life as just that. Today, that land is part of 160 acres that have become the unlikely host of an Old West Ghost Town, a Fiesta Village, a Boardwalk, White Water Wilderness, Indian Trails, and more. Together they form Knott's Theme Park (8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park; 714-220-5200; www.knotts.com), America's first theme park and among the most visited amusement parks in the country. Not content to let their famous neighbors hog the spotlight, Knott's features plenty of its own thrills by way of an 80 mile-an-hour XCELERATOR ride as well as Southern California's longest and tallest wooden coaster and steepest water rides. Open daily, ticket prices are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and $14.95 for children ages three to 11.

How about a little homemade beach to go with the warmth of the golden state's golden sun? Knott's Soak City U.S.A. brings the sand and surf to you without your having to leave the vicinity. This 13-acre water park located across from the theme park, features 21 water rides and attractions, from tubing to speed slides, a giant wave pool, river rafting, water playground, and more, set against the backdrop of a traditional Southern Californian beach town.

Adventure City (1238 Beach Blvd., Anaheim; 714-236-9300; www.adventurecity.com) is a two-acre theme park built to resemble a small city one might find in a children's storybook and is geared for kids ages two to 12, but provides plenty of rides, attractions, games, and live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Walk through a miniature airport terminal and learn about aviation before taking to the skies for the Great Balloon Race, take a cruise on the Freeway Coaster or, just for laughs, take a spin on the Giggle Wheel, make new friends in the Petting Farm or visit old ones at the Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway.

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Cultural Arts

Originally known as "The Mother Colony," Anaheim was the first planned community and the first incorporated city in present-day Orange County. Anaheim enjoys a unique place in history, much of which can be found in the Anaheim Museum (241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim; 714-778-3301; www.anaheimmuseum.com). Billed as "A Walk Through Local History," the museum's galleries and exhibits illustrate as much from revisiting the city's early German settlers to the establishment of Anaheim as a wine and citrus colony and on through the early Disneyland days dating back to 1955. The museum is open on Wednesday's and Friday's from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; all other days are by appointment only.

Located in nearby Garden Grove, the spectacular $16-million Crystal Cathedral (12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove; 714-971-4013; www.crystalcathedral.org) is an Orange County landmark featuring 10,000 panes of silver-colored glass. The only one of its kind in the world, the sanctuary is a masterwork of skilled artisanship and European elegance, which can accommodate nearly 3,000 people including more than 1,000 singers and instrumentalists. From its crowning bell tower to the power of its world-renowned pipe organ, the Cathedral is a sight to behold, inside and out. Guided tours are given regularly throughout the week at no charge.

One of the largest musical theater companies in Southern California, the Fullerton Civic Light Opera (218 W. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton; 714-526-3832; www.fclo.com) produces professional Broadway musicals four times a year (February through October) at the Plummer Auditorium, which is located ten minutes from the Anaheim Convention Center. The ticket office is open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket prices for adults and children range from $22 to $45.

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Sports/Recreation

There are more than 45 public and private golf courses throughout Orange County offering crystal blue backdrops and cool ocean breezes, rolling hills and lush green foliage to go with near-perfect weather year-round.

The Anaheim Hills Golf Course (6501 Nohl Ranch Rd., Anaheim Hills; 714-998-3041) presents a challenging 18 holes and is recognized as Orange County's finest golf value. Green fees (including cart) are priced at $42.50 Monday through Thursday and $52.50 Friday through Sunday and holidays. Located just 25 minutes from Disneyland, Anaheim Hills rests in enchanting, old California terrain, featuring climbing vistas and cool valleys, with a natural stream flowing past stands of oaks and sycamores.

"Players of all abilities will find Black Gold a dramatic composition of beauty, challenge and strategic options," according to Arthur Hills, designer of one of Orange County's newest golf facilities, Black Gold Golf Club (17681 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda; 714-961-0253; www.blackgoldgolf.com). Located on the old Shell Oil Field in the foothills above Yorba Linda, the club is centrally located and freeway accessible, and only a 15-minute drive from Anaheim's attractions. The course features a challenging par 72 layout of nearly 7,000 yards and includes plenty of scenic beauty and picturesque ocean views. Future plans include the installation of golf cart Global Positioning Systems for enhanced analysis, scorekeeping and convenience.

Dana Point Harbor (949-496-1094; www.danapointharbor.com) is home to two marinas, unique shops and restaurants, and is a hub for water activities that include parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing, as well as fishing, kayaking, diving, and whale watching. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, just south of Laguna Beach, the harbor boasts a picturesque port side community set within a natural cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the Pacific Ocean.

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Accommodations

Orange County has an inventory of more than 50,000 rooms, with nearly 20,000 in Anaheim alone, ranging from fine family-oriented properties for the budget-conscious traveler to elegant, full-service, luxury 5-star hotels. Nearly half of the rooms in Anaheim surround the Anaheim Convention Center and are within walking distance of Disneyland.

Situated in the heart of the Disneyland Resort Area, the Desert Palms Hotel and Suites (631 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim; 714-535-1133; www.desertpalmshotel.com), one of Anaheim's newest hotels is conveniently located next to both Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure, and across the street from the Anaheim Convention Center. The hotel features 188 rooms and suites, 24-hour business center, an outdoor heated pool and spa, and countless shops and eateries within walking distance. Special park hopper discount packages are available. Room rates begin at $69 per night.

For a boardwalk-inspired slice of nostalgia to go with spectacular views of Disney's California Adventure, choose Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel (1717 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim. This Three-Diamond Deluxe Hotel features a classic retro design, rooftop pool and nearly 500 rooms with rates starting at $160 per night. Disneyland Hotel (1150 Magic Way, Anaheim) is a Disney original. Located adjacent to the Downtown Disney District, the hotel features all the magical touches one would expect, from the oversized Sorcerer's Hat symbol to the Never Land themed pool. Per night rates begin at $205. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel (1600 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim) offers premium accommodations within its grand timber-like structure Guests can enjoy a plunge in the Redwood Pool or enjoy a night out while treating the kids (five to 12) to a supervised evening of fun at Pinnochio's Workshop. Room rates begin at $265 per night. Extra resort hotel benefits include park re-entry, services for children and charging priveleges. Contact (714) 956-6425 or visit www.disneyland.com for more details.

Having undergone a $40-million renovation, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point; 949-240-2000; www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/laguna_niguel) offers a stylish and elegant new look to go with its priceless ocean views set atop a 150-foot bluff. The resort now features a new ocean-view restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton Spa and an oceanfront fitness center to go with its 393 guestrooms, 30 suites and 38 Club Level rooms. Per night rates begin at $425 up to $3,500 for the Presidential Suite.

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Shopping

Downtown Disney District is a lively promenade that offers plenty of unique shopping and dining opportunities as well as evening excitement. From the World of Disney superstore to Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen to the ESPN Zone Sports Arena dining and entertainment complex there's something to do for every member of the family minutes away from the theme parks and resort hotels.

Considered locally as the "Ultimate Shopping Resort," and recognized as among the "Most Famous Streets in America to Shop, Stay and Dine," Orange County's largest shopping mall, South Coast Plaza (3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-435-2000; www.southcoastplaza.com) brandishes a number of marquee stores from the likes of Bally, Bulgari, Cartier, Gucci, Versace, Saks, and many more. Its location is wrought with pleasant scenery and attractions including the California Scenario Sculpture Garden, South Coast Repertory and the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

The Block at Orange - The Mills Corporation (20 City Blvd., Orange; 714-769-4000) is considered to be one of Southern California's finest dining, shopping and entertainment experiences. Restaurants, performance venues and movie theaters combine with bookstores, boutiques and sidewalk cafes located in one open-air promenade. Fashion Island (401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach; 949-720-3314), Orange County's only open-air shopping center to overlook the Pacific Ocean, is surrounded by world-class hotels and beautiful beaches. It features more than 200 specialty stores, a seven-screen cinema, spa and two food courts. Special events throughout the year include the Project Playhouse summer concert series, a holiday tree lighting ceremony and seasonal children's activities.

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Nightlife

Orange County is home to 50 theaters, including the 3,000-seat Orange County Performing Arts Center (600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; 714-556-2121; www.ocpac.org), which features the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Opera Pacific, and Pacific Chorale, and produces world-class performances such as the New York City Ballet. The Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim (2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; 714-704-2500; www.arrowheadpond.com) and Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (8808 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine) feature musicals and operettas as well as top-name musical and sports entertainment. The Grove of Anaheim 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; 714-712-2700; www.thegroveofanaheim.com) and House of Blues (1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim; 714-778-BLUE) feature a more intimate setting with acts ranging from amphitheater headliners to stars from Vegas and the big and small screen. For area dinner theaters look for Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament (7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park; 714 521-4740), and Wild Bill's Wild West Dinner Extravaganza (7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park; 714-522-6414).

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Travel Info

For a reliable source of information on the City of Anaheim and its neighbors contact the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau Tourism Department at (714) 765-8899. There is also the Anaheim Resort Convention Center Visitor Information desk located in the lobby of the Anaheim Convention Center, where visitors can purchase tickets to all major Southern California attractions, sightseeing tours, receive special discounts, and general information (800 W. Katella Ave.; 714-765-8888).

For a convenient way to move around Anaheim's sprawling resort district the best option is the Anaheim Resort Transit System (ART). Dispersed among a number of colorful trolley cars that traverse the streets in and around the Disney locale, ART services the entire 1,100-acre district. It operates daily and is available by visiting the front desk of the Resort Hotel to purchase all-day or multi-day passes.

The Southern California City Pass offers visitors more than 30% savings on five popular attractions. Included is a three-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper bonus ticket, which is good for unlimited admission to both Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park for three days, a one-day stop at Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park, and a visit to Sea World or either of the two popular San Diego Zoos. The Citypass price for adults is $185, and for children age three to nine is $127. Visit http://citypass.com/city/socal.html for details.

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Fast Facts

Anaheim has more than 30 tours operating daily out of the city itself to such places as Universal Studios, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, Tijuana, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon.

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Links

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor Guide

Anaheim City Guide

Anaheim Convention Center

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