Orange County flights and travel guide

Orange County – or The OC as it also known – lies at the heart of southern California and encompasses (and enhances) all that make the area a top destination. Home to both Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, it is also a beach resort and includes some of the wealthiest communities in the world, one worthy of its own television program (The OC).

Although cheap flights to Orange County can arrive at any one of several area airports, do not expect to find a downtown here. The county is one of the most populous in the US but is made up of a series of incorporated cities without a single dominant urban area though Anaheim is probably the best-known. It’s home of the National Hockey League’s Ducks and Major League Baseball’s Angels.

Boasting a climate that maintains a summer feel throughout the year, Orange County is as varied a destination as they come with something to attract even the fussiest of travellers.

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Orange County climate

Orange County covers an area that stretches from the coast to inland foothills and its climate varies as a result. The best weather can usually be found on the coast where the Pacific Ocean serves to cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Nearly constant sunshine – and needless to say very limited rainfall – as well as an average annual temperature in the mid-20 degree Celsius range really do come close to climate perfection.

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When to fly to Orange County

Peak Season:

Because of the lack of seasonality in Orange County, peak times tend to be dictated by school holidays when families in the area and abroad visit.

Off Season:

The periods between school holidays – ie mid-September through to mid-November, mid-January through to mid-March and mid-April through to mid-May – tend to be quieter, particularly at family destinations such as Disneyland. However, many of the attractions cut down on their opening times to compensate and may also carry out refurbishment programs at these times so do some research  before booking cheap flights to Orange County.

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Getting around Orange County

This is California, the world’s capital of the car, so it is not surprising that the best way to get around Orange County is to use one. Of course everyone else uses one as well so the freeways tend to fill up at busy times. Avoid using them during the morning and afternoon rush hours (7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm).

Major car rental companies are represented at all airports in the region. Shuttles to hotels and nearby towns are also available as are taxis.

Trains are not as popular a mode of transport in California as they are in other parts of the US but Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner does serve the following Orange County communities: Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano.

Buses are the best public transportation option. The Orange County Transportation Authority runs bus services throughout the county. They cost US$1.25 though a day pass for US$3 is recommended if you are planning multiple journeys. Both can be purchased onboard though you’ll need exact change.

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Orange County insider information

• Orange County’s Little Saigon is home to the largest concentration of Vietnamese people outside of Vietnam. It is also home to sizable Chinese and Korean communities, particularly in western Orange County. There are many exotic shops selling Asian foods and of course no shortage of Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean restaurants.
• Huntington Beach, or Surf City USA as it is also known, is the local centre of all things sun, surf and sand. Its other claim to fame is the longest recreational pier in California.
• Laguna Beach is another beachside community in the county. However, there is more to it than just another beach. The Laguna Art Museum and Laguna Playhouse provide an establishment cultural backdrop to a place that is already renowned for its art festivals, galleries, historic districts and unique gift shops. Its restaurants are not half-bad either. Laguna Beach is also a designated marine-life refuge while Heisler Park Ecological Reserve is the perfect setting for some cliff-walking.
• Fashion Island is an outdoor shopping centre in Newport Beach that features a massive koi pond and gardens to calm the senses after a hectic shopping schedule. The area’s coastline is home to a huge marina, the largest small-yacht harbour on the West Coast. It goes without saying that harbour cruises are available though the best bet for an excursion is the high-speed catamaran to nearby Santa Catalina Island.
• This would not be California without the unexpected and despite the fact that Orange County features as mild a winter as is possible without crossing the equator, Winter Wonderland features the arrival of 100 tons of snow at Bonita Creek Park in Newport Beach. Sledding, snowball fights and pictures with Santa are all on offer.

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Orange County airports

John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA)

21km to Anaheim (20 minutes’ drive)

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

29km to Anaheim (30 minutes)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

56km to Anaheim (50 minutes)

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

58km to Anaheim (45 minutes)

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