5 MUST SEE, DO
» Disneyland Resort
The wait for the as-yet unscheduled opening of Star Wars Land is a good time to take advantage of the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” behind-the-scenes tour. Uncle Walt might not have seen “Star Wars” coming, but participants will learn just what a visionary he was— and take a spin on some classic rides along the way. › disneyland.disney.go.com
» Old Towne Orange
This one square mile of Early California houses handsome Victorian, Craftsman, Bungalow and Spanish architecture. Among the locally owned shops, galleries, fountains and pretty sidewalk cafés are the county’s oldest operating bank and soda fountain. The one thing that must not be missed is the Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tour.
› iheartoldtowneorange.com
› oldtownorangewalkingfoodtours.com
» Laguna Beach and Pageant of the Masters
Remaining true to its origins as a small artists’ colony in the early 1900s, Laguna Beach stages many festivals, galleries and abundant public art. Its pièce de résistance is Pageant of the Masters, 90 minutes of living art tableaux in which costumed people portray some world art masterpieces with eerie fidelity.
› visitlagunabeach.com
› foapom.com
» Balboa Island
Ferry Fun-seekers can drive, bicycle or walk onto the ferry for the short crossing to this manmade island in Newport Harbor. Diversions include viewing classic beach bungalow architecture, parasailing, a fishing pier and the Balboa Fun Zone—a mini version of California’s old seaside amusement parks. Getting there truly is half the fun.
› balboaislandferry.com
› explorebalboaisland.com
› thebalboafunzone.com
» Diamond Jamboree
Irvine’s answer to the question of where to start sampling the OC’S abundant ethnic food is a collection of 20-plus international eateries serving fare originating primarily in Taiwan, Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. Wildly popular with UC students, it has a comfortable collegiate air. Be prepared: Parking is a challenge.
› diamond-jamboree.com