Attractions

Air Combat USA

Dogfight training in actual high-performance small planes. Instructors handle takeoff and landing, riders have control in the air. Fullerton Municipal Airport, 230 N. Dale Place, Fullerton, 800.522.7590 Map A2

Aquarium of the Pacific

One of the largest aquariums in the U.S.; highlights include Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest and ethereal sea jellies. Daily 9 am–6 pm. $12.95–$24.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map west of C1 www.aquariumofpacific.org

Balboa Fun Zone

The beloved zone is shrinking. Remaining rides include Ferris wheel and carousel. Su–Th 11 am–8 pm; F until 9 pm and Sa until 10 pm. Pay per ride. 600 E. Bay Ave., Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach Map N15

Battle of the dance

New. International dance and dinner show fashioned after the Son Amar in Mallorca, Spain, features flamenco, Celtic, Bollywood and pop dancers, plus magicians and acrobats. 2232 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.740.1045 Map J10

Boomers

Family entertainment centers offer bumper boats, batting cages, go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag. Open daily; call for hours. 16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, 714.842.1111; 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.559.8341 Maps L9, K14

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

Dolphin and whale-watching excursions aboard catamaran. Departures daily. $35–$55, under 3 free. Charters available. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828 Map J16

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Stunning contemporary cathedral opposite the Los Angeles Music Center. 555 W. Temple St., downtown Los Angeles., 213.680.5200 Map H17

Crystal cathedral

The renowned church boasts three architectural treasures: Philip Johnson’s spectacular glass cathedral, Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope and Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking. Tours M–Sa 9 am–3:30 pm. Free. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.971.4000 Map J10

Dana Wharf Sportfishing

Year-round fishing and whale-watching trips from south Orange County. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.496.5794 Map K16 www.danawharf.com

Discovery Science Center

120 hands-on exhibits, live shows, laser theater. Boeing Rocket Lab offers exhibits inside the tilting cube by Interstate 5. Continuing WaterWorks: Soak Up the Science; The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head. M-Sa 10 am–5 pm, Su 11 am–5 pm. $9.95–$12.95, under 3 free. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823 Map G13 www.discoverycube.org

Disneyland

Mickey Mouse’s theme park celebrates its 55th anniversary. Mickey’s Soundsational Parade is new. Opening June 3 Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $68–$76, under 3 free. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Disney’s California Adventure

Opening June 3 The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. Classics include spectacular nighttime water show World of Color; Soarin’ Over California; California Screamin’; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $68–$76. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10

Downtown Disney

Twenty–acre pedestrian promenade adjacent to Disney parks offers dining, shopping, cinema and nightlife, including House of Blues and ESPN Zone. Non-gated, free admission. 1510–1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10

Environmental Nature Center

Intimate center offers 15 California native plant habitats. M–F 8 am–5 pm, Sa until 4 pm. Free. 1601 16th St., Newport Beach, 949.645.8489 Map M13

FLIGHTDECK air combat center

Civilians
turn into dogfighting machines using F-16 fighter jet cockpit simulators. No flight experience necessary. Sessions start at $69 for 60-minute session. T-F 1-9 pm, Sa-Su 11 am-10 pm. 1650 S. Sinclair, Anaheim, 714.937.1511 Map I11 www.flightdeck1.com

FULLERTON ARBORETUM

County’s largest botanical garden, with 26 lush acres and more than 4,000 unusual plant species set amid ponds and streams. Four main collections: Mediterranean, woodland, desert and cultivated. 8 am–4:30 pm. Free. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 657.278.3407 Map A3

Griffith Observatory

Iconic attraction overlooking Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. W–F noon–10 pm; Sa–Su 10 am–10 pm. Free; donations accepted. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles, 213.473.0800 Map northwest of A1

Huntington Beach Downtown

More than 300 unique and exciting businesses line the streets of downtown Huntington Beach, offering events including Surf City Nights, a street fair and certified farmers market held Tuesdays from 5 to 9 pm. Artwalk, held every third Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm, is an ever-growing event featuring art on display at 30 local businesses. Main St. at Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.536.8300 Map N8 www.hb-downtown.com

Knott’s Berry Farm

More than 165 rides and attractions. The county’s best collection of coasters includes Silver Bullet, GhostRider, Xcelerator and Pony Express. Call for hours. $24.99–$46.99, under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8

Kodak Theatre

Tour the home of the Academy Awards. Daily 10:30 am–4 pm. $10–$15, under 3 free. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Map northwest of A1

L.A. LIVE

Home to the Grammy Museum, Nokia Theatre and Club Nokia; restaurants, high-tech bowling lanes and nightspots such as the Conga Room. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown Los Angeles, 213.763.5483 Map northwest of A1

L.A. Zoo AND Botanical Gardens

Wildlife in parklike setting. Daily 10 am–5 pm. $9–$14, under 2 free. 5 and 134 freeways, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, 323.644.4200 Map northwest of A1

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

Focuses on Pacific Ocean sea life. Pet the sharks at Shark Lagoon; Lorikeet Forest, Monsters of the Abyss 3-D. Daily 9 am–6 pm. $11.95–$23.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map west of C1

Legoland California

Theme park features more than 60 rides, shows, attractions, including new Star Wars Miniland, plus Octopus Garden at adjacent Sea Life Aquarium. Call for hours. $59–$69, under
3 free. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.LEGO Map south of F6

Legoland water park

New. Park features more than 20 Lego models, two sandy beach wading areas encircling a 45-foot-tall Lego tower. Call for hours. Only accessible through Legoland with park-hopper pass. $69–$79, under 3 free. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.LEGO Map south of F6

MEDIEVAL TIMES

Dinner theater show featuring jousting knights, Lipizzaner stallions, swordsmanship and falconry, four-course feast. Medieval Torture Museum. $35.95–$57.95. 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 866.543.9637 Map G8

Ocean Institute

Live presentations aboard tall ship Pilgrim, docked in Dana Point Harbor; seasonal tide-pool sessions; marine-mammal exploration cruises; blue-whale safaris. Behind the Scenes Tour Th–F 3:30 pm. Open to public Sa–Su 10 am–3 pm. $2–$6.50, under 3 free. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274 Map J16

ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARK

In-progress park is O.C.’s answer to New York’s Central Park but will be even bigger upon completion. Free tethered-balloon ride is open. Farmers market, Su 10 am–2 pm. Bounded by Interstate 5, Sand Canyon Avenue and Irvine Boulevard. Great Park Balloon and Preview Park, Perimeter Road, Irvine, 866.829.3829 Map D5

Orange County Zoo

Charming, rustic zoo features plants and animals from southwestern U.S. Audio tours are new. M-F 10 am–3:30 pm, Sa-Su until 4:30 pm. $2, under 2 free. Parking $3–$5. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847 Map C5

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Injured sea mammals and pups nursed back to health for return to the sea. Daily, 10 am–4 pm. Free, donations encouraged. 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3050 Map G15

Pirate’s dinner adventure

Swashbuckling swordplay, aerial artistry, cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, comedy, romance aboard Spanish galleon replica in lagoon. Call for hours. $37.95–$56.95, under 3 free. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.690.1497 Map G8 www.piratesdinneradventure.com

PRETEND CITY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Interconnected, interactive miniature city for children from infant to 10. Tu–Su 10 am–5 pm; M 10 am–1 pm. $5.50–$11. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900 Map E6

Queen Mary Ship and Seaport

Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, dining, art deco lounge. The Russian Foxtrot Submarine is adjacent. Daily 10 am–6 pm. $12.95–$24.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, south end of 710 freeway, 877.342.0738 Map west of C1 www.queenmary.com

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace

Numerous provocative exhibits include presidential helicopter and presidential tapes. Permanent gallery Watergate is new. Garden tours on Saturdays. M–Sa 10 am–5 pm; Su 11 am–5 pm. $3.75–$9.95, under 7 free. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, 714.993.5075 Map A4

Rockreation

Indoor climbing facility with instruction at all levels. M-Th noon–10 pm, F until 9 pm; Sa-Su 10 am–6 pm. $11–$16. 1300 Logan Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.556.7625 Map J12

safari park (Formerly the Wild Animal Park)

1,800-acre wildlife preserve with vast enclosures resembling African and Asian plains. $40; children 3–11 $30; kids 2 and under free; seniors 60+ $36. Cars $10–15. Open daily, 9 am–5 pm (holiday weekends till 6 pm). 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702 Map east of F6 www.sdzsafaripark.org

San diego Zoo

World-famous zoo has some 4,000 rare and endangered animals in state-of-the-art environments. $40; kids 3–11 $30; kids 2 and under free; seniors 60+ $36. Free parking. Open daily, 9 am–5 pm. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515 Map east of F6 www.sandiegozoo.org

Santa Ana Zoo

Modest, idyllic zoo. Tierra de las Pampas (“land of the grasses”) exhibit featuring giant anteaters and greater rheas. M-F 10 am–5 pm, Sa-Su until 6 pm. $5–$8, under 3 free. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.835.7484 Map H14

SeaWorld

Home of Shamu. Marine-themed attractions include new Turtle Reef, thrill ride Journey to Atlantis and Blue Horizons show. Open daily. Call for hours, combo rates. $61.99–$69.99, under 3 free. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU Map south of F6

Sherman Library & Gardens

Ten gardens showcase intimate botanical collection. Library research center. Daily 10:30 am–4 pm. Library open Tu–Th 9 am–4:30 pm. $1–$3, under 12 free. Mondays free. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261 Map M16

sky high sports

Fun center features 360 degrees of trampoline walls; free-bounce, dodgeball and AIRobics. Su-M 11 am–10 pm; Tu-Th 2–10 pm; F-Sa 11 am–midnight. Call for rates. 2970 Airway Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5867 Map J13

SOAK CITY WATERPARK

Adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm. Rides include vertical drop-off slide Malibu Run and Tidal Wave Bay. Call for hours. $19.99–$31. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map H

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Theme park has 17 coasters; dozens of attractions; rides including world’s tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, Tatsu. Call for hours. $34.99–$59.99, under 2 free. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4100 Map north of A1

Universal Studios Hollywood

World’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Rides include Jurassic Park and Simpsons Ride; Special Effects Stage and King Kong 360 3-D are new. Tram studio tour includes War of the Worlds and Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane. VIP Experience is private guided tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $66–$74, under 3 free. VIP Experience $259. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.UNIVERSAL Map northwest of A1 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Vans Skatepark

Skateboard mecca has combi pool, open street course and mini-ramps; Vans store is adjacent. Daily 10 am–10 pm. $12/session (2 hrs.) weekdays; $15/session weekends. The Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.3800 Map J11
www.vans.com/skateparks

WILD RIVERS

Family amusement park offers more than 40 water rides and attractions, including Monsoon Lagoon and Hurricane Harbor. Call for hours. $19.98-$34.98. 8770 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 9849.788.0808 Map D5 www.wildrivers.com