Disneyland and more welcome Tiny Travels to sunny Orange County, CA

Here's a list of fun attractions in Anaheim/Orange County including information on great Southern California family beaches. For further general information about travel in Anaheim/Orange County, visit the Anaheim-Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau (714/765-8888).

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
562/590-3100
Explore the vast Pacific Ocean's three aquatic habitats: the sunny Southern California/Baja Pacific, the icy Northern Pacific and the colorful Tropical Pacific, by meeting over 12,000 of its inhabitants. At this very special learning center, features include an Ocean Experience boat trip, the Shark Lagoon and a Behind-the-Scenes tour.

Knott's Theme Park
8039 Beach Boulevard.
Buena Park, CA 90620
714/220-5200
"Camp Snoopy" is the home of the toddling and pre-school Peanuts Gang at this 83-year-old favorite family theme park founded by the Knott's Berry Farm folk. Knott's Theme Park also offers 165 rides, shows and attractions, including Ghost Town and Old Western Town's themed rides, and the world's tallest, steepest and wettest water ride. Knott's is going all out for grandparents, who can now take grandkids to the theme park and enjoy an early bird special in Mrs. Knott's Chicken Restaurant.

Disneyland
1313 S. Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802
714/781-4565
Able to speak for itself, the original Disney theme park is still one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the United States. Located about 90 minutes from downtown L.A., you can visit in one long daytrip or stay around for more. Because it is smaller and much easier to navigate with young children than its Orlando sibling, it makes a delightful Disney intro with younger children. Also kids will love the revamped submarine voyage from 1959. Reopened in 2007 with a Finding Nemo theme, Disney uses projection technology so that guests can see and even hear Nemo's father Marlin and the ever-forgetful Dory journey through the ocean in search for the lost Nemo. Other new kid-friendly attractions include a Disney Princess royal court show and a new play area on Tom Sawyer Island.

Disney's California Adventure
1580 S. Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
714/781-4565
Celebrate the many aspects of California in uniquely themed lands: the beach and old-fashioned amusement parks at "Paradise Pier," entertainment at "Hollywood Pictures Backlot," the great outdoors at the "Golden State,"and "Bug's Land," inspired by "A Bug's Life."

Pacific Beaches

Orange County's seven beach communities offer 42-miles of magnificent coastline to explore. Join the locals in watching surfers ride the waves, run on the beach, swim and splash, and try your hand at fishing. From quaint Seal Beach down to hilly San Clemente, each beach has a different flavor, from post-Hippie to super elegant to "Dude, Where's My Car?" Stroll the streets in the towns of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach for interesting shops, galleries and restaurants.

Families traveling with infants and toddlers should not miss Dana Point's Baby Beach. In addition to the warm shallow waters reserved for the youngest beach-goers, there are no waves due to a jetty that surrounds the area.  The beach is steps from the parking lot, making it very convenient, and there are grassy areas with picnic and bar-b-que facilities.  A lifeguard is on duty and the bathrooms and showers are clean. The harbor's nearby Ocean Institute features a number of hands-on educational programs and exhibits for kids who are curious about marine life.