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. Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest and ethereal sea jellies. Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. $11.95–$23.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map north of A1 www.aquariumofpacific.org

Balboa Fun Zone The beloved zone is shrinking. Remaining rides include Ferris wheel and carousel. Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. until 10 p.m. Pay per ride. 600 E. Bay Ave., Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, 949.673.0408 Map N15

Boomers Family entertainment centers feature bumper boats, batting cages, go-carts, mini-golf, laser tag. Open daily; call for hours. 16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, 714.842.1111; 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.559.8336 Maps J10, L9, K14

Captain Dave’s Dolphin 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

Crystal cathedral 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 Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.971.4013 Map J10

DANA POINT HARBOR The whale watching capital of the West, Dana Point Harbor, which includes Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariners Alley is home to 25 unique shops and 19 outstanding restaurants. www.danaharbor.com

Dana Wharf Sportfishing Offers year-round fishing and whale-watching trips in south Orange County. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 800.590.9994 Map K16

Discovery Science Center 120 hands-on exhibits, live shows, 3–D Laser Theater. Through Jan. 3 Head to Toe: All About Your Body; Mexico: Festival of Toys. Through Jan. 10 The Science of Gingerbread Jan. 4-25 Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause. Beginning Jan. 16 Secrets of Circles. Look for the giant tilting cube by Interstate 5. Daily 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. $9.95–$12.95, under 2 free. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823 Map G13

Disneyland Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Fantasmic is more fantastic than ever; ever-new fireworks never cease to amaze. Also new: Pixie Hollow (meet Tinker Bell and fairy friends!); Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough and ambitiously retooled It’s a Small World. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $62–$72, under 3 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Disney’s California Adventure Classics: Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; Electrical Parade. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $62–$72. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10

Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy 1,200-acre wilderness reserve; public access during special events. Call for schedule. Rancho Mission Viejo, 28672 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.9778 Map east of F6

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

Dromo One Race custom nine-horsepower engine carts on a 10-turn indoor speed track. Racing suit, helmet included. $25–$50. Call for hours. 1431 N. Main St., Orange, 714.744.4779 Map G13

FLIGHTDECK Flightdeck Air Combat Center turns civilians into dog-fighting machines using F-16 fighter jet cockpit simulators. No flight experience necessary. Sessions start at $49 for 40-minute session. 1601 S. Sunkist St., Anaheim, 714.937.1511. Map I11

FULLERTON ARBORETUM County’s largest botanical garden with 26 lush acres, more than 4,000 unusual plant species set amid ponds and streams. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 657.278.3407 Map A3

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. $22.99–$51.99, under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8

MEDIEVAL TIMES Dinner theater show featuring jousting knights, Lipizzaner stallions, swordsmanship and falconry, four-course feast. Medieval Torture Museum. $37.95–$55.95, under 3 free. 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 888.WE.JOUST Map G8

Legoland California Theme park features more than 50 rides, shows, attractions including Bob the Builder in 4-D and newly opened Dune Raiders. Call for hours. $55–$65, under 2 free. One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.LEGO Map south of F6

Mission San Juan Capistrano Jewel of the California missions (1776) and birthplace of Orange County. Current exhibit: Gold Fever! Untold Stories of the California Gold Rush. Digital audio tour free with admission. Daily 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. $5–$9, under 3 free. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan
Capistrano, 949.234.1300 Map I17

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 Thurs.–Fri. 3:30 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $2–$6.50, under 2 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 operating now. Bounded by Interstate 5, Sand Canyon Avenue and Irvine Boulevard. Great Park Balloon and Preview Park, Perimeter Road, Irvine, 949.729.OCGP Map D5

Orange County Zoo Charming, rustic zoo features plants and animals from Southwestern U.S. Daily 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $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 nursed back to health for return to
the sea. Pups are fun to watch. 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3050 Map G15

Pirate’s dinner adventure Swashbuckling swordplay, aerial artistry, cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, comedy and romance aboard Spanish galleon replica in lagoon. $38.95–$56.95, under 3 free. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 800.439.2469 Map G8

PRETEND CITY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM New interconnected miniature city for children from infant to 8. Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Mon. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $2–$10. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900 Map E6 www.pretendcity.org

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 a.m.–6 p.m.; open for self-guided and guided tours on Saturdays. $12.95–$24.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, south end of 710 Freeway, 562.435.3511 Map north of C1 www.queenmary.com

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace Exhibits include presidential helicopter. Presidential tapes. Garden tours on Saturdays. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $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. Call for hours. $11–$16. 1300 Logan Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.556.7625 Map J12

Santa Ana Zoo Modest, idyllic zoo. Daily 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. $5–$8, under 3 free. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.835.7484 Map H14

SeaWorld Home of Shamu. Marine-themed attractions include thrill ride Journey to Atlantis, Shipwreck Rapids. Open daily. Call for hours, combo rates. $55–$65, under 3 free. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU Map south of F6

Sherman Library & Gardens Ten gardens showcase botanical collection. Library research center. Daily 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Library open Tues.–Thurs. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $1–$3, under 12 free. Mondays free. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261 Map M16

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–$29.99. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map H8

Universal Studios Hollywood Behind-the-scenes tour of world’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Attractions include updated Revenge of the Mummy: the Ride, Shrek 4–D, Creature From the Black Lagoon Show and trolley tour of sets including those of Psycho and Jaws. VIP Experience is private tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $59–$69, under 3 free. VIP Experience, $239 per person. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map north of A1 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Vans Skatepark Combi pool, open street course, mini-ramps; remodel adds 3,000 square feet. Vans store. Daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. $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/vans/skateparks

Beaches
Aliso Creek County Beach Steep shore creates powerful waves. All amenities and fire pits. Pay and display parking $1/hour. 31131 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.923.2280. Map I16

Balboa Beach Pristine sunning and swimming beach. All amenities. Metered parking. Along Balboa Boulevard at Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, 949.673.3371. Map N14

Bolsa Chica State Beach Good destination for grunion hunts. All amenities and fire pits. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Main Street and Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, 714.846.3460. Map N9

Capistrano Beach Wide, unblemished. All amenities. Pay and display parking $1/hour. On El Camino Real at Palisade Drive, Capistrano Beach, 949.923.2280. Map F6

Corona del Mar State Beach Large, sandy beach with eight volleyball nets. Lifeguards, all amenities, fire pits. Fee for parking. At Ocean Boulevard and Marguerite Avenue, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151. Map M16

Crystal Cove State Park Thousands of acres of hiking and mountain biking trails, 3.5 miles of sandy coves and steep cliffs. Historic district with 46 beach cottages below the Los Trancos parking lot. Irvine Coast Marine Life Refuge offshore. Lifeguards, restrooms. Fee for parking. Along East Coast Highway between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar, 949.494.3539. ap E4

Doheny State Beach Popular swimming beach, interpretive center. All amenities and fire pits. Fee for parking. At Dana Harbor, along Del Obispo and Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.496.6171. Map K17

Huntington City Beach Wide, sandy beach with amenities, including fire pits. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714.536.5280. Map N9

Huntington State Beach Wide, sandy beach with amenities, including fire pits; the Beach Games and U.S. Open of Surfing take place at the Huntington Beach Pier. Bolsa Chica Wetlands are across highway. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Ana River and Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, 714.536.1454. Map N10

Little Corona del Mar Beach Moderate paved walk down to picturesque cove; tide pools filled with crabs, anemones and starfish are great for kids. Good for splashing, snorkeling—and family photos. Free street parking. Ocean Boulevard and Poppy Avenue, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151. Map M16

Main BeaCH Large beach close to Laguna Village shops and restaurants offers great people watching, basketball courts, volleyball and chess. All amenities. Metered parking. At Broadway and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6573. Map F5

Newport Beach Municipal Beach Popular golden strand with many facilities, fine surf spots. All amenities, including fire pits. Metered parking. Along Oceanfront at Newport Pier, Newport Beach, 949.673.3371. Map N13

Newport Dunes Resort Beach on the Back Bay lagoon has full-time lifeguards, giant inflatable in-water novelties (e.g. teeter-totter, climbing apparatus) and various water vessels for rent. The resort, primarily an RV park, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Free. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.DUNE. Map M14

Picnic Beach Picnics and panoramas. Lifeguard, picnic tables. Metered parking. At Myrtle Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6573. Map H15

Poche Beach Small sandy surfing beach. Free street parking. Camino Capistrano at Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach, 949.923.2280. Map J17

Rockpile Beach Rocky surfing beach. Metered parking. At Myrtle Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6573. Map H15

Pirates Cove Secluded beach with harbor views; little to no waves make it perfect for little ones. Stairs and trails down from street. Bouldering spot for local climbers. Free street parking. At Ocean Boulevard and Harbor Channel, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151. Map F6

Salt Creek County Beach Long pristine stretch at the base of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Beautiful, grassy Bluff Park with basketball court. All amenities. Pay/display parking $1/hour. Off Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.923.2280. Map J16

San Clemente City Beach Historic 1,200-foot pier (1920s), wide beach, good surf. All amenities. Metered parking. The train goes right by. Avenida del Mar at Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.361.8219. Map K17

San Clemente State Beach opular mile-long beach below sandstone bluffs offers all amenities; Nature Trail and Butterfly Trail. Fee for parking. On Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.492.3156. ap K17

Seal Beach Popular surfing beach has a lifeguard and showers. Metered parking. Main Street and Seal Beach Pier, Seal Beach, 310.430.2613. Map C1

Shaw's Cove Picturesque cove has tide-pools; popular diving destination. Metered parking. At Fairview Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. Map H15

Thousand Steps Beach Two-hundred nineteen concrete steps lead to a small beach at the base of a cliff. Lifeguard. Free street parking. At 9th Avenue and South Coast Highway, South Laguna, 949.494.6573. Map I16

Victoria Beach Prettiest beach in Laguna has a tower fit for Rapunzel and a man-made, high-tide swimming pool, both circa 1920. Metered parking. Along Victoria Drive off of Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6571. Map H15

The Wedge One of the most famous bodysurfing and bodyboarding spots in the world. Dangerous; just watch unless you're an expert. Free parking lot. At West Jetty View Park, tip of Balboa Peninsula, end of Channel Road, Newport Beach, 949.673.3373. Map N16

West Street Beach Small cove beach with volleyball courts; bodyboarding. Free street parking. West Street and South Coast Highway, South Laguna, 949.494.6573. Map I16