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. Exhibits include Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest and ethereal sea jellies. Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. $20.95; $17.95 seniors, $11.95 children 3–11. 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.–8 p.m., Fri.–Sat. till 10 p.m. Pay per ride. 600 E. Bay Ave., Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, 949.673.0408. Map M15

Boomers Family entertainment centers feature bumper boats, batting cages, go-carts, minigolf, laser tag. Open daily. Call for hours. 16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, 714.842.1111; 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.559.8341. Maps J10, L9, K14

Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari Dolphin- and whale-watching excursions aboard catamaran. 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. $35-–$49, under 2 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. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.971.4013. Map J10 www.crystalcathedral.org

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 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; www.danawharf.com. Map K16

DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER 120 hands-on exhibits, live shows, 3–D Laser Theater. Look for the giant tilting cube by the 5 Freeway. Through Sept. 1 Animal Grossology; Bob the Builder Project: Build It. 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 www.discoverycube.org

DISNEYLAND Mickey Mouse's theme park. Recent additions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer Island. Updated Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain attractions. Extravagant fireworks displays just keep getting better. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Disney's California Adventure Soarin' Over California, A Bug's Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Downtown Disney Twenty–acre pedestrian promenade adjacent to Disney parks offers dining, shopping, cinema multiplex and several nightlife venues including House of Blues. Floor-to-ceiling TVs at ESPN Zone show all sports, all the time. Nongated, free admission. 1510–1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

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 multiplex and several nightlife venues including House of Blues. Floor-to-ceiling TVs at ESPN Zone show all sports, all the time. Nongated, free admission. 1510–1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. Map I10

Dromo One Race custom 9-horsepower engine carts on a 10-turn indoor speed track. Racing suit, helmet included. $35-$25. Call for hours. 1431 N. Main St., Orange, 714.744.4779. Map G13

Environmental Nature Center Intimate center offers 14 California native plant habitats and seasonal butterfly garden. Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. until 4 p.m. Free. 1601 16th St., Newport Beach, 949.645.8489. Map M13

Knott's Berry Farm More than 165 rides and attractions. Coasters include Silver Bullet, GhostRider and new Sidewinder. Call for hours. $19.99–$49.99, under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. Map G8

Legoland California Theme park features more than 50 rides, shows, attractions including Miniland USA and new Pirate Shores. Call for regular park hours. $49.95–$59.95, under 2 free. One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.LEGO.  Map south of F6

Mission San Juan Capistrano Jewel of the California missions (1776). Digital audio tour free with admission. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. $5–$9, under 4 free. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capi-strano, 949.234.1300. Map I17

Ocean Institute Live presentations aboard the tall ship Pilgrim, docked in Dana Point Harbor; seasonal tide-pool sessions; marine-mammal- exploration cruises. Behind the Scenes Tour available Thurs.–Fri. 3:30 p.m. $4.50–$6.50, under 2 free. Call for hours. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274. Map J16

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 weekdays, $5 Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. daily. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847. Map C5

Pacific Marine Mammal Center Injured sea mammals nursed to health for release back 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 replica of Spanish galleon anchored in 250,000-gallon lagoon. $35.95–$53.95, under 3 free. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 866.439.2469. Map G8 www.piratesdinneradventure.com

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. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily; open for self-guided and guided tours on Saturdays. $18.95–$32.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, south end of 710 Freeway, 562.435.3511. ap north of C1 www.queenmary.com

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace exhibits include presidential helicopter. Guided garden tours on Saturdays. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $3.75–$9.95, under 6 free. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, 714.993.5075. ap A4

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum "Odditorium" of the bizarre. Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. $13.95–$9.95, under 4 free. 7850 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.522.7045. ap G8

Rockreation get vertical at indoor climbing facility; instruction at all levels. Call for hours. 1300 Logan Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.556.ROCK. ap J12

Santa Ana Zoo odest, idyllic zoo. Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3–$6, under 3 free. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.835.7484. ap H14

SeaWorld Come of Shamu. Marine-themed attractions include thrill ride Journey to Atlantis, Shipwreck Rapids. $49–$59, under 2 free. Call for hours, combo rates. Open daily. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU. ap south of F6

Sherman Library & Gardens Gardens showcase botanical collection. Daily 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. $1–$3, under 12 free. Mondays free. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261. ap M16

SOAK CITY WATERPARK adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm. Rides include vertical dropoff slide Malibu Run and Tidal Wave Bay. Call for hours. $18–$29. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. ap H8

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Behind-the-scenes tour of world's biggest motion picture/TV studio. New: The Simpsons ride. Attractions also include Revenge of the Mummy: the Ride, Shrek 4–D, 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. $54–$64, under 3 free. VIP Experience, $199 per person. 100 Uni-versal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801. ap north of A1 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

VANS SKATEPARK Combi pool, open street course, miniramps. Vans store. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. $12/session (2 hrs.) weekdays; $15/session weekends. Equipment rentals. The Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.3800. ap J11 www.vans.com/vans/skateparks

WILD RIVERS WATERPARK sprawling waterpark; rides include Congo River Rapids, Bazooka Bowls and Pygmy Pond. Call for hours. $15–$32. 8770 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.788.0808. ap D5

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