California - Headed to Orange County--what should we see?

We are headed to Orange County to visit relatives on Jan 11th. We are planning on a trip to Disneyland with the kids and Universal Studios, but I was wondering if anyone had any shorter excursion suggestions for us. We were thinking about the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the Queen Mary. Has anyone done these? Any place else we shouldn't miss? We're only down for 6 days on this trip and planned on visiting San Diego in March.

Thanks!

We are headed to Orange County to visit relatives on Jan 11th. We are planning on a trip to Disneyland with the kids and Universal Studios, but I was wondering if anyone had any shorter excursion suggestions for us. We were thinking about the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the Queen Mary. Has anyone done these? Any place else we shouldn't miss? We're only down for 6 days on this trip and planned on visiting San Diego in March.

Thanks!

The Aquarium & Queen Mary are both impressive & enjoyable. However, I would not miss just strolling in Laguna Beach, Seal Beach, Balboa Island, then taking the ferry over to the Balboa Peninsula, romantic clifftop strolls along Corona del Mar's beach, the Mission in San Juan Capistrano (& lunch or brunch at the Ramos House), hanging out in Fashion Island & watching the "OC" cruise by (although the lookie-loos may be outnumbering the locals these days...), and my personal favorite amusement park, Knott's Berry Farm. It has a lot more California history & interest to me than Disneyland. And there's still wild rides if you're into that! Have fun & I hope we provide you with great weather!

I like the idea of taking a walk along one of the beaches. I'm hoping for sunny, warm weather while we are visiting. The Mission sounds like a good suggestion, and I'll definitely make sure we hit the Aquarium and the Queen Mary. There is so much to see and do in So Cal, it's hard to choose.

How old are your kids? That, as you know, will have a lot of affect on what you do and enjoy!

They are six and seven. They are really excited about Disney and Universal, but I know there are other things they would enjoy, too.

... the Mission in San Juan Capistrano ...


I would hearitly concur. A fascinating place. And very un-touristy.

Universal Studios is in LA County ;) :D The kids will like it & it's dif than Disneyland.

I think brendamc covered the highlights for OC quite well.

Enjoy your trip. Cheers & happy holidays...

I actually think the kids would like Knott's much better than Universal... and it's a whole lot closer. Panning for gold, stagecoach rides, train rides that get 'held up' by bandits, splitting geodes... and there's Camp Snoopy for rides for the younger ones. Do walk Balboa & ride the ferry & have fun in the Fun Zone, maybe rent a paddle boat, walk over to the Balboa Pier & have lunch at Ruby's on the end of the pier (sit upstairs if it's open, but guard your food against seagulls!) - your kids will love it!

I actually think the kids would like Knott's much better than Universal... and it's a whole lot closer. Panning for gold, stagecoach rides, train rides that get 'held up' by bandits, splitting geodes... and there's Camp Snoopy for rides for the younger ones. Do walk Balboa & ride the ferry & have fun in the Fun Zone, maybe rent a paddle boat, walk over to the Balboa Pier & have lunch at Ruby's on the end of the pier (sit upstairs if it's open, but guard your food against seagulls!) - your kids will love it!

I'd also suggest Knott's over Universal. Balboa is fun and the ferry is a nice touch. You can do some shopping and eating in Newport Beach and Fashion Island.

If you want some fun on the water and its a nice day, you can either for ocean kayaking or go dolphin/whale watching from Newport Beach Harbor.

Kayaking in Newport Bay. http://www.southwindkayaks.com/Family_Kayaking.html

The place I went to was Paddle Power Kayaks (http://www.paddlepowerkayaks.com/)

And don't forget to treat the kids to a frozen banana at Dad's or Sugar N Spice (my fav)! If you don't like bananas, go for a Balboa Bar, but I feel the former are far superior.

actually, if you want to kayak, you should kayak in San Diego along La Jolla cove -- beautiful scenery and you might catch some otters or seals hanging around...

Dana Point Harbor is fun. You could go on a whale watch cruise ~~

http://www.danawharfsportfishing.com/whalewatch.htm

Then have dinner at El Torito (in the harbor w/view of boats) or on the hill above it at Cannons (view of the harbor and early dining menu).

Dana Point is fairly close to San Juan Capistrano. You can do the mission in the a.m. and the whale watch after lunch, or vice versa.