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Overview
Prior to 1889 (when it was split off), Orange County was part of a broader Los Angeles County, but the two today are quite distinct in terms of general character and outlook. In contrast to the latter's often liberal, entertainment-minded spirit, the former is both a Republican and religious stronghold. In fact, the two areas are frequently said to be metaphorically divided by an "orange curtain," riffing on the perceived boundary between the former Soviet Union and the rest of the western world.
Political philosophies aside, Orange County's initial settling by Europeans came in the late 1700s, when Spanish explorers established Mission San Juan Capistrano. In the years afterward, they carved out broad ranches from the expansive terrain, a practice that endured into the era of Mexican governance, which began in 1821. In 1848, California became an American territory following war with Mexico, and it was named a state in 1850. Cattle-raising, which had become prominent with the creation of sprawling ranches, met its demise in the 1860s as a result of the practically simultaneous forces of drought, disease, and flooding.
When that happened, ranches were divided up, giving rise to the founding of towns as acreage was sold off and redeveloped. Shortly before the separation of LA and Orange counties, the railroad made its way south, prompting settlement even further. Then, with the advent of the world wars, military bases were created, and, in the 1950s, Disneyland® premiered, followed by the advent of the aerospace industry. Progress continued, and highways were both widened and newly constructed, leading the population to increase and the county's prominence to experience an upswing as well. In turn, town after town found its identity and subsequently incorporated, giving Orange County the assortment of distinct communities it takes pride in today.
Among the more famous of these is Santa Ana, the county seat and the largest city in terms of population. Also sizable is Anaheim, which boasts Disneyland®, enormous convention center facilities, and the NHL Ducks and MLB Angels. High in profile too is Irvine, a well-known planned community that's home to several universities and brings in lots of film projects to bolster the economy. Other notable towns include the county's string of coastal locales, which include Huntington, Newport, and Laguna Beaches, along with Seal Beach and Dana Point. In addition, venerable San Juan Capistrano regularly draws folks with its historical appeal, and Yorba Linda welcomes people intrigued by the life and legacy of former president Richard M. Nixon.
Along with a vibrant mix of peoples and metros, an undeniable measure of sophistication gilds the county. Excellent restaurants pepper local streets and enclaves, from elegant, French-inflected establishments to places that draw on long-present Latin traditions, both culinary and aesthetic. Plus, Californian cuisine, the movement that promotes fresh, organic foods, is well-represented in fashionable, easily-recognized mainstays. On other fronts, amazing shopping centers make retail therapy a favorite pursuit, and an array of open-air complexes presents high-end goods amid Mediterranean-inspired architecture and landscaping. And although nighttime escapades aren't a bonanza of opportunity on par with LA, plenty of options satisfy urges to theater-go, dance, imbibe, socialize, and keep great company. From the boardwalk at Balboa Pavilion to Costa Mesa's classy clubs and lounges, there's absolutely no dearth of fun – and that's even without acknowledging Disney's parks and entertainment centers.
Outdoor enthusiasts also rave about Orange County. Countless parks, both manicured and natural, invite mountain biking, hiking, and just communing with nature. Beaches, of course, are legendary. Terrific surfing, sun-worshipping, swimming, and water-frolicking are southern California standards, and the sandy settings range from sleepy stretches to deliciously busy thoroughfares. Catalina Island, not too far off the coast, offers even more maritime charm and makes for a great day trip or weekend outing – to incline it romantically or actively is your choice. Other adventure appears in the form of sportfishing (if participatory adrenaline is your game) or whale watching (if it's really not).
In the end, no matter how you choose to experience a place that isn't shy about its high-tech industry, its cultivated privilege, its natural beauty, or its suburban convenience and prosperity, you'll discover that Orange County exhibits a rarefied quality. Maybe it rests in the signature West Coast geography (complete with glorious sunsets), maybe it recalls the lifestyle that local residents have carefully wrought, or maybe it taps into an American dream that's broadcast in high-definition to our psyches. Either way, the allure of the area is wide-ranging and irrefutable. So much so, in fact, that time and again, visitors flock to city, sight, and shore to capture the reality of Orange County for themselves – or at least to live out the fantasies they crave while the vacation endures.
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