Khieu's Guidebook
Beaches
One of the main landmarks of Huntington Beach, also known as "Surf City, USA", the pier is the center of the city's prominent beach culture. A popular meeting place for surfers.
372 locals recommend
Huntington Beach Pier
103 Huntington Beach PierOne of the main landmarks of Huntington Beach, also known as "Surf City, USA", the pier is the center of the city's prominent beach culture. A popular meeting place for surfers.
Locals know the three-mile-long stretch with the harbor on one side and broad, sandy California beaches on the other as “the Peninsula.” The Balboa Peninsula features the original Ruby’s Diner and a view of a shoreline, surfers, and sunbathers spanning for miles. A walk straight down Main Street brings you to the historic Balboa Pavilion, made famous in the 30s and 40s for being the home of Big Band era legends Count Basie and Benny Goodman.
The Balboa Peninsula is home to many sit down restaurants and quick food stops for people hitting the sand for a day at Balboa Beach, and the variety of bars and live music makes the Peninsula a regional nightlife destination. Some of the places locals hang out for good seafood and a casual fun atmosphere are the Crab Cooker and Woody’s Wharf. Anglers can bring home dinner from one of the sportfishing vessels and whale watching enthusiasts can see some of nature’s most beautiful creatures up close, as Balboa Peninsula rentals and adventure boats launch early and often.
47 locals recommend
Balboa Peninsula
Locals know the three-mile-long stretch with the harbor on one side and broad, sandy California beaches on the other as “the Peninsula.” The Balboa Peninsula features the original Ruby’s Diner and a view of a shoreline, surfers, and sunbathers spanning for miles. A walk straight down Main Street brings you to the historic Balboa Pavilion, made famous in the 30s and 40s for being the home of Big Band era legends Count Basie and Benny Goodman.
The Balboa Peninsula is home to many sit down restaurants and quick food stops for people hitting the sand for a day at Balboa Beach, and the variety of bars and live music makes the Peninsula a regional nightlife destination. Some of the places locals hang out for good seafood and a casual fun atmosphere are the Crab Cooker and Woody’s Wharf. Anglers can bring home dinner from one of the sportfishing vessels and whale watching enthusiasts can see some of nature’s most beautiful creatures up close, as Balboa Peninsula rentals and adventure boats launch early and often.
Located just west of Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach is a prime example of the famed Southern California state beaches. With large expanses of beach, bike trails and many other things to do, Santa Monica Beach has everything you’re looking for:
Plenty of space–3.5 miles long
Soft, sandy shores for little feet
Walkable to hotels, shops and restaurants
Offers a variety of activities and attractions
169 locals recommend
Santa Monica State Beach
Located just west of Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach is a prime example of the famed Southern California state beaches. With large expanses of beach, bike trails and many other things to do, Santa Monica Beach has everything you’re looking for:
Plenty of space–3.5 miles long
Soft, sandy shores for little feet
Walkable to hotels, shops and restaurants
Offers a variety of activities and attractions
Manhattan Beach Pier
2 Manhattan Beach BlvdThis five-mile stretch of beach boasts a bevy of activities. Swimmers and sunbathers flock to the beach in summer and winter, capping off their day in the sun with a night of casual or fine dining. Skate, bike and board rentals are popular, and surfing off the jetty is prime.
198 locals recommend
Newport Beach Pier
1 Newport PierThis five-mile stretch of beach boasts a bevy of activities. Swimmers and sunbathers flock to the beach in summer and winter, capping off their day in the sun with a night of casual or fine dining. Skate, bike and board rentals are popular, and surfing off the jetty is prime.
Theme park
Disneyland Resort features two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Opened in 1955, Walt Disney’s original theme park, Disneyland Park is divided into 8 themed “lands”—Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. Sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, and dive under the ocean and rocket through the stars— all in the same day. Combine the magic of Disney with the best that California has to offer and the result is Disney California Adventure, a theme park that celebrates the California in style.
182 locals recommend
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Resort features two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Opened in 1955, Walt Disney’s original theme park, Disneyland Park is divided into 8 themed “lands”—Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. Sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, and dive under the ocean and rocket through the stars— all in the same day. Combine the magic of Disney with the best that California has to offer and the result is Disney California Adventure, a theme park that celebrates the California in style.
Fun is always in season at Knott’s Berry Farm! With dozens of rides, shows and attractions in four themed areas, there is something for everyone at Knott’s. Splash down the Timber Mountain Log Ride. The Boardwalk area offers rides for the whole family and Xcelerator, which launches riders 82 miles per hour in less than three seconds! Stroll the streets of the Old West Ghost Town® where you’ll meet its many residents – but look out for bandits! Camp Snoopy, home of the PEANUTS gang, will round out your day with pint-sized adventures in a High Sierra setting.
1145 locals recommend
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach BlvdFun is always in season at Knott’s Berry Farm! With dozens of rides, shows and attractions in four themed areas, there is something for everyone at Knott’s. Splash down the Timber Mountain Log Ride. The Boardwalk area offers rides for the whole family and Xcelerator, which launches riders 82 miles per hour in less than three seconds! Stroll the streets of the Old West Ghost Town® where you’ll meet its many residents – but look out for bandits! Camp Snoopy, home of the PEANUTS gang, will round out your day with pint-sized adventures in a High Sierra setting.
The most family slides, the biggest waves, and the coolest lazy river only at California's newest waterpark, in the heart of Orange County!
Wild Rivers
The most family slides, the biggest waves, and the coolest lazy river only at California's newest waterpark, in the heart of Orange County!
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark is a separately gated 15-acre water adventure park immediately adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm. Soak City boasts 23 speed, tube and body slides including Shore Break featuring 6 different waterslide experiences and a thrilling family raft ride, The Wedge; the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wavepool; a one‑third‑mile Sunset River; and the three‑story Beach House, featuring 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other interactive surprises. Soak City is open mid-May through early-October. Separate admission required.
157 locals recommend
Knott's Soak City U.S.A.
8200 Beach BlvdKnott’s Soak City Waterpark is a separately gated 15-acre water adventure park immediately adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm. Soak City boasts 23 speed, tube and body slides including Shore Break featuring 6 different waterslide experiences and a thrilling family raft ride, The Wedge; the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wavepool; a one‑third‑mile Sunset River; and the three‑story Beach House, featuring 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other interactive surprises. Soak City is open mid-May through early-October. Separate admission required.
Raging Waters Los Angeles features more than 50 world-class water rides, slides, and attractions. Visit California's largest water park for some raging fun!
114 locals recommend
Raging Waters Los Angeles
111 Raging Waters DrRaging Waters Los Angeles features more than 50 world-class water rides, slides, and attractions. Visit California's largest water park for some raging fun!
Food & Hangout
SteelCraft Garden Grove, the newest open-air craft food and drink gathering space in Orange County. If food-truck meet-ups were the thing in 2010, shipping containers that have been converted into commercial kitchens are the latest rage.
73 locals recommend
Steelcraft
12900 S Euclid StSteelCraft Garden Grove, the newest open-air craft food and drink gathering space in Orange County. If food-truck meet-ups were the thing in 2010, shipping containers that have been converted into commercial kitchens are the latest rage.
Upscale food court with local vendors & bars in a renovated, historic 1919 citrus-packing house.
84 locals recommend
Anaheim Packing House
440 South Anaheim BoulevardUpscale food court with local vendors & bars in a renovated, historic 1919 citrus-packing house.
A bright, airy, and modern market is billed as "OCs new destination to eat, drink, and shop, and share." This isn't the place where you'll find your big chain stores and restaurants; each business is specially picked to enhance the eclectic atmosphere.
40 locals recommend
Rodeo 39 Public Market
12885 Beach BlvdA bright, airy, and modern market is billed as "OCs new destination to eat, drink, and shop, and share." This isn't the place where you'll find your big chain stores and restaurants; each business is specially picked to enhance the eclectic atmosphere.
Open-air cafés, street musicians, sparkling boutiques, and soaring temples to everything Disney—this tempting pedestrian zone in Anaheim is as must-see as the resort's two theme parks. If you’re hungry when you get here, you won’t be for long: find creative and delicious dishes at born-in-California favorites like La Brea Bakery Café (the outdoor seating under leafy trees is particularly nice). Feel like you’re relaxing on an Italian piazza at Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. Or bump it up a notch with contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at Catal, created by Los Angeles-area chef-restaurateur Joachim Splichal.
For sweet-tooths, there’s a branch of upscale cupcake purveyors Sprinkles—the creative cupcake bakery credited with launching the cupcake craze—that’s not to be missed. And save room for a few scoops of artisanal goodness from Salt & Straw, an innovative family-run ice cream shop that offers hand-made, small-batch seasonal flavors like Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiked Potion and Sightglass Coffee Cashew Praline.
There’s also plenty of live entertainment, activities, and shopping: New Orleans–inspired music is the main course at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen®. Take the family bowling at the rock 'n roll-themed Splitsville Luxury Lanes after dining indoors or al fresco at the on-site restaurant Splitsville Dining Room. And load up on gifts at the World of Disney® shop, or browse big-name stores such as The LEGO® Store or Sephora. Disney fans with girly style will appreciate the vintage-inspired apparel and accessories at The Disney Dress Shop, and if your home is lacking some magic, stop by the Disney Home store to find the perfect themed kitchenware and decor.
Star Wars fans will love Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The Void, a total-immersion virtual reality experience with state-of-the-art 3-D imagery and sound. Teams of four, in VR disguise, can engage with their favorite Star Wars characters, as well as with one another.
Insider tip: You don’t have to have a ticket to Disneyland to visit Downtown Disney (admission is free). Plus no need to stress out over parking—it’s free for a few hours (please check online for latest number of hours) with validation from participating locations.
253 locals recommend
Downtown Disney District
1580 Disneyland DrOpen-air cafés, street musicians, sparkling boutiques, and soaring temples to everything Disney—this tempting pedestrian zone in Anaheim is as must-see as the resort's two theme parks. If you’re hungry when you get here, you won’t be for long: find creative and delicious dishes at born-in-California favorites like La Brea Bakery Café (the outdoor seating under leafy trees is particularly nice). Feel like you’re relaxing on an Italian piazza at Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. Or bump it up a notch with contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at Catal, created by Los Angeles-area chef-restaurateur Joachim Splichal.
For sweet-tooths, there’s a branch of upscale cupcake purveyors Sprinkles—the creative cupcake bakery credited with launching the cupcake craze—that’s not to be missed. And save room for a few scoops of artisanal goodness from Salt & Straw, an innovative family-run ice cream shop that offers hand-made, small-batch seasonal flavors like Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiked Potion and Sightglass Coffee Cashew Praline.
There’s also plenty of live entertainment, activities, and shopping: New Orleans–inspired music is the main course at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen®. Take the family bowling at the rock 'n roll-themed Splitsville Luxury Lanes after dining indoors or al fresco at the on-site restaurant Splitsville Dining Room. And load up on gifts at the World of Disney® shop, or browse big-name stores such as The LEGO® Store or Sephora. Disney fans with girly style will appreciate the vintage-inspired apparel and accessories at The Disney Dress Shop, and if your home is lacking some magic, stop by the Disney Home store to find the perfect themed kitchenware and decor.
Star Wars fans will love Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The Void, a total-immersion virtual reality experience with state-of-the-art 3-D imagery and sound. Teams of four, in VR disguise, can engage with their favorite Star Wars characters, as well as with one another.
Insider tip: You don’t have to have a ticket to Disneyland to visit Downtown Disney (admission is free). Plus no need to stress out over parking—it’s free for a few hours (please check online for latest number of hours) with validation from participating locations.
Brodard Restaurant
16105 Brookhurst StPopular spot serving Asian fusion fare, including seasonal veggies & small plates, in modern digs.
59 locals recommend
The Vox Kitchen
16161 Brookhurst StPopular spot serving Asian fusion fare, including seasonal veggies & small plates, in modern digs.
Nếp Café is a coffee & brunch experience paying homage to the traditional Vietnamese morning routine. Nếp is elevating that experience and bringing it to you in the heart of Little Saigon, Orange County with artisanal coffee, craft drinks, and a full range food menu to satisfy guests' breakfast & brunch needs.
NẾP Cafe
Nếp Café is a coffee & brunch experience paying homage to the traditional Vietnamese morning routine. Nếp is elevating that experience and bringing it to you in the heart of Little Saigon, Orange County with artisanal coffee, craft drinks, and a full range food menu to satisfy guests' breakfast & brunch needs.
Ballast Point Brewing Anaheim
High-end beachfront mall providing trendy retail shops, an array of restaurants & miniature golf.
213 locals recommend
Pacific City
21010 Pacific Coast HwyHigh-end beachfront mall providing trendy retail shops, an array of restaurants & miniature golf.
Old Towne Orange is well known for its antiques and historical background, but it is also the center of a very hip and thriving nightlife. In the center of Old Towne Orange is something referred to as 'The Circle.' This is the heart of the city and in it, is a variety of great bars all within walking distance from each other.
Old Town Orange
Old Towne Orange is well known for its antiques and historical background, but it is also the center of a very hip and thriving nightlife. In the center of Old Towne Orange is something referred to as 'The Circle.' This is the heart of the city and in it, is a variety of great bars all within walking distance from each other.
Anaheim GardenWalk is an outdoor entertainment and shopping center located a block east of the Disneyland Resort in the Anaheim Resort District of Anaheim, California.
148 locals recommend
Anaheim GardenWalk
400 Disney WayAnaheim GardenWalk is an outdoor entertainment and shopping center located a block east of the Disneyland Resort in the Anaheim Resort District of Anaheim, California.
Entertainment
Stadium and theaters
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
2000 E Gene Autry Way
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens HwyThis par-62 executive course has a 32-stall driving range, 6 lakes & a clubhouse for dining.
David L. Baker Golf Course
10410 Edinger AveThis par-62 executive course has a 32-stall driving range, 6 lakes & a clubhouse for dining.
This charming Zoo features over 80 species of animals, including some of the smallest monkeys in the world, the Golden Headed Lion Tamarins. The Zoo is a place to play, a place to learn and a place to spend time with your family.
When visiting the Zoo, children and adults can share time together learning about animals, plants and the environment. There is also a children's farm, train ride, endangered species carrousel, and Ferris wheel.
83 locals recommend
Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
1801 E Chestnut AveThis charming Zoo features over 80 species of animals, including some of the smallest monkeys in the world, the Golden Headed Lion Tamarins. The Zoo is a place to play, a place to learn and a place to spend time with your family.
When visiting the Zoo, children and adults can share time together learning about animals, plants and the environment. There is also a children's farm, train ride, endangered species carrousel, and Ferris wheel.
Over 80 cool immersive science exhibits, games, and activities for kids of all ages.
159 locals recommend
Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N Main StOver 80 cool immersive science exhibits, games, and activities for kids of all ages.
Honda Center
2695 E Katella AveThe gallery will feature over 10 exhibits and more than three dozen species in total. Some of the star attractions are the California two-spot octopus, leopard and horn sharks, California scorpionfish, a moray eel, California spiny lobsters, Catalina goby, and California’s state marine fish—the Garibaldi.
Visitors will be able to take a tour through miniaturized versions of the watery habitats around Long Beach, including some of its most noticeable landmarks.
806 locals recommend
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium WayThe gallery will feature over 10 exhibits and more than three dozen species in total. Some of the star attractions are the California two-spot octopus, leopard and horn sharks, California scorpionfish, a moray eel, California spiny lobsters, Catalina goby, and California’s state marine fish—the Garibaldi.
Visitors will be able to take a tour through miniaturized versions of the watery habitats around Long Beach, including some of its most noticeable landmarks.
Malls
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol StMain Place Mall
2800 N Main StNewport Center/Fashion Island
401 Newport Center DrIrvine Spectrum Center
Westminster Mall, Westminster, CA 92683, USA
The Outlets at Orange
20 City Blvd W