Anaheim Vacation GuideRenting vacation homes in Anaheim, California is a perfect way to base a southern California vacation. What began as a prolific wine-growing region has evolved into an area rich in family attractions famous the world over. The area was founded by a group of German immigrants who named the region, using a combination of "ana" after the Santa Ana River, and "heim" which is the German word for home. They prospered for thirty years, until a virus wiped out the grape vines. Modern Anaheim exploded with popularity when Walt Disney introduced the world to the most famous mouse in the world in 1955. Today, Anaheim draws millions of visitors a year, and is a perfect place for exploring the many wonders Orange County has to offer!When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, he had a grand vision of a family-oriented theme park that would bring happiness to all who visited. To say he was successful in the grandest fashion imaginable is still an understatement. This is the only park in the Disney family that Walt planned directly. The park is broken up into a series of eight "lands," each with its own theme and attractions. The center of the park is Main Street, U.S.A., an area filled with shops and restaurants. Spectacle and fantasy are the keys to Disney's success. Children get ecstatic seeing the costumed characters and riding the rides. Adults get a special gift as well: they are allowed to feel as giddy as children, even if it is only for a brief time. A new Disney attraction, Disney's California Adventure, opened in 2001. Located adjacent to the original Disneyland, the park celebrates the beach scene in southern California, and pays homage to the movie industry of the region. Knots Berry Farm began because of good home cooking. Somewhere between myth and legend goes the story that Mrs. Cornelia Knott served the best fried chicken and boysenberry pie found anywhere. A local hero was born, and what started as a small restaurant evolved into a family-run theme park that pays tribute to the spirit of the American pioneer. Today, Knots Berry Farm welcomes 5 million visitors a year who come to enjoy attractions like Ghost Town, a fun-filled, whirling dervish of Wild West fun. The park also has traditional rides like the Hammerhead and the Supreme Scream. If you are planning your trip in late October, be sure to check out the Halloween Haunt, the best Halloween party on the planet! It will be easier for your family to enjoy both of these great theme parks when you stay in Anaheim vacation rentals. A short drive will bring you to another favorite Orange County attraction: a day at the beach. The California coastline has over 40 miles of beaches in Orange County, each with its own personality, but all basking in the common warmth of the Pacific sun. Huntington Beach is the place to go to catch some waves and celebrate surfing culture. Head a bit south to Laguna Beach, and see the mansions that line the hills overlooking the 7 miles of beaches. Or venture north to Seal Beach, a quiet little community with an excellent pier and tree-lined streets. This is the perfect place to catch some rays or spend some time reflecting on the scenic beauty of the area. The Anaheim area has everything one could ask for in a southern California vacation destination. The summers are filled with the screams of thousands of people cheering the Anaheim Angels who play baseball at Edison Field. In winter, hockey fans cheer on the Mighty Ducks, who drop the puck at Arrowhead Pond. History buffs will want to visit The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in nearby Yorba Linda. | Anaheim Vacation Rentals | California Vacation Rentals | California Vacation Guides and Activities | Return to Vacation Guides Home |
