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Don Thousand -- Newport Beach California Real Estate Specialist
Orange County CA Area Guide
Orange County, California is known the world over as the heart of southern California and its culture. Orange County, or the “OC” as it is commonly called now, has evolved into a household name in the past few years, making one hard-pressed to find someone that has not heard about this area and all it has to offer. Orange County’s world-famous Disneyland Resort and Knott's Berry Farm first put this region on the destination map. Popular television shows such as FOX’s The OC and MTV’s Laguna Beach solidify the county’s reputation as one synonymous with glamour, luxury—and a healthy dose of “California dreamin”—in popular culture.
With its immense natural beauty, and its sophisticated coastal lifestyle, over 2 million people choose to call Orange County home, with Don Thousand being one of the prominent experts on this area. Don has been a life-long resident of Newport Beach and the OC region, let him show you all the magic that Orange County living has to offer.
ORANGE COUNTY HISTORYThe first people to enjoy the bounty and natural beauty of what is now known as Orange County were the Gabrieleños and the Juaneños Native American tribes. Living in the area well before European exploration of the land, these groups were first named after Spanish missions Mission San Gabriel and Mission San Juan Capistrano. One of the main sites frequented by these tribes was the Bolsa Chica Mesa. Atop the Mesa the Indians could see a great view of the ocean, as well as the land that would later become present-day Long Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago 1848, California was acquired by the United States. After becoming the 31st state in 1850, California as a whole began to grow significantly. During these times, the land that now makes up Orange County was used primarily for orange groves, vineyards, cattle ranching and gold mining spots and small townships that provided services to the miners. Many areas such as Irvine, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Niguel experienced rapid growth. With the introduction of railroads, and later highways, the region as whole exploded with much prosperity. Today, Orange County is a vibrant area with its own culture similar to, but somewhat unique from, the greater Metropolis of Los Angeles. While many areas of Southern California share much of the same history and modern culture, Orange County maintains its individuality among all its neighbors. What began as a sleepy region of orange groves and grape vineyards is now a bustling County of over 3 million residents, growing stronger everyday.
ORANGE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
Irvine Regional Park Caspers Wilderness Park For more information on parks please click here
ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL EVENTSWith an area as large as and as diverse as Orange County, frequent community events are commonplace. Residents of Orange County can bet that their social calendars will be filled through the calendar year with a variety of exciting and engaging activities. Many of the events throughout Orange County are presented by the county itself, wishing to offer its residents the best in entertainment. Many community activities are also presented by private associations encouraging others to learn more about their organizations. Whatever the lifestyle or pleasure, citizens and guests alike will come to find the Orange County has a lot more to offer than just beautiful year around weather and high-class California living. Don Thousand has compiled a list of Orange County activities, organized by the season in which they take place. Please take the time to review some of the events listed here and feel free to contact Don about more happenings within the Orange County scene. Ice Rink at the Spectrum Orange County Gladiators
Historic French Park Holiday Home Tour Annual Newpot Harbor Christmas Boat Parade The Kid's Pet Parade
Spirit Run 5/10K Run/Walk & Health Expo Discovery Science Center Free Summer Concerts Spring Garden Tour Annual Irish Fair and Music Festival Annual Midsummer Night in the Garden Hello Kitty Boardfest Annual Taste of Newport
St. Pauls Annual Greek Festival Turkey Trot For more information on local events and the Orange County local event calendar please click here
ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUMSRealizing that it is a society’s responsibility to safeguard history for future generations to enjoy and learn from, Orange County and its surrounding areas are comprised of many museums and other historical sites. These sites showcase this area’s unique historical involvement, not only within the California history books, but this nation as a whole. Please take some time to review the list of various museums in and around Orange County region. Bowers Museum Discovery Science Center Laguna Art Museum
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
Arts Orange County Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts For more information on other venues throughout Orange County, please refer to Don’s other website pages.
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Comprised of thirty-four incorporated cities and many other smaller townships, Orange County’s appeal is not solely based on one area, as there is no defined urban center to Orange County. Every area within Orange County’s borders offers its own unique features and appeal. Visitors and residents alike shouldn’t miss like 
Outdoor recreation is one of Orange County’s signature features. Nestled within the beautiful Southern California countryside, Orange County offers its residents some of the state’s most unique recreational areas and the finest in leisure activity. Orange County’s widespread regional park system is comprised of 39,000 acres in 25 urban and wilderness parks, making it one of the best and most encompassing park systems in southern California. The parks within the system provide many different features including tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds and various golf courses. The entire OC park system covers an area of 7,000 acres of open space, featuring over 230 miles of regional riding and hiking trails. Two of the most prominent parks of Orange County are the Irvine Regional Park and the Caspers Wilderness Park, each with their own slices of welcoming California wilderness for any and all.
Toshiba Golf Classic
Just as history is very important to the future generations of Orange County, so is the expansion of the Arts and the prosperity of the cultural aspects of this unique region. Orange County’s art dealers, creators and contributors feel that, without the arts, Orange County would lose most, if not all, of its allure and splendor. Orange County is comprised of many different cities and areas, and artists from virtually all of these areas contribute to, or help preserve, the art scene in Southern California. Don has compiled a brief list of the notable art venues within Orange County. 
