Orange County, CA HyperLocal City Guide featuring Neighborhoods, Zip Codes and Yellow Pages.

Orange County, California boasts a population of about 3 million, making it the second-most-populous county in the state and the fifth-most-populous in the United States. The county is known for its wealth and political conservatism, and in recent years for the stereotypes portrayed in the television programs The O. C. and Laguna Beach, but it is much more complex than stereotypes suggest. This land of plentiful sunshine, majestic mountain backdrops and miles of soothing beaches spans 798 square miles and is composed of 34 cities, each with unique personality and charm.

While Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure and Downtown Disney stand at the undisputed center of Orange County tourism, there's more to do here than visit Mickey and friends. Orange County is also the home of Knott's Berry Farm, The Richard M. Nixon Library and Birthplace and beautiful, half-ruined Mission San Juan Capistrano, famed for the swallows that return like clockwork every spring. Orange County also boasts some of the state's most beautiful, sandy beaches, including "Surf City U.S.A." Huntington Beach and upscale Laguna Beach.

The Los Angeles Times rates the Napa Rose restaurant at Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel as one of the best in Orange County. Orange Hill Restaurant is a favorite with romantics for its secluded, hilltop location and city views. Other great places to dine include Laguna Beach's Las Brisas and Bistango, Fullerton's rockin' sushi restaurant Chomp, Newport Harbor's Cannery Restaurant and 21 Oceanfront. Former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman's eponymous restaurant in Newport Beach is a favorite celebrity hangout.

Some of best places to stay near Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center are Candy Cane Inn, Howard Johnson Plaza and the Disney-operated Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and the Grand Californian. Two hotels offering excellent value for money (a rarity in this resort area) are the Lemon Tree and Pepper Tree Hotels. Along the coast the Montage Resort, Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and the St. Regis all make Conde Nast's Gold List.