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.
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