Anaheim is in the heart of Orange County in Southern California, perfectly located for access to 34 different cities in the region. Covering a total area of ​​2,066 square kilometers, Orange County also boasts 68 kilometers of beautiful coastline dotted with fantastic beaches.

The weather and climate play a big part in attracting visitors to this beautiful part of California; together with the many palm trees and glorious beaches, which when combined offer the ideal environment for a relaxing holiday. There are six glorious beaches in Orange County, but surfers head to Huntington Beach, better known as ‘Surf City,’ for its thrills and spills. For those looking for something more upscale, Newport Beach is the place to be seen.

Other beaches include Dana Point, San Clemente and Seal, and for those visitors who like to combine craft hunting with a day at the shore is Laguna Beach. Each beach is unique and you are a short drive to all of them from Anaheim.

However, the city of Anaheim is probably best known as the original home of Disneyland and its most famous resident, Mickey Mouse. Visitors flock from all corners of the world to see the complex that is made up of the Magic Kingdom, Disney California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment complex. The highly successful resort generates a profit of $3.6 billion a year and provides about 65,000 jobs for Southern California residents.

An incredibly popular vacation destination, Anaheim attracts around 45 million visitors a year who together spend a phenomenal $8 billion. According to the latest industry figures from the KFC report, hotels in Anaheim and Orange County experienced record occupancy levels of 77.2 percent during 2007, the fourth highest among the nation’s top 25 metropolitan areas.

But, even given its dominance, it’s not all Disney in town; There is so much more to explore in and around Anaheim, including plenty of shops! The historic Old Town boasts over 100 antique dealers and collectible boutiques alongside a plethora of art galleries and quaint little tea rooms, fully in keeping with the historical character. Alternatively, the trendier shopping malls with designer stores offer the latest fashions and a chance to see the smartly dressed ladies of Orange County walking their equally well-dressed dogs.

Anaheim is home to the Mighty Ducks NHL franchise and an impressive convention center. Originally built to attract off-peak visitors, now, 40 years later, it draws more than a million visitors per year who spend $891 million in the city. Recently renovated, the futuristic-looking convention center has been described as a spaceship, and over the years has played host to such notable musicians as Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, and Neil Diamond.