Orange County, California is many things to many people. According to NerdWallet, 15 out of the 20 wealthiest big cities in the USA can be found in California with five that are from Orange County. The city that ranks highest is Newport Beach, which has an average income of $106,801. The median home cost is $1.56 million. 31 percent have no mortgages and the average credit limits are $82,811. While the area is one of the wealthiest in the country, there is a great deal more that is going on within the municipalities of the county.

As of January 2018, the community of Costa Mesa rejected a number of applications for drug and alcohol treatment centers and sober living homes, according to the Orange County Register. The newspaper has also reported on the many people in Costa Mesa who come seeking addiction treatment from out of town to seek help and end up homeless when their insurance runs out for their stay in rehab. Residents of other municipalities such as Laguna Beach are becoming concerned about having recovery centers in these cities, particularly near schools.

According to the US Surgeon General, around 21 million US citizens battle substance addiction but only 10 percent of them ever receive the treatment from Orange County drug rehab centers that they need. While there are difficulties for those who live and seek treatment in the area, there are a number of amazing things to see when you travel to Orange County. Here are some amazing sights to see:

1.) Disneyland. Maybe, you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Perhaps, you want to go on the Sailing Ship Columbia. Or seek to go to the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. You may wish to go on the Jungle Cruise or for a ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat. Regardless, there are a number of potential fun opportunities for everyone.

2.) Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. If you are interested in the presidency of Richard Nixon, his presidential library and museum may be exactly what you should check out first. Not only does it have 70 new major exhibits, it also has 11 original films, 30 multi-media experiences, 10 archival film sequences, and 12 custom digital interactives. It also features over 600 photographs, more than 300 artifacts, and 8,000 square feet of wall murals. Whether he was one of your favorite presidents or you are intrigued by the Watergate scandal, this is one of those places not to miss.

3.) Marconi Automotive Museum. The story of the Marconi Automotive Museum begins in Gary Indiana, where Dick Marconi moved from to arrive in southern California, where he crafted a career around the manufacturing and development of food supplements, weight loss products, and custom-made vitamins. He was always a fan of cars and created quite a collection of race cars and street cars for himself. Discover all the good Marconi, his wife, Priscilla, and their foundation, the Marconi Foundation for Kids, do during your trip!

4.) Lyon Air Museum. Founded by Maj. Gen. William Lyon, retired from the US Air Force, the museum has many varied historically important and operational World War II-era aircraft and vehicles. This is based at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, and you can take guided tours through the history to see the many artifacts and machines which helped to define the 20th century. You will also have the chance to interact with exhibits about the history of different aircraft.

5.) Mission San Juan Capistrano. If you are in Orange County, you will want to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano, named after Saint Junipero Serra, who founded this mission during 1776. You can view the Serra Chapel, where Saint Junipero Serra celebrated the Eucharist during daily mass. The Mission is also home to a number of rare paintings, religious artifacts, and beautiful bell ringing to honor the Saint Junipero Serra’s legacy. There is much to love here and if you are fascinated by any sort of religious history, you could find such an experience at Mission San Juan Capistrano to be not educational and beneficial but enlightening too. Enjoy yourself and recognize the beauty of it all.

When planning your trip to Orange County, California, there can be a number of places you might wish to visit that you have always thought about going to. You could be someone who needs help from Orange County drug rehab centers. If you are someone here on a vacation by yourself or with your family, some of these places may be more applicable than others. Disneyland is something your kids will love a great deal. You might have it reminds you of your childhood. As an adult, though, you could be more interested in the Richard Nixon Presidential Museum and Library. Whether it is one or the other, you will find your journey to Orange County is one that will make you want to come back the moment you leave.

About the author: Tommy Zimmer is a writer whose work has appeared online and in print. His work covers a variety of topics, including politics, economics, health and wellness, addiction and recovery, and the entertainment industry.

Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.