Made well known by the TV series of the same name, Orange County is California's favourite destination that is jam packed with fun, adventure and excitement. This country is full of beautiful areas but none perhaps more so than Anaheim, which is one of the nation's premier municipalities.

Formerly known as the wine capital of California, it is now known for its sports stars and its theme parks. The most famous of these would have to be the Disneyland Resort, which is a world famous grouping of theme parks and hotels.

The city limits stretch from Cypress in the west, to the Riverside County line in the east. The city itself is quite beautiful and is simply bursting with fun and exciting things to see and do.

1. Disneyland Resort

Disneyland is a recreational resort complex that opened its doors in 1955 and has since been a destination of much joy and happiness. The resort is owned by none other then Walt Disney and is one of the most visited attractions in the US.

Disneyland Resort is essentially all about the kids. Popular attractions here include The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Magic Kingdom and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Located just a few miles south of downtown Anaheim, this is a destination that will transport you into a land of magic and adventure and will capture the hearts of your children for eternity.

2. Adventure City

If Disneyland is a little too big for you and you are after a more laid back atmosphere, that will still entertain the kids for hours, Adventure City will be the ideal attraction for you. This small family amusement park is actually one of the smallest in the state, but it is still brimming with exciting things to see and do.

It was opened in 1994 as an expansion of Hobby city, a nearby collection of novelty shops and museums, and now boasts the slogan of "The Little Theme Park that's BIG on Family Fun". Attractions here include the Drop Zone, Freeway Coaster, a Carousel, Petting Farm and Mountain Adventurous.

A visit here will allow you to enter a world of excitement, entertainment and education and is ideal for those young and young at heart.

3. Anaheim Garden Walk

The Anaheim Garden Walk is the OC' hot spot for fashion, food and fun. This oasis of outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment will allow you to discover a whole new world of shopping and fine cuisine. The upscale bowling lounge and state-of-the-art movie theatres attract many visitors, ensuring a fun and unique experience.

They are is nestled among scenic waterfalls and beautifully manicured gardens and is position right in the heart of Anaheim makes it a must-see while in town.

4. Hobby City Doll and Toy Museum

The kids will appreciate their time here even more if you take them to visit the Hobby City Doll and Toy Museum. This amazing place is home to more than 6,000 distinct toys and dolls, making it any child's heaven.

A visit here will take you on a walk down memory lane as you view Star Wars dolls, Strawberry Shortcake dolls as well and extremely extensive collection of Barbies, which the girls are sure to be fascinated with. You will also come across many beautiful European dolls that are housed in a half-scale replica of the White House.

5. Golden Vine Winery

While Anaheim may seem to be largely focused on fun for the kids, don't go thinking that it's forgotten about the adults. The Golden Vine Winery is home to rows and rows of grape vines that line the lower sloped of the region's Grizzly Peak area. Similar to California's Napa Valley, this winery is the ideal place to visit if you want to sample some fine wine or simply sit back and enjoy the ambience.

Be sure to pay a visit to the Blue Sky Cellar, which contains exhibits, artwork, moulds and short video presentations of the region's history. This cellar will offer you an interesting insight into the local region and allow you to enjoy some peace and quiet.

The beautiful city of Anaheim is the ideal place for that family holiday you have been meaning to take for ages. Packed full of fun things that the whole family can enjoy, it is the perfect place to reconnect with your family and remember why you love them so much.

Christine Barton