Anaheim is at the heart of Southern California’s Orange County, perfectly placed for access to 34 different cities in the region. Covering a total area of 2,066 square kilometres, Orange County also boasts 68 kilometres of beautiful coastline dotted with fantastic beaches. Climate and weather play an important part in attracting visitors to this beautiful part of California; along with the numerous palm trees and glorious beaches, which when combined offer the ideal relaxed vacation environment. There are six glorious beaches in Orange County, but surfers head to Huntington Beach - better known as â€Surf City’ - for their thrills and spills. For those looking for something more upscale, Newport Beach is the place to be seen. Other beaches are Dana Point, San Clemente and Seal, and for those visitors who like to combine searching for arts and crafts with a day by the shore there is Laguna Beach. Each beach is unique and it’s only 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 globe to see the resort which comprises of the Magic Kingdom, Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment complex. The ultra-successful resort makes a profit of $3.6billion a year, and provides around 65,000 jobs for the residents of Southern California. An incredibly popular holiday destination, Anaheim attracts around 45million visitors annually who collectively spend a phenomenal $8billion. According to the latest industry figures from the PFK report, hotels in Anaheim and Orange County experienced record levels of occupancy of 77.2 per cent during 2007, the fourth highest in the nation’s top 25 metropolitan areas. But, even given its dominance, it’s not all Disney in the city; there is so much more to explore in and around Anaheim, including lots of shopping! The historic Old town boasts over 100 antique dealers and collectable boutiques sitting alongside a plethora of art galleries and quaint little tea rooms, totally in keeping with the historic character. Alternatively, more modern shopping malls complete with designer outlets offer the latest fashions, and the chance to view Orange County’s smartly dressed ladies out walking with their equally well dressed dogs. Anaheim is home to the Mighty Ducks NHL franchise, and an impressive Convention Center. Originally, it was built to attract off-peak visitors, but now 40 years on it draws over one million visitors per year who spend $891million in the city. Recently renovated the futuristic looking convention center has been described as looking like a space ship, and over the years has played host to such notable musicians as Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Neil Diamond.
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