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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Orange County

16 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Orange County, California

Updated November 15, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Orange County

Irvine, California

Peter the Anteater Statue

This bronze statue commemorates the strange and beloved mascot of UC Irvine—the only university to be represented by a giant anteater.

Anaheim, California

Dominguez Palm Tree

A family agreed to sell their property to Disney on the condition that this tree, planted as a wedding gift, would not be removed.

Anaheim, California

Walt Disney’s Bench

Inspiration struck on this seat outside the Griffith Park merry-go-round.

Anaheim, California

Jingles

The lead horse on a Disneyland merry-go-round that is older than the park itself.

Newport Beach, California

Fashion Island Wind Chimes

These were the largest wind chimes in the world when artist Tom Van Sant created them for a California mall in 1967.

Anaheim, California

Stephen Hillenburg Memorial

A monument to the legacy of the man who created Spongebob Squarepants at the school where his passion for art and marine biology began.

San Juan Capistrano, California

Arroyo Bird Park

This park is home to well over 100 handmade birdhouses.

Anaheim, California

Petrified Tree

The oldest attraction in Disneyland is a prehistoric stump that Walt may have bought for his wife.

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