Orange County has long been a hotbed of film activity, and those who vacation here can create their own tour of famous movie and TV locations or see current stars in action.
A favorite spot for moviemakers seeking that turn-of-the-century feel is downtown Orange, where its century-old plaza has been the setting for films that range from Otto Preminger's 1945 "Fallen Angel" to Tom Hanks in "That Thing You Do," in 1995. Most recently, the central plaza drew in crowds when Ben Affleck spent a few days there filming the upcoming "Surviving Christmas."
The city's old-town charm carries over to the classic Watson's Drug Store and Soda Fountain, numerous antique shops and P.J.'s Abbey-a restaurant housed in an old church abbey.
In Santa Ana, the old County Courthouse is a favorite location, recently hosting a film shoot for Steve Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can."
Nearby, Westminster's Little Saigon area-one of the largest Vietnamese conclaves in the U.S.-was the site for a film called "Fast and Furious." It's also home to unique shops and restaurants.
Orange County's newest resort-the Montage in Laguna Beach-sits on property that was once used in the 1954 Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz film classic, "The Long, Long Trailer."
Even the Anaheim Convention Center takes a turn in the spotlight for more than group events. Last summer, it served as an airport terminal for filming on "Matchstick Men," starring Nicolas Cage.
Soap opera aficionados can visit Hollywood Backlot at Disney's California Adventure during Super Soap Weekend (tentatively scheduled for summer) and have a chance to meet their favorite soap stars. And sports buffs can stop in at ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney to meet some of sports talk radio's popular hosts or visiting athletes.
While you're in Laguna Beach, pop by and see the former Bette Davis house or former home of Ozzie and Harriet of 1950s television fame. Or visit the Surf & Sand Resort that was the 'home away from home' for the Nixon White House press corps during the 1970s. Today, cast members from Cirque du Soleil regularly stay-and rehearse-at the picturesque resort.
In Newport Beach, you can take a harbor cruise and get a look at John Wayne's former home-or former NBA star Dennis Rodman's current one. Wayne was so much a part of Orange County that Hornblower Dining Yachts offers dinner cruises aboard Wayne's yacht, the Wild Goose. (John Wayne character actors can be included as part of the package, too!)
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