Fox Television's popular show, "The O.C.," is going on hiatus this summer but the "real" O.C. will just be heating up. Fans of the show and their families can get to know Orange County with a convenient drive vacation to the place that inspired it all.

Published by the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, the new Orange County Area Driving Guide is a complimentary, informative 44-page guide designed to help visitors discover the hidden treasures of the area. With its family-friendly attractions, quality museums, unique restaurants and, of course, incredible Southern California beaches, the "real" Orange County has all the makings of an exciting vacation - all within driving distance. Whether you call it a road trip or a weekend getaway, Americans are taking to the highways in record numbers.

In 2003, more than 75 percent of Orange County's visitors arrived by car from all over the west including California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Even though gas prices have been on the rise, Justin McNaull, a spokesman for AAA, says that higher gas prices tend not to curtail summer vacation travel, though drivers may opt for nearby destinations rather than extended cross-country road trips.

�The old-fashioned family driving vacations are as popular today as they were decades ago and the Driving Guide is the perfect companion for a road trip to explore everything the O.C. has to offer,� stated Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Designed to resemble a car owners' manual, the guide highlights local hotspots and includes travel ideas, driving tips, regional trivia, recommended itineraries, car games and maps. It also includes a centerfold map of Southern California, as well as mini-maps on individual destinations.

From one of the oldest streets in California, the legendary Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano to the lively Dory Fishing Fleet in Newport Beach, or the intriguing Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour in Anaheim, the guide points visitors in the right direction. Are we there yet?

Visitors can request a free guide by logging onto www.anaheimoc.org or by calling 714/765-8899 x9700.

Home to renowned beaches, world-famous theme parks and attractions, exciting professional sports, unique shopping and award-winning restaurants, Anaheim/Orange County is a blend of sights and experiences filled with warm sunshine almost year-round. Located in the heart of Orange County, Anaheim has undergone a renaissance, establishing the region as a world-class destination known as The Anaheim Resort district. For information on hotel packages and reservations, events, activities and transportation in Anaheim/Orange County, visit www.anaheimoc.org or call (714) 765-8888.

-###-

Media Contact: Lauren Yacker +1 714-765-8854 lyacker@anaheimoc.org