As the weather gets warmer, visitors to Orange County will find plenty of events and activities this summer. The area offers variety of evening concerts, special art exhibits, unique cultural showings, festivals and sporting events and exhibitions.

"Summer is the ideal time to visit Orange County, whether it is a family excursion or a fun, weekend getaway," said Ann Gallaugher, director of tourism development for the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. "Orange County is a great drive destination for people throughout the west. In addition to beautiful beaches and a multitude of outdoor activities, Orange County offers fantastic summer activities and thrilling new attractions."

Summer 2004 highlights include:

ATTRACTIONS: The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach has debuted an new Weird, Wild & Wonderful program featuring new exhibits, interactive displays and a new educational program. Runs through April 30, 2005. Call 562/590-3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.

Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana presents SEA MONSTERS: California'sCreatures of the Deep from June 5 to September 12. Explore prehistoric sea caves and meet the bests the ruled our oceans. Call 714/542-CUBE or visit www.discoverycube.org.

Disney's California Adventure opened its newest attraction, Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror, which takes visitors on an exhilarating 13-story plunge through the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel. Call 714/956-6859 or visit www.disneyland.com

Disneyland's new Snow White: An Enchanted Musical retells the beloved fairy tale, complete with favorite songs, in a spectacular 15-minute theatrical production. Runs daily in the Fantasyland Theater. Call 714/781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com.

?Experience "720 degrees of Attitude" on Knott's Berry Farm's newest thrill ride, RipTide. Riders will soar 59 feet into mid-air completing 13 full 360-degree vertical arcs every sixty seconds while simultaneously spinning head-over-heels seated back-to-back in a floorless gondola. Call 714/220-5200 or visit www.knotts.com

LEGOLAND� California is opening five new attractions in 2004 to honor the 128-acre family theme park's fifth birthday. Call 760/ 918-LEGO or visit www.legoland.com

SHOPPING This summer, Fashion Island offers new stores and restaurants including the first west coast location of Charlotte, a fine jewelry store; The Closet, offering California couture; Caf� R&D, a new restaurant by Houston's; Rouge Bistro & Bar, a lively French bistro; and more. Fashion Island will also host its 37th Annual Summer Concert Series, every Wednesday night, from July 14 through August 18. Call 949/721-2000 or visit www.shopfashionisland.com.

Westfield Shoppingtown MainPlace in Santa Ana features more than 190 specialty stores and restaurants and now offers a variety shopping concierge services. MainPlace offers valet parking, package carry out, gift ideas, expectant mother parking, signature gift boxes, complimentary shopping bags and kiddie kruzzers and balloons for the kids. Call 714/547-7000 or visit www.westfield.com.

ARTS & CULTURE The Bowers Museum presents "Bridges to Understanding: Portraits by Phil Borges," a moving exhibit featuring more than 39 black and white images of people in remote and ancient villages and two video presentations featuring the people and children of rural global communities threatened by Westernization. Exhibit runs through October 24. The museum is also presenting the historic Tibet:Treasures from the Roof of the World, which runs through Sept. 12. Call 714/567-3600 or visit www.bowers.org.

SPORTS & RECREATION The Anaheim Angels recently announced that their home field stadium will be known as Angel Stadium of Anaheim (or "The Big A" as locals refer to it) for the 2004 season and unveiled a new look that includes a new a $6.5 million upgrade to the outfield scoreboards. Call 714/940-2000 or visit www.angelsbaseball.com

Black Gold Golf Club is offering a special rewards program this summer. All golfers who pay full resort rate this summer will receive a free subscription to Golf Digest Magazine. After that, progressive discounts andthe 8th round is free. Expires 9/15/04. Call 714/961-0060 or visit www.blackgoldgolf.com.

RESTAURANTS Rouge Bistro & Bar, from acclaimed chef David Wilhelm, promises a "Red Hot" summer with the fresh new flavor and French flair. The new restaurant will serve lunch and dinner during the week, and brunch on the weekends. Sticking true to Culinary Adventures Incorporated tradition, Rouge will be more than a restaurant, it will be an experience. Call 949/718-4631 or visit www.culinaryadventures.com.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS The Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim is packed this summer with a number of must-see events including the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics, Phil Collins, Van Halen and Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Call 714/704-2400 or visit www.arrowheadpond.com.

TRANSPORTATION Ride Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains and escape to Orange Count destinations. Get there refreshed instead of stressed. Your schedule fits ours with eleven daily round-trips. Welcome aboard. Call 800/USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com

Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) has announced that its vending kiosks, located in 12 convenient locations, now guests purchase options in three languages - English, Spanish and Japanese. ART also offers new service to the Hilton Suites, located just across the street from Angel Stadium, making getting to and from games even easier. Visit www.rideart.org.

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 Southern California 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 today as The Anaheim Resort district. For information on Anaheim/Orange County, visit www.anaheimoc.org or call (714) 765-8888.

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