Few of the citrus groves that gave Orange County its name remain. This region south and east of Los Angeles is now ruled by tourism and high-tech business instead of farmers. Angelenos may make cracks about theme parks being the extent of culture here, but there's much more to the area than mouse ears and laid-back beach towns. You can get an evocative dose of history by visiting the 18th-century Mission San Juan Capistrano or find a thriving performing arts center (albeit near the massive shopping center South Coast Plaza).
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