Air Combat USA Dogfight training in actual high-performance small planes. Instructors handle takeoff and landing, riders have control in the air. Fullerton Municipal Airport, 230 N. Dale Place, Fullerton, 800.522.7590. Map A2

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC One of the largest aquariums in the U.S. Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest, beautiful sea jellies. Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. $20.95; $17.95 seniors, $11.95 children 3–11. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100. Map north of A11 www.aquariumofpacific.org

Balboa Fun Zone The beloved zone is shrinking. Remaining rides include Ferris wheel and carousel. Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. till 10 p.m. Pay per ride. 600 E. Bay Ave., Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, 949.673.0408. Map M15

Boomers Family entertainment centers feature bumper boats, batting cages, go-carts, minigolf, laser tag. Open daily. Call for hours. 16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, 714.842.1111; 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.559.8341. Maps J10, L9, K14

Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari Dolphin- and whale-watching excursions aboard catamaran.
9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. $35–$49, under 2 free. Charters available. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, 949.488.2828. Map J16

Crystal cathedral Church boasts three architectural treasures: Philip Johnson's spectacular glass cathedral; Richard Neutra's Tower of Hope and Richard Meier's International Center for Positive Thinking. Tours Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Mar. 14–22 The Glory of Easter performances. For tickets or more information, call 714.54.GLORY. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.971.4013. Map J10 www.crystalcathedral.org

DANA POINT HARBOR The whale watching capital of the West, Dana Point Harbor, which includes Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariners Alley is home to 25 unique shops and 19 outstanding restaurants. www.danaharbor.com

Dana Wharf Sportfishing Offers year-round fishing and whale-watching trips in south Orange County. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 800.590.9994; danawharf.com. Map K16

DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER 120 hands-on exhibits, live shows, 3–D Laser Theater. Look for the giant tilting cube by the 5 Freeway. Mar. 15–Apr. 30 Bubblefest. Through Apr. 30 Mouthpower. Through May 4 Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog; Tigers: Tracking a Legend. May 23–Sept. 7 Animal Grossology; Bob the Builder Project: Build It. Daily 10 a.m.–6p.m. $9.95–$12.95, under 2 free. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823. Map G13 www.discoverycube.org

DISNEYLAND Mickey Mouse's theme park. New: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer Island. Updated Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain attractions. Extravagant fireworks displays just keep getting better. Year of a Million Dreams continues. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. Map I10disneyland.disney.go.com

Disney's California Adventure Soarin' Over California, A Bug's Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Downtown Disney Twenty–acre pedestrian promenade adjacent to Disney parks offers dining, shopping, cinema multiplex and several nightlife venues including House of Blues. Floor-to-ceiling TVs at ESPN Zone show all sports, all the time. Nongated, free admission. 1510–1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy 1,200-acre wilderness reserve; public access during special events. Call for schedule. Rancho Mission Viejo, 28672 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.9778. Map east of F6

Dromo One Race custom 9-horsepower engine carts on a 10-turn indoor speed track. Racing suit, helmet included. $35-$25. Call for hours. 1431 N. Main St., Orange, 714.744.4779. Map G13

Environmental Nature Center Intimate center offers 14 California native plant habitats and seasonal butterfly garden. Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. until 3 p.m. Free. 1601 16th St., Newport Beach, 949.645.8489. Map M13

Knott's Berry Farm More than 165 rides and attractions. Coasters include Silver Bullet, GhostRider and new Sidewinder. Call for hours. $19.99–$49.99, under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. Map G8

Legoland California Theme park features more than 50 rides, shows, attractions including Miniland USA and new Pirate Shores. Call for regular park hours. $57 adults, $44 children (3–12) and seniors, under 2 free. One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.LEGO. Map south of F6

Mission San Juan Capistrano Jewel of the California missions (1776). Digital audio tour free with admission. Daily 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. $5–$9, under 4 free. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300. Map I17

Ocean Institute Live presentations aboard the tall ship Pilgrim, docked in Dana Point Harbor; tide- pool sessions; marine mammal exploration cruises. Behind the Scenes Tour available Thurs.–Fri. 3:30 p.m. Admission $4–$6, under 2 free. Call for hours. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274. Map J16

Orange County Zoo Charming, rustic zoo features plants and animals from Southwestern U.S. Daily 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $2, under 3 free. Parking $3 weekdays, $5 weekends. Open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847. Map C5

Pacific Marine Mammal Center Injured sea mammals nursed to health for release back to the sea. Pups are fun to watch. 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3050. Map G15

Pirate's dinner adventure Swashbuckling swordplay, aerial artistry, cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, comedy and romance aboard replica of Spanish galleon anchored in 250,000-gallon lagoon. $35.95–$53.95, under 3 free. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 866.439.2469. Map G8

QUEEN MARY SHIP AND SEAPORT, permanently berthed ocean liner. (Bigger than the Titanic!) Open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily for self-guided and guided tours. Ghosts & Legends of the Queen Mary show. Adjacent is Russian Foxtrot Submarine. Shops, dining, deco lounge. $12–$23, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, south end of 710 Freeway, 562.435.3511. Map north of C1 www.queenmary.com

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Behind-the-scenes tour of world’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Attractions include Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride, Shrek 4–D, trolley tour of sets including Psycho and Back to the Future. VIP Experience is private tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $61, $51 children (ages 3–7), under 3 free. VIP Experience, $199 per person. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801. Map north of A1 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace Exhibits focus on Nixon's life and career. Presidential helicopter is on permanent display. Guided tours of gardens on Saturdays. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $3.75–$9.95, under 6 free. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, 714.993.5075. Map A4

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum "Odditorium" of the bizarre. Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. $13.95–$9.95, under 4 free. 7850 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.522.7045. Map G8

Rockreation Get vertical at indoor sport-climbing facility; instruction at all levels. Call for hours. 1300 Logan Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.556.ROCK. Map J12

Santa Ana Zoo Modest, idyllic zoo. Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3–$6, under 3 free. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.835.7484. Map H14

SeaWorld Home of Shamu features marine-themed attractions, thrill rides such as Journey to Atlantis, Shipwreck Rapids. $59, children ages 3–9 $49, under 2 free. Call for hours, combo rates. Open daily. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU. Map south of F6

Sherman Library & Gardens Ten gardens showcase lovely botanical collection. Daily 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, children ages 12–16 $1, under 12 free. Mondays free. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261. Map M16

Universal Studios Hollywood Behind-the-scenes tour of world's biggest motion picture/TV studio. Attractions include Revenge of the Mummy: the Ride, Shrek 4–D, trolley tour of sets including Psycho and Jaws. VIP Experience is private tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $64, $54 children ages 3–7, under 3 free. VIP Experience, $199 per person. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801. Map north of A1

VANS SKATEPARK Combi pool, vert ramp, street course. Peewee area. Vans apparel store adjacent. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. $12/session (2 hrs.) weekdays; $15/session weekends. Equipment rentals. The Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.3800. Map J11 www.vans.com/vans/skateparks