Hidden Histories Of Orange County
Southern California, particularly Orange County, tends to get an undeserved reputation as a bland suburban neighborhood with no history. However, Orange County’s roots trace far back in time, offering insight into the complex development of Southern California.
1. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Church, Museum
2. Pacific Electric Railway
Museum
3. The Balboa Shuffle
Amusement Park, Park, Building
While Orange County is often seen as a mecca of rich white conservatives, it may be surprising to learn that the county is home to the largest Vietnamese-American populations outside of Vietnam. After the Vietnam war and in the decades that would follow, refugees were taken to central spots around the country, one of which was Orange County. Refugees found sponsors among the many churches throughout the conservative area, allowing for settlements in Garden Grove and Westminster in particular, where now as much as one-third of the population is Vietnamese or Vietnamese-American. This led to an astounding variety of Vietnamese shops and restaurants, most prominently the Asian Garden Mall in Westminster. To commemorate the origins of the community, a Vietnam War Memorial is also located in Westminster.
Asian Garden Mall, 9200 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA, USA +1 714 379 9913
4. Irvine Ranch to Irvine Company
School, University
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.