ORANGE COUNTY AIRPORT is in sunny southern California in the sprawling City of Santa Ana. In 1979, the County Board of Supervisors renamed the facility to John Wayne Airport in honor of the actor and hero of the American West. A nine-foot statue of ‘the Duke’ now stands in the lobby of the Thomas F. Riley Terminal
John Wayne Airport is serviced by 11 commercial airlines, three commuter airlines and two cargo carriers. If you are a pilot, there are a variety of aviation facilities where you can hanger a plane, rent a plane wet and find fuel, oil and maintenance crews. There are shuttles available to chauffer you to Los Angeles International (LAX), Santa Monica or even the San Diego airport. All of the major ground transportation companies are very conveniently located.
The mission of John Wayne Airport is to plan, direct, and provide high quality aviation services and facilities for Orange County in a safe, secure, and efficient manner. This is currently one of the busiest medium-sized airports in the world. Because of its location, travel plans including this Airport, increase the demand for parking. Terminal structures and lots are often filled, especially on Wednesdays. Whether you are a private pilot or a passenger on a commercial airline, it is a good idea to call ahead for the current parking status, and ask for some vital intel and advice.
If you have come to stay for awhile, Orange County and the surrounding areas offer an abundance of attractions. You can rent a car and drive to nearby beaches. The area offers some of the best golf courses in the country, including Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa, both overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Nearby Anaheim is home to the original Walt Disney theme park, Disneyland. It was opened in 1959, and is the only Disney attraction still operated according to Disney’s own rules. It has been dubbed, ‘The happiest place on earth’. Anaheim is also home to the California Angels, professional baseball’s 2009 American League West champions. Also nearby is Knott’s Berry Farm located in Buena Park, California. The ‘Farm’ boasts 165 wild rides, daily shows and attractions. Knott’s offers some of the world’s best jams, jellies and food products that visitors can take home as souvenirs.