Three towns were ranked in the Best of Orange County 2023, in the "Best Town Centers" category. Their "historic hearts" are impressive.

According to the OC Register, Orange County has three cities with the best historic downtowns.

The city of Orange with its Plaza Park on Glassel Street and Chapman Ave in the center, topped the rankings. Once upon a time, the city focused on preserving and saving its historic heritage, and it did not fail. Downtown Orange is strikingly authentic, atmospheric and easily immerses guests, visitors, and tourists in the past. The Plaza Square with its historic fountain and the historic part of the Old Town remind us of another era.

In second place in this nomination was Huntington Beach - its Pacific Coast Main Street and surrounding areas. This part of the resort is considered the most vibrant, dynamic, active, and attractive to travelers and locals themselves. Identifying downtown Huntington Beach is the sprawling Main Beach, the historic pier and the Pacific City Shopping Center.

Rounding out the top three cities with the best historic downtowns in Orange County is Fullerton. Specifically, the neighborhoods of Chapman Avenue, Highland Avenue, Santa Fe Depot and Lemon Street. The city, which is more than 130 years old, is also trying to maintain its past. Its roots can be seen in the 70 buildings that have retained their historic look and authentic charm. These include, for example, the Chapman Building, VIlla del Sol, Fox Theatre and Fullerton Museum Center. Also the Santa Fe neighborhood and the Fullerton Railway Plaza. It is noticeable that the city is trying to keep a balance between modernization and a vintage look.

Which of these cities have you been to?