Noguchi gardens is a gorgeous spot to just relax for a little, enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the world. It's a small space but the artwork is nice and instills a sense of calm that is appreciated read more

Fun and interesting little place to visit if you are in the area by South Coast Plaza mall. Not the easiest place to find since you can't see it from the street. It is behind the Mastros restaurant. There is a parking structure nearby that is like $3 or $4 for 15 minutes and you can probably run through in 15 minutes, but 30 minutes to be safe. You can also walk from the mall parking lot, it is a little bit of a stroll but manageable. There are plenty of pictures so you can see what you are getting into before you make the drive, pay for parking, and walk over. When we went there on a Sunday morning, there were only 2 or 3 other people, so it was very quiet and zen. I enjoyed the write-ups and the exhibits. If I worked right there I would probably visit all the time. read more

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Found this beautiful spot for photo shoots and just to take in the sights! Was able to find free parking in front of the Greenhouse Coffee spot since they are closed on Saturday but definitely time your visit since there aren't many parking spots and its a very popular spot for photo shoots it seems like. It also helped that it was a gorgeous day for photos, overall super haply about the visit to this spot. Highly recommend! read more

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Very Cool & Modern Artistic Vibe! We enjoyed our time working on our dancing studio project here. This Space offers many different, varied, & interesting angles to film from. Amazing First for us as Artists & Dancing Dreams Do Come True!!! read more

California Scenario - Time Out Dance! An Orange County Wedding Dance Studio Project! Awesome!!! - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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California Scenario (Noguchi Garden) is a small hidden public sculpture garden in Costa Mesa, CA. It's 1.6 acres of open garden is surrounded by office buildings and tall corporate buildings. It is open free to the public from 8 AM to midnight. Parking can be found in the parking structure on Avenue of the Arts for a fee. However, there is a free parking lot if you look hard in the area. This park is great for taking photos, wedding shoot, date spot, relax and the best part it has a pingpong table and cornhole for visitors. Overall, it's a nice sculpture garden. read more

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simple but so peaceful and so artistic. it's so very different and a nice pause from all of the business around. not that easy to find but find directions to the coffee shop in front of this and you'll find a lot easier (moongoat greenhouse) a great hidden gem in oc. read more

We were going to dinner in the area and this little area is hidden in between all the tall buildings and restaurants. There is parking in the front and there's also a parking structure within walking distance. This area is also known as Noguchi Garden. It's mostly just rocks and a little stream of water that leads to/from a pyramid. However, the reflection and the lighting is a photographer's dream. This place is a hot spot for photoshoots and wedding pictures and you'll often find people here taking photos. read more

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Several cute art monuments surrounded by business buildings and Mastros restaurant. Would recommend visiting here if you're also in the area to see the OCMA museum (right across the street, 3 min walk). Parking: We parked in the Plaza Arts parking center that charges you in 15 min increments. It's a very cute place if you want to just take a peaceful walk and look around for about 5-10 mins. I did see some people taking photoshoots here. There's a 24 hour fitness parking lot right across. I don't know if you might want to park at the edges and walk over to the Noguchi gardens. read more

California Scenario - Arts plaza parking - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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California Scenario is a lovely spot for a few hours. There is so much to see. There are people who work there that can tell you about the art there. There is beautiful art to see, sculptures, and an amazing garden. I think it is a must do in Costa Mesa. It is really a different vibe and it is very relaxing. Parking is easy, read more

A hidden little secret in Costa Mesa for a long time. This little park is free to the public but parking is not free. We actually parked at SCP and walked the bridge over to this park. Its a small park but has some pretty cool features, like a little manmade stream that runs through the park and underneath a pyramid like sculpture. We came here around sunset, so we saw a lot of photographers around. Definitely worth a visit if you want to experience something different. read more

Beautiful space, went here on a late afternoon for pre-homecoming photos of our daughter and her friends. We would probably plan to return for family photos. There was a couple having their engagement photos, not very crowded. Several landscapes options with water, rocks, cacti and greenery. As expected for its namesake, Naguchi, it was modern minimalist scenery. Drawback was finding the place and parking. We turned into Anton avenue, then right into Avenue of the Arts and parked at parking structure. Choose to park in the visitor parking (towards valet). This was on the street level and once we walk out of the structure, the gardens are nestled behind a glass building. The garden is wedged behind two buildings (Maestro's & a hotel) and a parking structure. We didn't pay for parking as their ticket dispenser was broken. We pushed the button for assistance and that's how we got in. read more

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This place is cool if you come here with the right expectations. First off, it's not a goddamn "botanical garden" like Yelp categorizes itself to be. It's a little courtyard in between some buildings in Costa Mesa where you can take pictures. That said, if you're down for that, it works. But I came in here thinking it was gonna be a "botanical garden." Parking is $2 for every 15 minutes. Overall, the 10 minutes spent here was cool, but doubt I'd come back. read more

I have a spectacular day here with my friends. We having our chill moments and taking our last graduation photos together before we move into the next journey of our lives. Great place to hold our memories. read more

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The first time I came here was with my classmates in an art appreciation class. As our professor described it, it's an outdoor art exhibit that is meant to illustrate the precarious nature of water in California. don't go in with huge expectations and you won't be disappointed. For free parking, park in front of the greenhouse coffee bar and eatery, it's closed on weekends. read more

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Beautiful quiet place to take family pictures. We have gone here twice now and you won't regret it! They have a rock area a wall area of a pyramid area Desert area a forest area fountain area. Any vibe you want you can get. Highly recommend for pictures read more

This is one of my favorite places to sit and just be since it first became (in the 1980's). Isamu Noguchi's landscape representation of California remains timeless and apropos. A serene setting juxtaposed against the tall glass buildings. Parking (business) is expensive, but somehow that is also representation of the area and what it is. At night, dance in front of the lights and cast long shadows. It's magical read more

"That's it??" is my initial reaction. Not my cup of tea, but I can see where others find value. I literally spent more time driving in circles to find the best spot to park at then we spent in the pretty small and limited structure garden. For anyone who is looking for this garden, there is a parking structure nearby where you have to pay for parking. I came during the early afternoon so I turned into where the Mastro's front parking valet area is usually at. I took my friend here before our lunch reservations at Capital Grille nearby so we have have a photo session. The options were pretty limited and there was not much to look at. The only nice thing I can say about this place is that... it was free, and open to the general public?? I'm just not into it... We have so many better options for photoshoots in Southern California, I don't understand why anyone would come here for special occasions. If I hired a photographer and they took me here... I would probably fire them on the spot. By all means enjoy it if you are already in the area and have some time to waste... but don't go out of your way for it or anything. read more

California Scenario - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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This is a BEAUTIFUL place that's great for pictures! It's also a great place to sit and relax, taking in all the beauty. But most people come here for pictures. There's a big pyramid that's amazing for pics, a cute little stream, a "desert" area with cacti, and a little walkway with colored glass panes. You can easily spend quite a few hours here without getting bored. read more

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The very definition of a hidden gem, otherworldly dreamscape by Isamu Noguchi. This is right across the street from SCP and in the middle of a bunch of glass corporate high rises which create wonderful reflections. Super rare treat since Noguchi was mainly a sculptor and did very few public spaces like this, worth a detour to check out if you are into art and design. The space is small but is often not crowded and peaceful. A funny rumor about this place back in the early 2000s is a satanic architect did a series of buildings plotted on a pentagram and this park was in the center of it. It used to have the same spooky mystique as black star canyon so super cool it's appreciated more now and there is more knowledge about it. Looks like lots of wedding and portrait photographs being taken here which is awesome. At nightime it's spooky and trippy, the large trapezoids project light and when you walk by them it makes your shadow huge. Worth coming too though security might come and ask you to leave. The garden captures the diverse and dramatic landscapes of California. The Noguchi Museum notes that the artist first conceived the project as an "abstract metaphor for the state of California, from the Sierras, to the desert, to the woods. In addition to including redwoods and cacti, among other native plants, it encompasses a number of individual elements designed by the artist to evoke some of California's salient characteristics." The sculpture "Spirit of the Lima Bean," twelve-feet-high carved granite boulders, is an ode to the Segerstrom family who once owned a lima bean farm on that very same land. read more

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Cool spot where you can take awesome photos! You have to pay for parking if you park in the structure but if you find street parking, even better! read more

Cute little park in the middle of buildings. Lots of photography shoots happening, as you can see from the other reviews & pics. I think it's a great spot for portrait photographer but not a NEED TO SEE spot. I don't think the other reviews did a great job of showcasing just how small it was, but still a cute spot! FREE PARKING - in the parking garage, near the monthly parking entrance, there's guest parking for 2 hours. read more

California Scenario - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Really cute place and they have little fun games like ping pong, sac into the holes They have the equipments and musics that sounds great read more

I would say that photos of this place are very misleading. Yes there are a few areas where photos will come out nicely, but this place is small and located right next to office buildings. I walked my dog here because I live in the area, but I don't really understand all the NEED TO SEE reviews and why people will pay for parking just to visit this park. My honest opinion is if you're in the area, it's a nice place to swing by and take a photo. It's underwhelming :') read more

California Scenario - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

It's a nice place to go for a walk. Not too much to see but definitely nice for pictures. Parking was quite interesting we parked by TGIF ended up paying $7 for about 20 min of walking around. Plenty of places to sit. Overall if you need a nice background for pictures I do recommend. There might be other places to park but we didn't really look around too much. Nice place for a date since there is other places to walk to nearby such as the mall or museum. read more

California Scenario - Beautiful tree, nice area for pictures. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Parking is in the parking structure off of the 405. When I came it weekend there were a good amount of people. The sole purpose of coming here is the famous pyramid shot so if you want that shot try to come off hours with less people. read more

Good for any type of photos. Aesthetic vibe and probably a nice little place to take a break and walk around. There's a cafe and food place around which is pretty nice read more

One super hot heat reflective space of hard scape - the last thing we need in urban spaces in climate warming, and no native or pollinator gardens, nothing sequestering water, very little permeable surfaces. What as waste of space and money. read more

This is such a cute little park. Definitely worth the visit! Currently with covid, it's mostly empty so you truly get to experience the 7 different parts and experience it fully. A good way to connect to nature and the Lima bean field this park was built on. read more

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We were in the area and had heard about this cool garden. It's more like an artsy courtyard between buildings. There's a man-made stream with flowing water in a wavy pattern; a cactus garden in the corner; and a pyramid sculpture towards the back. Rock formations are scattered here and there to provide many interesting photo opportunities! Other reviews suggested parking at the nearby shopping mall and walking across the street. Instead of walking, we carpooled over and parked for a short time on a Sunday when office workers weren't there. Just be quick! This is a beautiful place to explore! There are benches for reading, meditating, and relaxing! Check it out! read more

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What a great little spot to come and enjoy for a few. Bring some coffee and a camera to take in the beauty and architecture. Wife loved coming here and getting some promo shots for her blog. Had no idea it existed without Yelp so be sure to stop by! read more

California Scenario - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

More than 30 years ago this space came to life in a former agricultural field in Costa Mesa. Created by artist Isamu Noguchi, it's designed to represent various aspects of California itself. A water course meanders through the space, which adds life and magic. I want one! Am not certain the significance of the Pyramid as it relates to the Golden State, but I'll roll with it. We learned of it through Google and Yelp, adding it to our itinerary this past Sunday. Once we figured out where to park, in the Pacific Arts Plaza garage, we were set to explore. Glad there is an overview sign to introduce the space to visitors. We walked around to all the elements, taking lots of photos. Though not crowded, we noted families with kids, couples, and friends enjoying the garden areas and water features, snapping lots of pix. Sitting on a bench in the wooded knoll was very peaceful, taking it all in. Dear Hubby observed that after dark, the stark walls on two sides would be lit for drama. Maybe one day we can check it out after sunset. It can be a place to balance energy and reflection, while providing an interesting backdrop for Kodak moments. All this for $3 parking read more

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Came here in search of some quiet in the midst of this beauty, but I should have thought better. We came here on a Saturday late afternoon ~4pm and there were hordes of people taking pictures for homecoming/prom, family photos, and what looked to be a yoga photo shoot/ad. It's a nice garden, don't get me wrong, but the crowds really deterred me from wanting to stay. I felt like I could not really enjoy anything given the mass of people there that were trying to capture the beauty instead of taking it in...obsessively. Luckily we just stopped by and didn't make it a main destination - would not recommend driving down to here from LA jusy to see this. Parking is at a lot nearby and is expensive as well. read more

This place seems super deceptive. Everything online makes it look like a huge peaceful garden but in reality it is a small space that is basically just a backyard of some corporation buildings. You have to walk between two high rise buildings and it's just a tiny area. The river was dry and there was no water. There is nothing to do or see here basically. Very underwhelming, especially since the photos make it look so much cooler than it really is. read more

I love love love coming here in the weekends. You get to appreciate the place on a different level. The times I've been on the weekends were quiet and just get to enjoy the scene. It's tucked away from the busy life of the mall and busy streets of Costa Mesa. read more

Lots of cool pictures opportunities here my wife enjoyed her time here I will definitely come back read more

California Scenario - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Amazing photo spot! Would recommend for a different kind of environment, felt like we weren't in cali.

Beautiful place to take pictures. Can get a little crowded but people there will respect you and avoid getting into your pictures. read more

California Scenario - Wedding - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Free and open every day! Nice peaceful place. On weekends park at the Specialty Cafe which is closed on weekends. It is small but worth a quick trip to see. read more

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PROS: + photo opportunity + spacious + pretty empty + quick visit + three food vendors outside CONS: - cost of parking to go inside - not worth the hype Impromptu visit because it was so highly rated on yelp, but definitely not worth it. Will probably not come back again. It's not a garden, but more like an OPEN SPACE. read more

Like a lot of reviewers, I was left fairly underwhelmed. It's a cute area and if you work in the area I'm sure a lovely spot to get out of the office and have lunch. There was plenty of seating (including in shaded areas, which was a relief on such an ungodly hot day for February) so it's a pleasant place to do some reading or just relax. But it's also pretty difficult to find- you have to be looking, and looking hard. read more