The best store I've ever experienced--yes, experienced. I feel blessed that the rebel in me said…read moreenter even when the sign clearly read "Please, Do Not Enter." What waited on the other side was a cascade of surprise, curiosity, and constant discovery. Every curated piece felt like an invitation to look closer, to see differently. It was clear I had stepped into the world of two brilliant minds, generously offering us a small glimpse of how they see. And I was all in. I left spinning, elevated, creatively full--astonished that a place like this even exists.

I got the cutest purse form here . It was a good day where none of the south coast plaza rent a…read morecops bothered me and left me in peace to actually get inside my bag and make myself happy . It's a beautiful pattern silk blue and green with shiny silky threads

WOW! What a great museum! Took my Father-in-Law here on…read moreFather's Day and he really enjoyed it! The day we came was actually during the world cup and in the main lobby they actually set up a projector and chairs in AC to watch the game! I don't think I've ever been to such a lively museum! LOL And we didn't know this but on Father's Day you can go in for free if you're a dad! Dang we lost our chance but the pricing here isn't to bad actually! About $18/person and if you want to park in the parking lot it's $6. Not to bad! Plenty of parking and clean :) I like that the museum is big, clean, and well thought up when each room is themed! And they also host monthly family culture days! Where they gave free snacks and other local businesses in the community were there to promote their services! If you're still thinking about coming here, just come! You won't regret it :D

Visit every museum you can at least once…read more Bowers is a nice visit. This is a smaller museum but they still cover a lot of ground. Art appreciation is the focus of your tour. Easy parking on the side. Eat in house halfway through your visit if you like. Or leave and return. I like how the art is arranged throughout the repurposed property. Plenty of descriptions for your reading pleasure on your walk-through. Small museum but taking your time you can easily spend a full day here.

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

Fun and interesting little place to visit if you are in the area by South Coast Plaza mall…read more 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.

Terrific museum. There are two small buildings, one that offers rotating exhibits and the other, a…read morepermanent collection. I liked how the art was hung, as it was eye level and good lighting. The volunteer staff were very friendly and helpful! One suggestion for the room with the rocks, please have placards made that inform us what the rock is, and where it was found. Looking forward to returning and see more art.

Spent a couple hours at the Hilbert and thought it was a lovely experience. The staff are so warm…read moreand welcoming, and very knowledgeable about the artists and the collection. Tip: for kids (or anyone) ask for the scavenger hunt and get a little prize so fun!

So clean so peaceful very pretty and the price is very reasonable. Take your time walking around…read morethe path it only takes about a hour. But so worth being there

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a peaceful hidden gem tucked inside California State…read moreUniversity, Long Beach. I walked into a space that is smaller than some larger Japanese gardens, but the layout feels carefully planned with winding paths, traditional landscaping, a koi pond, waterfalls, bridges, and quiet corners throughout. It is the type of place where taking your time matters more than trying to see everything quickly, and the smaller size actually makes the experience feel more intimate. The garden feels like a world apart from the campus surrounding it, and the transition from the university grounds to the garden is immediate and effective. The koi pond is easily the centerpiece of the garden and one of the most enjoyable parts to spend time around. I found myself lingering by the water, watching the fish move through the pond as the sunlight filtered through the trees. The fish are large and active, and the surrounding greenery, stone features, and water elements create a very relaxing atmosphere. The garden does a good job balancing natural scenery with traditional Japanese design, with each section offering a slightly different view and feeling as I walked through. The bridges and stone lanterns add to the sense of place, and the sound of the waterfalls creates a calming background that stays with you as you move through the space. What I liked most about this garden is how calm it feels despite being located on a college campus. It feels separated from the surrounding area once you enter, making it a nice place for a quiet walk, photography, or just taking a break. The landscaping is well maintained, and the entire space has a slower pace that encourages you to actually stop and appreciate the details rather than rushing through. The garden's design rewards a slow approach, with each turn in the path offering a slightly different perspective on the pond, the plants, and the stonework. The visit is fairly quick since the garden is compact, but it works well as a relaxing stop rather than a destination that takes up an entire afternoon. Reservations are required, so it is worth checking availability before going. Admission is free, although parking is an extra cost and can be the main inconvenience, especially during busy campus hours. The garden's location on campus makes it accessible, but the parking situation can require a bit of patience. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a beautiful spot if you are looking for a peaceful escape rather than a large attraction. The koi pond, thoughtful design, and quiet atmosphere make it a place worth visiting, especially on a nice day when you can take your time walking through the garden. It offers a brief but meaningful pause from the surrounding city and campus life, and the care that has gone into maintaining the space is evident in every corner.

Hope this place gets more traction and gets more lively. It'd be cool to organize a Taiwanese night…read moremarket kind of event upstairs. There are individual sections per vendor but unclear how it works as most vendors are at their post but there are staff walking around. I did see people walk in and out to check out this place. It's not captivating enough. If you want boba carriers or single drink carriers, they have it. They also have Asian snacks and drinks, souvenir trinkets and magnets, building block toys, little fortune telling thing like they have in Taiwan for $5, artsy stuff.. They have a big space attached to it. It's closed off though. Unclear what that is.

YiYa Formosa, located on the 3rd floor of the Garden Walk, is trying to recreate the feeling of a…read moreTaiwan night market, and you can tell there was a lot of intention behind the concept. For a Friday evening, the crowd inside is very light...so I hope this establishment survives. Inside the store, the "stall" set up area feels incomplete or semi-vacant. Most of the vendors are selling knick-knacks rather than food, which wasn't what I expected from a night market-inspired space -- more food stall or hot bar please. The area is sub-divided into sections that seem to try to create a little of everything -- there are spaces for gatherings, worship, paintings and a small gift shop. Food options are limited to just a couple of snack bars, which don't really compare to as much options like 99 Ranch. There is also offering to learn mahjong! One bright spot, though, is the wishing tree, which is a very welcoming and thoughtful touch. Too bad, the paper was out.

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is a beautiful place for its normal purpose, but…read morebecame spectacular for a special wedding.The entrance is well secured and features the Presidential Seal embedded in the floor tiles and a few quotes from President Clinton and Senator Dole. The grounds are well maintained and was the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding, greatly assisted by SoCal weather. The ballroom features beautiful chandeliers and paintings of other Presidents and luminaries. 4.5 stars

Having toured all 16 U.S. presidential libraries, I find Nixon's quite remarkable! We've enjoyed…read morefree Sunday concerts there in the theater, walked throughout the grounds and the indoor museum, and marveled at the care with which his life story and impact were eloquently documented and coordinated. This is one of the few places where a presidential birthplace and burial site are both on the same grounds. Amidst a gorgeous reflecting pool, rose garden, and the palm trees typical of Southern California, Richard Nixon and his wife are buried about 50 feet from his birth home. The house lies in its original footprint when Francis Nixon built the modest house on a rural citrus ranch in 1912. It's perfectly preserved in the middle of a busy suburban setting today, included in the tour. Surprises within the sprawling complex include a replica of the living room at the Nixon's beach house in San Clemente, a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and oil from Saudi Arabia's first oil well. There are countless other artifacts! Best of all, you might enter the museum thinking of Nixon as scandalous, a Republican who became America's only president to resign. But you'll leave with a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, the impact Nixon had on abolishing the military draft, developing relations with China, and signing legislation that would advance women's sports, protect countries against nuclear war, desegregate southern schools, protect the environment, and even initiate the end of the Cold War.

Nice place for a stroll. It's no LA Arboretum but this 26-acre garden is free and more of an…read morearboretum on a college campus than a standalone. I met up with a friend that I hadn't seen for awhile and it was the perfect place to catch up during a walk around of the garden. I loved the pond with the lily pads and turtles, and the Heritage House surrounded by orange trees and roses. I was impressed by the amount of orange trees. It reminds you of why they call it Orange County. If I went to school here I'd be here probably once a week. Otherwise it's great to come if you live in the OC.

Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a free attraction at Cal State University Fullerton. I'm not sure…read moreabout the weekdays, but my boyfriend and I came during the weekend and parking was free when we went to pay at the ticket stations. Yay! From the parking lot it was easy to follow the signs along to the garden. The garden had areas that represented Woodlands, Mediterranean, Dessert, and a Cultivated Collection. There were walking paths but I still recommend closed toed shoes since it's a bit sandy. They had many benches throughout for resting or handing out and admiring nature. We spent about an hour here, but to be fair I'm not that into nature. I GOT A BUG BITE and it swelled and was super itchy. Sigh. I think someone who super loved nature or wanted to take their time to hang out could take 2-3 admiring all the plant life. My FAVORITE moments here was when we came across wildlife. My favorite were the rabbit, turtle, and crane. It's beautiful. Great spot to get some steps in and absorb some sunlight.