There are 3 parking options: Tower Plaza Parking Structure (602 Anton Boulevard), Irvine Parking…read more(3201 Avenue of the Arts), and The MET Parking (535 Anton Boulevard). I chose the Tower Plaza Parking Structure (near the Westin Hotel), which was just a short walk to the museum, while the other options are a bit farther. Parking is paid, about $6 per hour. Once you arrive, check-in is quick and no reservation is needed. Admission is free, and they provide a sticker that you'll need to wear throughout your visit. The museum is two floors, featuring a variety of sections and artists. The architecture itself is beautiful and perfect for photos, and the artwork is unique and enjoyable to explore. Overall, it's a great experience, especially since it's free. Tip(s): - Park at Tower Plaza Parking Structure (near Westin Hotel) and just walk to the museum - Free entry - Restrooms available - No appointments needed

To be honest, it was mildly surprising to learn that Orange County has its own museum of art, if…read moreonly because not many of the counties in the Bay Area do, other than SF. Yet, at the same time, given the size and population of OC, it also makes perfect sense. Either way, I can't say I ever would've guessed it would be this nice, though! Just a shame that their exhibits didn't really blow us away... Located in the burgeoning arts and theater district of Costa Mesa, just down the road from South Coast Plaza, OCMA is such a gorgeous looking building. Sure, it helps that it's only a few years old, but the look of this place is no less impressive. Right out in front, there's a 65-foot art piece in the middle of the plaza that helps connect all of the neighboring buildings. Inside, there's a fairly large gallery space on the ground level with rotating exhibits, an upper level that appears to hold their more permanent collection of pieces, a coffee shop right next to the gift shop, and a rooftop restaurant with a large open area/garden. Sadly, though, as nice as the museum's design and amenities may be, though, much of the artwork was just okay. While the artwork upstairs was fine, the featured exhibits didn't really speak to us. Obviously, art is subjective, but one included pieces that appear to have just been drawn with a spirograph. The other consisted of several photographic series, whose commentary on social media I can appreciate, but felt exceedingly voyeuristic in nature - one following/semi-stalking a fellow after a chance encounter, another of strangers invited to sleep in the artist's bed so they could be photographed/documented, and a third showing the belongings of guests at the hotel she worked at. Artwork aside, the thing that I like most about OCMA is how admission is entirely free. So, in that sense, it's impossible to be too disappointed with the experience and/or what we saw. However, one thing to note is that you do have to pay if you park at any of the nearby garages, which are all unaffiliated with OCMA. For example, at the one on the other side of the Segerstrom Center, it cost us about $10 for two hours or so. Alternatively, South Coast Plaza is just a few blocks over and parking there is free, but I don't know how aggressive they are with towing and it feels like a big gamble just to save a few bucks. All in all, even though none of the exhibits were really our flavor, we still had a good time checking out OCMA. Oddly, there weren't many other visitors here when we arrived, but it did seem to get busier as the day wore on (there was a big group walking in as we were walking out) and we certainly didn't mind not having to deal with a bunch of crowds around. Plus, as nice as the museum looks, it's actually fairly small compared to others I've been to elsewhere. Since the featured exhibits have so much influence on the experience, I absolutely wouldn't mind coming back to see whatever they happen to have featured down the line. The ones they had when we were here may not have interested us, but the next ones might! Plus, it doesn't hurt that admission is free! All in all, THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down.

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

Disclaimer.... I have not been inside the exhibits at Bowers Museum for many years, so I barely…read moreremember that part. This review is for the wonderful events offered!! My mother and I have been to Timeless Melodies, actually 3 of them so far! They are very well done and keep us smiling the entire way through. We learned a little, reminisced a little and even sang along a little. The speaker, Larry Maurer, is incredibly knowledgeable and keeps the event moving at a pace that keeps us all entertained and awake! Parking was a breeze, the seats in the theater were comfy with great views too. Prior to going into the theater, we strolled around the hallway exhibits and the wonderful gift shop. The gift shop has high quality and unique gifts of all kinds; jewelry, kids books, art, collectibles, and so much more! Worth taking a look around. Thank you Bowers for offering these wonderful series of events!! Looking at the calendar online, there are so many and all of them very intriguing. Thank you again!

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

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.

The Hilbert Museum of California Art is the best museum in Orange County that you've never heard…read moreof. Even me, walking around recommending the place now, can barely remember its name. But still, since coming here for the first time only a couple of weeks ago I've recommended it multiple times. And now? Multiple + 1. Though you'll be asked, at entry, if you've made reservations, don't be daunted. Reservations are unnecessary and museum admittance is free of charge. Though the Hilbert had been on my radar earlier, I'd forgotten about it until noticing, at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts, that several artists had pieces acquired by the Hilbert, spurring me to visit. Housed in two separate buildings connected by a central plaza framed with an astounding Millard Sheets mosaic, the building you enter for check-in has a frequently changing (3 times annually) display. On this visit they featured the California Art Club's 115th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition. Outstanding in every respect, I couldn't help but notice how many artists were there touring the show and how many of the pieces were already sold. Yes, the works in this particular exhibit were for sale, much of it quite reasonably priced considering the astounding talent on display. The second building features exhibits from the Hilbert's permanent collection and there was nary a dud in this space either. In that this is a museum of California art, the collection includes a lot of Disney-adjacent artists but also, so much more. I particularly enjoyed the way they kept each of these exhibits relatively bite-sized, to enable a broad showing of their remarkable collection. Knowing that the Hilbert is free, excellent, and always mixing things up pretty much guarantees a return visit on every future trip to Southern California. If you like museums and are anywhere nearby this is a museum definitely worth making time for.

This was hands down one of the best out of nowhere experiences I had in a long time and it…read morecompletely blew my mind. Not just was it one of the coolest free things to do with a lot of content to be seen. I so glad I stopped in.

Reservations are needed for this lovely little garden tucked into the middle of the CSULB campus,…read moreso we made ours the night before and grabbed a 12:00 PM Sunday spot. One thing to know before you go: check the operating hours. The garden was closing at 1:00 that day, so our visit was shorter than we would have liked. About 15 minutes before closing they started rounding everyone up, which was completely understandable, but next time I'd definitely book earlier. We brought Billy's mom and dad with us, and his father is 92 amazing years old, so we're always paying attention to how much walking, stress, parking drama, or general nonsense an outing involves. This one was about as easy as it gets. There's paid parking right next to the garden. I think we paid around $6.50, and the payment system was simple enough. Once you're inside, it's just beautiful. Little bridges, waterfalls, colorful koi everywhere (bonus! tons of baby koi this time!) lilies on the pond, flowers, and these bright red dragonflies flying around that completely caught my attention. There were families, students, people sketching, people feeding the fish, just a really nice mix of people quietly enjoying the space. What I especially like is that you don't have to make a whole production out of it. You can stroll, sit for a while, watch the koi, cross a bridge, look at the water, and just enjoy being somewhere pretty. Small, peaceful, easy, and genuinely lovely. It makes for a really nice family outing, and it's one of those places that's good to keep in your back pocket when you want to do something without committing to an entire day.

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 Museum is a must visit. If you were alive during his career of…read morelearning about who he was, every American must visit. From his early years as a youth, his military years, to his career as a Senator, Vice President, then President of America, it is all here. When people talk of this man, Watergate is always in the forefront of the conversation. And what happened then was a dark time for America, but that is not the full story of President Nixon. He did so much good during his service to our country, and it is all highlighted here. Every person should visit this museum. President Nixon started the EPA, the Clean Air Act, OSHA, Title IX, he was instrumental in the woman's rights movement and brought the Vietnam war to an end. He was the first U.S. President to visit both China and the USSR in attempts to bridge relations with these countries. And these are only a few of his accomplishments which are still shaping our country and our lives today. He loved his wife Pat greatly, and their relationship is one of the best parts of this tour. But what's more, the museum is actually on the very land his family owned. The house he was born and grew up in is still here on the property and the docents will take you on a guided tour thru it. Both his wife and he are laid to rest here too. Quite a place.

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

What a wonderful little getaway at CSU Fullerton! This was my first visit and wanted to check it…read moreout before school is back in session. Parking is in front near the entrance, weekdays it's $4 /hr but free on the weekends. Admission is just a $5 suggested donation to support the arboretum. I arrived within the first half hour after opening to try and beat the heat. Even though it was still warm, there were plenty of shaded areas to stay cool along with benches that were great for relaxing. There was also a breeze so that helped. Thought about spending an hour there but glad I paid for two hours of parking because I ended up staying for 1 & 1/2 hours. One of my favorite moments were simply sitting on a bench listening to all the birds. Hopefully you can hear them on the video. This is a peaceful place to unwind and definitely encourage you to visit.

Stunning, relaxing, and well-kept views. It's a great spot to get close with nature and enjoy an…read moreoutdoor stroll. BTW: visiting the garden is FREE! And so was parking when we came. I came on a really hot day, so I only saw about half of the place, but it was such a nice time by the ponds, creeks, and little lake. Beautiful wildlife to admire, too -- turtles, ducks, fish, and tons of dragonflies and other lovely creatures peacefully about. We spent a lot of time admiring a group of docile ducks and enjoying the shade by the water. They also have an online plant shop for those interested in gardening (with a great ongoing deal). Planning on purchasing from there and picking up so I have an excuse to stop by again. Loved my time here. Expect to enjoy yours too!

I visited the discovery cube in Orange County qnd it was definitely a fun experience even as Ana…read moreduly. I also found out that this visit can be free during the first weekend of the month, for Bank of America account holders. Upon entering the museum, there was a display of build your own racing cars where a lot of kids were racing their creations. It was definitely a fun site to see. As you venture throughout the museum towards the back area, you walk into the dinosaur exhibit area. This is where they talk about fossils and various dinosaurs and there's also an explorer kit that you pay extra to try and find items and clues. Upstairs, you can have a better view of the space missile rocket that's on display and it's quite fascinating to read about rockets. Towards the back right of the museum currently there is a Scooby Doo Halloween exhibit so it was also fun to experience that area. Lastly, the most famous area is still the indoor Minh water area where you can see where is fish and stingrays. Overall a great experience for kids and adults. One less star as you have to pay $10 to park in their parking lot. I remember many years ago I used to be free, but I guess since it's more popular, you have to pay for parking now.

I've spent my whole life driving by the cube off the 5 freeway and yesterday I finally got to visit…read moreit with my daughter! We were invited by friends who had comp tickets, we were so grateful! The museum is really big so make sure to plan almost a full day there. We brought our own lunch for us to save some money. But there is a café where you can buy lunch, snacks, drinks, etc. if you didn't bring anything. There's a lot of exhibits on both floors. My daughter really liked the ocean exhibit the dinosaurs, and the grocery store! The parking is $10. Make sure to come early. The main lot was full by the time we got there at around 11 AM. But I think there's an overflow lot for other cars. If you live in the area, it makes sense to buy a membership if you're gonna go two or three times throughout the year. It pays for itself the more you go!