Orange County Museums - The Best of Southern California
There's more to enjoy on a trip to cosmopolitan Costa Mesa than nearby beaches. Lots more. So brush off the sand, hang those swimming suits up to dry, and put on your California casual clothes. Just minutes away from Costa Mesa some eye-opening and mind-expanding experiences await you.
The Irvine
Museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of California art of
the Impressionist Period (1890-1930). Over a hundred years ago, many artists were fascinated with the splendor
of California, which compelled them to paint its scenic beauty. A regularly scheduled weekly
docent tour is offered to the public every Thursday at 11:15 a.m. For
groups of 10 or more, please call 949.476.0294 to schedule an
appointment. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Admission is free and parking can be validated. Recorded information and
directions: 949.476.2565
Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is one of Southern California’s
finest museums and Orange County’s largest. It is one of few in the United
States devoted to promoting human understanding through art, celebrating world cultures through fine arts and enriching lives through the world's finest arts and culture. 714.567.3600
The Laguna Art Museum is an heir to the Laguna Beach Art
Association, the oldest cultural institution in Orange County. Through
collections, publications and research on the art of California, Laguna
Art Museum in Laguna Beach promotes an understanding of the role of
California artists in the development of the visual arts nationally and
internationally. 949.494.8971
The Crystal Cathedralin Garden Grove has been hailed as one
of “the most spectacular religious edifices in the world.” It is home
to the annual Glory of Christmas and Glory of Easter pageants. Tours
are available. 714.791.4013
The J. Paul Getty Museum, commonly known as the Getty Museum,
is located on the west side of Los Angeles and features a collection of
artworks that are meaningful and attractive to a broad audience.
Interpretation of the collection is achieved by educational programs,
special exhibits, publications and knowledgeable docents. 310.440.7300
The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is located aboard the
190-foot “Pride of Newport” Riverboat and features, galleries
photographs, paintings and memorabilia reflecting the significance of
the harbor and maritime events in the Pacific. 949.673.7863
The International Surfing Museum preserves an important
aspect of nearby Huntington Beach’s image as “Surf City, USA.” Home of
the U.S. Surfing Championships and the celebrated Bud Surf Tour,
Huntington Beach is rated the “most heavily surfed beach on the West
Coast” by Surfer’s Almanac; it is only natural for this surfing
landmark to also play host to this international monument to surfing. 714.960.3483
The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda has
the farmhouse where America’s 37th President was born and raised. View
the burial site of the President and Mrs. Nixon and the permanent
exhibits which includes many letters, photographs and personal effects
from the Nixon Family. 714.993.5075
Reagan Library Ronald Reagan Presidential library and Museum
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum haas informed and
inspired more than one million visitors since opening in 1991. Perched
on a mountaintip with sweeping views of mountains, valleys, and the
Pacific Ocean, this 100-acre site, 45 minutes from downtown Los
Angeles, offers memorable experiences for people of all ages. 800.410.8354
Diego Sepulveda Adobe A colorful
segment of history of lying within and immediately adjoining the
boundaries of the present City of Costa Mesa is preserved within the
dark walls of this small adobe and the site upon which it stands. The
story of the Costa Mesa Estancia goes back to a dim and distant past.
Only recently the skeleton of a mastodon was uncovered here. And this
entire tableland has long been recognized as a rich field for fossil
and archaeological exploration.
The Costa Mesa
Historical Society museum and library is open to the public every
Thursday and Friday between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and at other times by
appointment. 949.631.5918.
