If you’re looking for something fun, why not check out one of Orange County, California’s museums? There is something for everyone. Art museums, history museums, children’s museums, and more. Some are free!
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Top Orange County Museums
The following are the most popular Orange County museums. They are easily accessible to everyone and icons of the OC.
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim
Located in downtown Anaheim, Muzeo Museum is a place to explore, learn and have fun! It redefines the traditional museum experience by introducing modern techs like audio podcasts, Wi-Fi access, and interactive elements that take visitors on an exciting journey through history in real-time.
The Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center Address:
241 South Anaheim Boulevard in Anaheim, CA, 92805
The Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday – 11am to 5pm (last admission sold at 4pm)
Specialty Hours – For seniors, people with sensory processing disorders, special needs, or vulnerable groups. Exclusive viewing hours are available on weekdays from 10 – 11am — Email info@muzeo.org to reserve space.
How Much is Admission to the Muzeo Museum:
- General admission (16+): $10
- Anaheim Residents: $8
- Seniors: $7
- Children (4-15): $7
- (Children under 3 are always free.)
Where do you park for the Muzeo Museum:
- Parking is available in the Center Street Promenade and South Lemon Street structure. Local businesses will only validate your parking for two hours, but the Muzeo validates for the whole day
Top Muzeo Museeum Attractions
- Hosts three innovative exhibitions each year from around the world. Click here for current exhibit.
- A broad array of art, artists, and artifacts celebrating the diversity of human expression.
- Hands-on Workshops and family events.
- Quarterly Live Art & Music performances, poetry readings and book clubs.
For more information, head to The Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center website.
The Brea Museum in Brea
Dive into the history of Brea and get a unique glimpse into how this city has formed over time! The Brea Museum, operated by the non-profit Brea Historical Society, provides special exhibits that share stories from 1917 to now.
Not only will you be able to explore historical artifacts, photographs, and manuscripts – but you will also be able to access their incredible research archive and a reference library for more in-depth insights.
The Brea Museum Address:
495 S. Brea Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821
(Near the Southwest corner of City Hall Park)
The Brea Museum Hours:
Thursdays & Saturdays – 12pm to 4pm
How Much is Admission to the Brea Museum:
- Admission is free!
- Donations are appreciated.
Where do you park at the Brea Museum:
- Free parking is located behind the museum.
Top Muzeo Museum Attractions
- Sabor Tooth Cat
- Brea Oil Industry exhibit
- Original gas pump
- Aero History exhibit
- Brea Sports exhibit
- Brea original family history exhibit
- The Downtown Model
- Brea’s Art in Public Places Audio Tour
For more information, head to The Brea Museum website.
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) in Costa Mesa
The OCMA is a must-see destination for art lovers. Located on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus, OCMA has been showcasing modern and contemporary art since 1980.
OCMA’s permanent collection includes works by renowned regional, national, and international artists. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, attend art talks and lectures, or participate in other special events.
OCMA Address:
3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(Near the Southwest corner of City Hall Park)
OCMA Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM.
How Much is Admission to OCMA:
- Admission is free!
- No reservations or tickets necessary
- Donations are appreciated
Where do you park at OCMA:
- There is not a museum parking lot or structure, but plenty of places to park nearby.
- The most popular parking structure close to OCMA is the Plaza Tower Garage at 600 Anton Blvd. Unfortunately, there is no option for parking validation.
- Free parking – across the street at South Coast Plaza Mall and walk to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Top OCMA Attractions
- more than 4,500 objects, with a concentration on art produced during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
- Hosts innovative exhibitions each year from around the world. Click here for current exhibit.
- Art displays from living artists
- Film screenings
- Pop-up events
- Family art programs
For more information, head to the OCMA website.
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum
Unlike your typical museum, the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum celebrates surfing culture worldwide! Located in Huntington Beach, Orange County, this non-profit 501 exhibit has made a mission of preserving surf history forever.
The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum was inspired by Duke Kahanamoku, who was instrumental in making waves for modern-day surfing as we know and love today!
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum Address:
411 Olive Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(Corner of Olive & 5th)
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday | 11am – 5pm
How Much is Admission to the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum:
- Admission to the museum is $3 per person
- No reservations necessary
- (Contact the museum for the most current rate)
Where do you park at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum:
- While there is no direct parking lot of the International Surfing Museum, there is nearby street parking and also some parking structures in Downtown Huntington Beach.
Top Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum Attractions
- Historical surf memorabilia
- Vintage surf boards
- Finding California Surf exhibit
- Surfing’ Sundays Live Music on the Beach
For more information, head to The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum website.
Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art in Irvine
The Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art is a part of UCI and features exhibits on Californian art and artists.
Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art
18881 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612
(Main level of the Airport Tower building. This is a temporary location while a permanent location is being built on the UCI campus)
Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday | 10am – 4pm
The museum follows the UCI administration schedule, so check the website for the most current information.
How Much is Admission to the Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art:
- Admission to the museum is FREE
- No reservations necessary
- (Contact the museum for the most current rate)
Where do you park at the Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art:
- Parking is located on-site at 18881 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
- Don’t forget to get your parking validated!
Top Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art Attractions
- The Irvine Collection: Over 1,300 works—including California Impressionism and plein air paintings from 1890 – 1930
- The Buck Collection: works by contemporary art luminaries including Carlos Almaraz, Ruth Asawa, Bruce Conner, Richard Diebenkorn, Sam Francis, Roger Kuntz, Helen Lundeberg, David Park, Helen Pashgian, Agnes Pelton, Wayne Thiebaud, Patssi Valdez, De Wain Valentine, and others.
- Click here for a list of current exhibits
For more information, head to The Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art website.
Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach
The Laguna Art Museum is a must-see destination for art lovers and curious minds alike. This museum boasts an impressive collection of artwork exclusively from California.
Laguna Art Museum Address:
307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Laguna Art Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday | 10am – 5pm
How Much is Admission to the Laguna Art Museum:
- General admission: $12
- Seniors, Students, and Military: $9
- Children under 12 are FREE
Where do you park at the Laguna Art Museum:
- Metered parking is available near the museum on Cliff Drive and Coast Highway.
- Additional street parking is available in the residential area east of the museum, across Coast Highway.
- Pro Tip: Look to see if the Laguna Beach Free Trolley is running and take the trolley to the museum.
Top Laguna Art Museum Attractions & Events
- Over 3,600 works of art from the nineteenth century to the present day.
- Docent guided tours
- Family art programs
- The Art & Nature annual event
- Click here for a list of current exhibits
For more information, head to The Laguna Beach Art Museum website.
Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano
The Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum, is the Birthplace of Orange County. It was founded by Spanish Catholic missionaries in November and is one of twenty one Missions in thee state of California.
Today, the Mission San Juan Capistrano welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year. It’s a monument to California’s multi-cultural history, including Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. Visitors can get a glimpse of this once self sufficient community built by Spanish Padres and Native Americans, and learn about the agriculture, industry, education and religion of the Mission.
The Mission in San Juan Capistrano Address:
26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
The Mission in San Juan Capistrano Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday | 9am – 5pm
How Much is Admission to The Mission in San Juan Capistrano:
- Adults: $18
- Seniors: $15
- Students: $10
- Children: $10
- Children under 4 are FREE
Where do you park at The Mission in San Juan Capistrano:
- There is no parking at the mission center, but plenty of public parking is on the streets surrounding the mission. Some of these spots have time restrictions, so please be aware of the signage in the area.
- Pro Tip: Take the train to Mission San Juan Capistrano. The train station is two blocks from the mission.
Top Attractions & Events at The Mission in San Juan Capistrano:
- A historic collection of several thousand objects including photos, artifacts, documents, paintings, baskets and more.
- Native American Collection
- Onsite Tours
- Garden Audio Tour: Available in 5 languages
- Family and Children programs
- St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows Celebration
- Battle of the Mariachis
- Earth Day Event
- Annual Capistrano Lights event
For more information, head to The Mission in San Juan Capistrano website.
Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana
The Lyon Air Museum is an aerospace museum located at John Wayne Airport. The museum features military aircraft and vehicles, rare automobiles, and other memorabilia related to World War II.
Lyon Air Museum Address:
19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Lyon Air Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday | 9am – 5pm
How Much is Admission to Lyon Air Museum:
- General Admission: $14
- Ages 5-17: $7
- Children under 5 years are FREE
- Seniors & Veterans: $11
- Groups of 10 or more: $1 Off
Lyon Air Museum Deals:
Currently, there is a deal on Groupon where you can get two tickets to the Lyon Air Museum for $17 or four tickets for $31
Where do you park at Lyon Air Museum:
- Parking is located on-site at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707
- Parking is FREE
Top Attractions & Events at Lyon Air Museum:
- Lyon Air Museum has on exhibit some of the rarest operational aircraft and vehicles in the world.
- Docent led tours
- Machines and artifacts that helped define the 20th century
- Tour the airplanes, motorcycles, automobiles, and military vehicles
For more information, head to the Lyon Air Museum website.
Bowers Museum in Santa Ana
The Bowers Museum is one of the top museums in Orange County. The museum’s permanent collection contains over 100,000 works of art.
The Bowers Museum Address:
2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706
The Bowers Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday | 10am – 4pm
How Much is Admission to the Bowers Museum:
- Adults: $15
- Students 12+: $12
- Children under 12 are FREE
- Seniors: $12
- Military: Free
Where do you park at the Bowers Museum:
- Parking is $6
- Parking is available directly north of the museum.
Top Bowers Museum Attractions & Events:
- Largest museum in Orange County with 90,000 artifacts and works of art.
- Chinese exhibit
- Oceanic Collection
- Family art programs & community events
- 300-seat auditorium
- Click here for a list of current exhibits
For more information, head to the Bowers Museum website.
Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin
The Marconi Automotive Museum focuses on exhibiting luxury, rare & historic cars and donates admission fees to charity.
The Marconi Automotive Museum Address:
1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin, CA 92780
The Marconi Automotive Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday | 9am – 4pm
How Much is Admission to the Marconi Automotive Museum:
- Adults: $20
- Students: $10
- Children under 13 years are FREE
- Seniors: $15
- Military: $15
Where do you park at the Marconi Automotive Museum:
- Parking is FREE
- Parking is available onsite.
Top Marconi Automotive Museum Attractions & Events:
- An eclectic mix of over 100 vehicles consisting of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, muscle cars, race cars, motorcycles and memorabilia.
- Famous television & movie cars
- Cars & Coffee events
For more information, head to the Marconi Automotive Museum website.
The Richard Nixon Library & Museum in Yorba Linda
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library and burial site of Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, and his wife, Pat Nixon.
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Address:
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday | 9am – 4pm
How Much is Admission to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum:
- Adults: $25
- Seniors (62+): $21
- Students: $19
- Retired/Military: $19
- Active Military (with ID): Free
- Children (ages 5-11): $15
- Children ages 4 year and under are FREE
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Deals:
Currently, there is a deal on Groupon where you can get one ticket to The Richard Nixon Library & Museum for $19 or two tickets for $35.
Where do you park at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum:
- Parking is FREE
- Parking is available onsite.
Top Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Attractions & Events:
- 70 new family-friendly exhibits with more than 300 original artifacts
- 22 unique spaces that incorporate multimedia and interactive technologies.
- “Wave of Change” gallery
- “Back to the Beginning” gallery
- More than 600 photographs & 8,000 square feet of wall murals
- Richard Nixon’s original birth home
- Pat Nixon’s Garden
- Presidential helicopter
- Click here for a list of current exhibits
Can you go inside Richard Nixon’s Presidential Helicopter?
Yes! But do know that the helicopter may be closed due to inclement weather or excessive heat.
For more information, head to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum website.
Enjoy yourself!
There are a bunch of other museums to explore in Orange County, but the list above is enough to start planning a fun day at some local museums. Where are you going first? And did we miss any of your favorite museums?
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