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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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
5 months ago
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
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
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
1 year ago
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
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
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
2 years ago
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
1 year ago
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
"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
2 years ago
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
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
4 years ago
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
2 years ago
4 years ago
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
3 years ago
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
3 years ago
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
6 years ago
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
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
2 years ago
3 years ago
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
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
3 years ago
5 years ago
Beautiful place to take pictures. Can get a little crowded but people there will respect you and avoid getting into your pictures. read more
7 years ago
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
4 years ago
Lots of cool pictures opportunities here my wife enjoyed her time here I will definitely come back read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
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More info about California Scenario
611 Anton Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Directions
(718) 204-7088
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.noguchi.org/artworks/public-works/
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Other Amenities
Ask the Community - California Scenario
Does this place require a permit for photos?
Can you have a wedding there?
Yes, it's coordinated through mastros steakhouse so contact them, I believe guests are limited to 100 or so.
Is the sculpture garden (typical photo-op spots) open during this pandemic and free to the public?
Yes and go now since parking is FREE in the complex.
What time does this place closes?
There aren't set hours because it's really the "courtyard" for the surrounding buildings.
Is this place pup friendly? I'm trying to do a photo shoot with animals
Yup, its just an outdoor ....public open area like a well designed sidewalk
Is the sculpture garden area open to the public 24/7? More specifically in the evening after 10 pm?
It is located outdoors surrounded by tall buildings. I would say that you could come here any time.
When is the best time to take pictures here where the light is bright and natural yet doesn't bounce off buildings surrounding it?
I would say early morning or when there is an overcast sky. The light will be less harsh.
Is this place good for engagement photos?
YES! Just look at the other photos or visit to see for yourself! It's not very big, but it'll give you great photos! :)
Are there bathrooms nearby? I'd like to do my engagement shoot here and need somewhere for a wardrobe change.
Yes, there is a bathroom in the office building which has an underground garage. Don't know if that is accessible to the general public, however.
Do we need to take permission to photoshoot here?
I think you do need permit to do professional photo shoot. However an online blog mentioned it's difficult to find the right person to apply for permit, so you prolly have to drive here to find someone to talk to find out.
Review Highlights - California Scenario
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