The Orange Coast College Planetarium is one of my favorite places in Orange County. I try to come…read morehere every couple months and I've also taken my Girl Scout Troop here for field trips 2 times. I love how the Planetarium is a fairly new, state of the art facility that is constantly adding cool new features and exhibits in the main area. The best part of the Planetarium is that they have a huge library of shows and they rotate the shows so that there are new shows every month so you can keep coming back to view new and different shows - some are about the Earth too in addition to obviously space. They have a large variety of kids shows too even suitable for little kids. Every show description lists the "Recommended ages" so you know who the show is geared for. They also offer Skylark Speaker Series where every month the planetarium brings in special guest speakers to education about the latest topics in Space & Astronomy - the best part is admission is free! You just have to reserve your space! How cool is that!? Currently the Planetarium offers a 10am show every other Wednesday (geared towards kids), an evening Friday show every week and on Saturdays they offer 3 back to back shows: 1pm, 2pm and 3pm followed by the weekly 4pm Skywatchers. Skywatchers is where the you get a live tour of the night sky as you'd see it that night projected on the dome of the planetarium (without the light pollution of course - you get to see the real sky that day as if you had zero light pollution and they outline the different constellations, show the planets, galaxies, nebulae, etc.!) Some nights they also bring out their big telescope and let you look through it - when we did it we could see the rings of Saturn it was amazing! Tickets are $10/person for Adults. Children are $6 each and Senior Citizens are also $6 each. The Field Trip Prices are very economical too (I've done this 2 times for my Girl Scout Troop both girls and their families): For groups with fewer than 50 people, there is a minimum fee of $250 (which then you divide by the number of people to get the price per person).For larger groups over 50 people, fees are calculated based on attendance: $5 per person, with 1 free chaperone for every 10 students. The planetarium seats about 60 people. The planetarium is located at Orange Coast College off of Fairview and Merrimac Way by the OC Fairgrounds. Parking is free in OCC Lot E. Walk past the library and you can't miss the planetarium since it's the big domed building! In the lobby they have neat exhibits, a fun gift shop (all proceeds benefit the planetarium) and a pendulum that illustrates the rotating of the earth with time. We love the planetarium and try to go often to see the different shows. We highly recommend it!!

Went for the Dark Side of the Moon light show. It was very weak. Visuals were all AI slop and felt…read morelike a slightly more detailed screen saver for the most part. Seats were ok but didn't lean back enough to be fully immersed in the visuals. Sound was just ok. Definitely not worth the money. Staff was pleasant and the actual planetarium is probably decent for actual planetarium stuff. My real issue is with the show itself.

Fantastic day there, lunch in well placed dining room good too!…read moreWonderful artworks of the Pacific Islands and other areas we're not used to seeing here in Orange County. Lots of friendly volunteers too! Beautiful old building ,90 yrs old, and classes Id like to go to. Jan Buck

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!

We absolutely love Discovery Cube Orange County! It's such a great place for kids to learn,…read moreexplore, and have fun at the same time. The exhibits are incredibly interactive, and they're constantly changing things out, so there's always something new to discover. The admission prices are already very reasonable, but we ended up getting an annual pass because you can easily make your money back within just a couple of visits. The annual pass also includes free parking, which is a nice bonus. Even better, the membership gives you access to a network of science centers and museums around the country that are part of the same organization, so when you're traveling, there's a good chance you'll be able to visit another participating science museum for free or at a discounted rate. The Discovery Cube itself is much bigger than I expected from the outside. You can easily spend several hours here, especially with younger kids. Pretty much every exhibit is hands-on and interactive, which makes it much more engaging than a traditional museum. My favorite exhibit is the supermarket. You get a shopping cart with a screen and go around the store scanning different items based on the game or challenge on the screen. It's surprisingly fun and also sneaks in some learning about nutrition, shopping, and making healthy choices. Overall, this is one of those places we're happy to keep coming back to, especially with the kids. The annual pass is absolutely worth it if you live nearby and plan on visiting more than once or twice. One small tip: bring hand sanitizer. With so many interactive exhibits and kids touching everything, you'll definitely want it!

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.

Love that this museum is just sitting right next to the Santa Ana Airport like it's no big deal…read more The plane and car collection is awesome, and there's a whole spread of other historical artifacts scattered around that'll eat up most of your afternoon. What's cool is you can actually see inside some of the big planes, which really shows you what these crews were working with. Spoiler: hot, not much legroom and even less comfort. To add to the experience, there are docents/walking Wikipedias, roaming around ready to help. They're kind, friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and their stories are the kind that stick with you for days. I became a member partly because of them. My favorite part of the museum is being able to sit and watch takeoffs and landings from SNA the whole time you're there. I could genuinely camp out all day. Just wish the runway was bigger so we'd get some bigger planes like at LAX. Anyway, so this museum started in 2009 showing Major General William Lyon's personal collection. Every aircraft here is still kept airworthy, not just propped up for looks, which is crazy. That detail alone makes it feel less like a museum and more like a very well organized hangar of time machines. But the real main event is the monthly car and plane meetups. They roll open the massive hangar doors so you can walk straight out onto the tarmac, and suddenly you're watching planes take off from super up close. It's unreal. Members get in an hour early too, so you skip the crowds entirely. A lot of people don't know this place exists though, which is wild given how good it is. Glad we stumbled onto it. Go check it out!

This museum is adjacent to John Wayne airport (SNA) and is privately owned. Started by a wealthy…read moreretired Air Force general (Lyon) who later in life became a real estate magnate it consists of one hangar that is close to the active airport runway. Parking is free and next to the hangar. Inside it is new looking and modern with a small gift shop area and ticket window. Admission prices are quite reasonable, This museums consists of airplanes and cars generally from the WW II era. The cars represent some that Mr Lyons owned back in the pre-war and then post war years. This included a beautiful V-12 Packard among others. The aircraft range from a newly acquired P-51 Mustang, DC-3, C-47, A-26, B-25 Mitchell, a Stearman and a B-17 Flying Fortress that has an interesting past including being in the movie The War Lover with Steve McQueen. All of these planes and cars are kept in excellent condition with the B-25 and P-51 are still flyable. Also on the walls are interesting placards regarding US aviation during WW II. Finally all of these people who work here are very friendly and helpful. From the front desk staff handling the tickets to the docents. I talked to one docent who was a spry 100 years old and flew for the Navy right after the war ended. I recommend the Lyon Air Museum. Nicely done! Budget about 1 hour to visit. They also have a movie that would add about another 30 minutes included in the ticket price.

We really liked the Langson Orange County museum. We came with young kids so our visit was a bit…read morerushed since our kids are too young to truly take their time and appreciate the art. The museum building is beautiful and they have a lovely cafe at the entrance where you can get coffee, pastries, or just get some work done. This is a great place for adults or older kids to visit but not so much for little ones. They did have a drawing activity for all ages while we were there that the kids enjoyed as well as a wall with magnets. We were told that the art exhibits also vary.

Visited the UC Irvine Langson OCMA at the Segerstrom Center campus today. Honestly, the current…read moreexhibits themselves didn't really impress me, but the facility itself is immaculate and very well-maintained. The front desk staff are also incredibly friendly and helpful, which made for a great welcome. They have useful amenities like lockers available on-site, and there's a huge outdoor patio and bar on the first floor that's perfect for hanging out.parking structure validates 2 hr parking i guess. Verify it though. Pro Tip: Don't bother with the local paid structures. Just park near South Coast Plaza for free and take the short walk over.

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

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

Well any museum with a Serra sculpture outside that you can just walk into is an automatic 4 stars…read more The museum itself is wonderful to walk thru. A small modern space, very museum. The two exhibits on the main floor were nicely spaced out. There was a large group of young people with energy and enthusiasm. I asked one of the docents if they were a student group and she said no, they just showed up. So props to the young people just showing up for art.

This classic Shelby museum is located on a side street at the border of Irvine and Lake Forest…read more Over 75 Shelby vehicles (Mustangs, Cobras, GT40s...) are on display on two floors. Classics from the 60's through 90's can be seen here, some extremely rare. Most vehicles have placards that provide detailed information. The building itself is large, pristine, and classy. Lots of neon and an abundance of retro gas pumps. The staff here are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The museum entry fee goes to charities (Shriners Hospital, Shelby Foundation). You can get tickets ahead of time on their website or in person when you arrive. The facility is also available as an event space for around 300 people. Even if you are not a "car person" you'll be impressed.

The legend lives on -- and we were there to prove it! We had…read morea great time at the Sagerstrom Shelby Event Center and Shelby Auto Museum! And celebrating the life and legacy at his tribute was evan better! The Carroll Shelby Anniversary Tribute event and car show was,in a word,Awesome! Superformance,Hillbank Motors,and The Sagerstrom Shelby Events Center participated in hosting the Carroll Shelby Car Show & Tribute -- a morning dedicated to honoring one of the greatest names in American automotive racing,engineering and design history. Shelby cars and trucks came rolling in early Saturday morning for great time and car talk! Their were Cobra's, GT350's, GT500's, and a terrific collection of all things Shelby machines! Their was also a super Hillbank lineup of Superformance (Shelby licensed), Shelby Cobras, Daytona Coupes, GT40's and performance cars on-site. The entire street in front of Hillbank Motors and the nearby Sagerstrom Shelby Events Center was lined with Shelby cars and trucks and bustling with Shelby nation fans and owners! All the proceeds from the event benefited the Carroll Shelby Foundation! . . . #CarrollShelby #ShelbyCobra #shelbysagerstomeventcenter

A beautiful area with a well maintained area. Bathrooms available. The Kellogg House is available…read moreto walk through. I went to see a Disney Main Street event. Lots of booths with things to sell (some higher priced items), food vendors and a singing quartet. Come check it out.

Our class did a field trip here this week and they seemed to enjoy the experience…read more I think panning for gold was their favorite part.

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.