Choose Your Adventure

Mission San Juan Capistrano

History buffs, art lovers, and science enthusiasts have plenty of inviting choices in Orange County.

ARTS & CULTURE

Bowers Museum

This Orange County museum includes a permanent collection of over 100,000 art pieces and hosts numerous international exhibits throughout the year. It is also home to Bowers Kidseum, a hightech and interactive children’s museum. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600 or bowers.org Discovery Cube Orange County

Spark your natural curiosity at this acclaimed science museum with over 100 hands-on exhibits that are designed to get kids (and adults) thinking about the world around them. Take the Eco Challenge and become a green superhero or learn about the science of hockey when you challenge one of the Anaheim Ducks to a shootout. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 542-2823 or discoverycube.org Laguna Beach Art Walk, Gallery & Festivals

Enjoy First Thursdays Art Walks, 40 galleries, and the Festival of Arts Pageant of The Masters in this beachside town and artists’ enclave. 381 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949-497-9229 or visitlagunabeach.com

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Tour the “Jewel of the Missions,” its gardens, museum, and chapel. Walk among beautifully preserved historic sites as you learn about Southern California’s native population, the mission’s history, and the legend of the Cliff Swallows. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, (949) 234-1300 or missionsjc.com

Muckenthaler Cultural Center

Visitors of all ages can enjoy art exhibits, performances, and educational programs in a gorgeous, nearly 100-year-old Spanish Colonial-style mansion. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6595 or themuck.org

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Buena Park Historical Tour Travel back in time with free tours by the Buena Park Historic District featuring several preserved buildings from the 1800s. The Whitaker-Jaynes House serves as Buena Park’s local history museum; the Bacon House is one the oldest surviving structures in Orange County. 6631 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 562-3570 or visitbuenapark.com/p/historical-district

The Queen Mary Explore this massive ship’s history that dates to the 1920s with narrated tours. A historic museum, hotel, and events center, the Queen Mary also served as one of the largest and fastest troopships during World War II. You can enjoy a meal or drink at one of the on-site restaurants and bars or indulge in their weekly champagne brunch. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (877) 342-0738 or queenmary.com

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Experience the 37th President’s memorabilia, helicopter, and childhood home. Recently renovated, the museum includes a multimedia presentation that introduces Richard Nixon and his 50-year career in public service. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1182 or nixonfoundation.org

Knott’s Independence Hall Located across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm, this building is an exact, brick-by-brick replica of the original in Philadelphia (minus the long lines and ticket fees). Walter Knott’s personal labor of love, it is the nation’s only exact replica of the Philadelphia landmark. Consistent with Walter Knott’s wishes, the building remains a free-admission facility and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Christmas. Visitors can explore a replica of the Liberty Bell, view presidential artifacts, and hear the forefathers discuss the Declaration of Independence. Fun fact: several scenes from the Nicolas Cage movie National Treasure were filmed here. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 220-5200 or knotts.com/ rides-experiences/independence-hall

The Queen Mary Buena Park Historic District

The Pageant of The Masters