Garden Grove is nestled in one of the best kick-off points in Southern California, close enough to the coast, the mountains, and Los Angeles that you never have to stick to just one. If you’re planning to tour Garden Grove and want to take it beyond city limits, you’re just a short drive away from the area’s best coastline, history, and food scenes. You can find many things to do around Garden Grove that don’t require packing a bag, just a day to enjoy and some gas in the tank.
Huntington Beach
A short drive from Garden Grove can have you in Huntington Beach, or as many know it, Surf City USA. The pier stretches far enough that you can watch surfers up close, or if you’re up for a bike tour, the strand runs for miles. A short walk from the pier and you’ll find an impressive lineup of ocean-view restaurants if you prefer table service to cooler provisions. Huntington Beach is everything you could want from a classic California beach day without a long drive in the way.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
One of California’s most photographed landmarks is just south of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Founded in the 1700s, the grounds include ruins, gardens, and a small museum. Gaining its notoriety for more than its history, the swallows that return to nest at this site each spring are a tradition locals still find fascinating and worth talking about. After touring the grounds, you can pair the perfect lunch complete with old-time charm for the perfect California afternoon.
Newport Beach
Worth the harbor views alone, Newport Beach leans upscale and holds the same beauty as the rest of California. You can find a walkable loop of cottage-style homes, small shops, and famous stands just a short boat or ferry ride to Balboa Island. It’s worth the trip if you are looking for a relaxing getaway.
Crystal Cove State Park
If the beach crowd isn’t what you are looking for this time, Crystal Cove State Park is a quieter stretch of coastline with tide pools, hiking trails, and overnight options for an extended stay. Not far from Newport or Laguna Beach, making it an easy addition if you already have plans in that direction. Just remember to bring water and sunscreen since the California sun can be brutal.
Long Beach
Long Beach offers a little of everything along one waterfront stretch. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a popular choice for families. The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner, is permanently docked in the harbor for tours that cover its ocean journey and its more recent ghost stories. Nearby, Shoreline Village offers enough restaurants and shops to fill whatever time you have left in your afternoon without needing another stop.
Plan Your Own Loop
Garden Grove is conveniently located near many local attractions, but this destination itself is worth a good look for a slower afternoon. It offers many impressive architectural structures, and you won’t find barbecue or tofu houses like the ones found in the city’s Koreatown. The best part about Garden Grove as your base point is that none of these trips require a long drive. You won’t spend your weekend on the road traveling between destinations; most of these attractions are within thirty minutes of Garden Grove. This means you can take in the coast and, by mid-afternoon, take in the sights or tour the mission for the rest of your day.
Give us a call so we can help you make the most of your Garden Grove tour and help you build the ultimate itinerary.