Summer activities in Garden Grove aren’t limited to just beach life. It offers visitors more than just a convenient place to stay near Orange County’s biggest attractions. The city itself is its own culture with historic streets, live performances, world-class architecture, family-friendly entertainment, and cuisine you won’t find anywhere else. When you tour Garden Grove, you won’t have a problem finding things to do this summer to fill any itinerary.
Beach Culture
Garden Grove isn’t directly on the water, but it is a great launching point to reach Orange County’s beach culture with ease. Have a late morning/early afternoon touring Garden Grove’s many attractions, then head toward Huntington Beach or another nearby coast and see what makes California’s beaches some of the most beautiful in the country. Garden Grove’s appeal comes partly from its flexibility. You don’t have to decide between local attractions and a California beach day.
Christ Cathedral
The Christ Cathedral is a sight to see in person even if you aren’t usually the type to put a cathedral on your vacation itinerary. California’s reflection cuts across the sky in staggering depth with the mirrored glass of the outstanding architecture that makes up the building. It’s a way to slow down after a busy afternoon or a starting place for the day before the heat builds.
Historic Main Street
Historic Main Street has all of the old Garden Grove draw tucked right into a modern city. With no need to rush, the brick-lined block is an easy venture on foot. Some of the best summer activities don’t have a specific destination. Allow the streets to lead your day as you wander past coffee shops, local businesses, and things that require a second look.
Gem Theatre
The Gem Theatre is rich with history and brings live theater to the city. The building dates back to the 1920s; that iconic atmosphere casts a different light on newer, larger venue productions. Really embody the spirit of the area by touring Main Street, getting a bite to eat, then settling in for a show.
Garden Amp
A favorite of both locals and tourists for a summer night is the Garden Amp. The open-air venue hosts live music that makes you feel a part of the moment. Check ahead because the lineup changes, so be sure to visit when there is an event going on that fits your group. Summer and live music are a timeless classic, and you can engage with locals of all ages at the Garden Amp.
Great Wolf Lodge
For family-friendly fun for all ages, the Great Wolf Lodge is a destination worth prioritizing. You aren’t reliant on the right weather conditions to make it possible to enjoy one of the greatest things about summer: waterparks. The lodge’s indoor water park makes swimming, sliding, and playing possible no matter what the weather outside is doing. You don’t have to be staying at the lodge to enjoy the waterpark. Check ahead to see what visit options are available for the day.
Pack Your Itinerary With Things to Do in Garden Grove This Summer
Mixing a few bigger activities with room to slow down often makes for the best summer plans. Orange County offers some of the most amazing architecture in California and the best beaches to get in with the culture of the area. If the arts are what you are after, there is no shortage of it in Garden Grove.
Tour Garden Grove and see the best of Orange County, from impressive architecture to the sprawling coastal lines.