Anaheim- Orange County Museums

Anaheim Museums & Historic Sites

Anaheim and the surrounding Orange County area have many interesting museums to visit. The Astor Classics Museum And Event Center offers a collection of automotive and communication technologies, and the Discovery Science Center features many exhibits where visitors can learn about science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs.

Bowers Kidseum in Santa Ana offers a rich multicultural experience for children, as they dress up in clothing from other cultures, play instruments, and listen to many different foreign languages. The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace is another interesting place to visit, as well as the Laguna Art Museum and the Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Orange County museums and historical sites listed by distance from Anaheim Marriott Suites:

Astor Classics Museum And Event Center   •   2.5 mi

1045 S East St, Anaheim, CA    (714) 502-9494
Astor Classics Museum And Event Center houses the world's largest collection of working and beautifully restored antique telephones and radios. There are also collections of model trains, gas pumps, antique slot machines, pedal cars, movie memorabilia and other interesting items. The Astor Classics Event Center is dedicated to advancing education and knowledge through the preservation, restoration, and presentation of a living collection of automotive and communication technologies.

Discovery Science Center   •   3.0 mi

2500 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA    (714) 542-2823
Discovery Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. In the Center are approximately 120 interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to search for answers, think and explore. The center is divided into several themed areas where guests will explore Perception, Dynamic Earth, Quake Zone, Techno Arts, Air & Space, Discovery Stadium and KidStation (an area for 5-year-olds and under). The newest exhibit, Dino Quest, includes a life-size argentinosaurus to walk through and other prehistoric giants that teaches guests about life sciences. Seasonal events, including BubbleFest in April and Spooky Science in October, are offered throughout the year. During the school year, guests can participate in science experiments and group challenges designed by grade level through the Center's Making the Grade programs.

Bowers Kidseum   •   3.3 mi

2002 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA    (714) 567-3600
The Bowers Kidseum provides a fun, educational, and culturally rich environment where imagination and creativity are encouraged and nurtured. A giant "multicultural closet" is available for children to dress up as an Indian princess, a Mexican caballero, or other multi-cultural characters, and tribal instruments are on hand for children to play. Ethnic masks from many culture can be worn, and children can listen to languages from around the globe.

Victorian Bridal Museum   •   3.7 mi

307 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA    (951) 487-6088
The House of Victorian Visions Bridal Museum, located in Orange, California's Old Towne District is the only museum in the western United States offering a permanent collection of antique bridal gowns and accessories.

Old Courthouse Museum   •   3.7 mi

211 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA    (714) 973-6605 or 6607
The Old Courthouse in downtown Santa Ana dates from 1901 and visitors during the workweek can tour the classic building, which boasts its original courtroom, judge's chambers, jury room, and press chambers. A museum on local history is also on site.

MUZEO (Anaheim Museum Inc)   •   4.1 mi

241 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805    (714) 956-8936
The MUZEO is an exciting new museum in Orange County, housing an ever-changing program of exhibits, events and activities. The MUZEO opened in October of 2007 with an exhibition entitled Imperial Rome: Discovering the Ancient Civilization.

Blakey Historical Park and Museum   •   4.2 mi

8612 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA    (714) 891-2597
The Blakey Historical Park and Museum displays life in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Exhibits include the McCoy-Hare House, which served as the community's first drugstore, built in 1874. The fully restored and furnished 1915 Warne farmhouse with its barn and windmill is another major attraction.

Centennial Heritage Museum   •   4.8 mi

3101 W Harvard St, Santa Ana, CA    (714) 540-0404
The Centennial Heritage Museum is a cultural and natural history center where students and visitors of all ages can learn about the heritage of Orange County and the surrounding region through quality hands-on educational programs.

Museum Center   •   5.8 mi

301 N Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA    (714) 738-6545
The Fullerton Museum Center offers exhibits and educational programs in the areas of history, science, and art.

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace   •  12.9 mi

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA    (714) 993-3393
Richard Milhouse Nixon, the nation's 37th president, was born in sleepy Yorba Linda on January 9, 1913. The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace opened in 1990 and includes a museum, gallery space, the First Lady Garden, and the family home. Today, history buffs can stop by the center and learn about the late president's early life and public career. The birthplace, a quaint farmhouse that Nixon's father built, has been lovingly restored to its original state, complete with furniture, family photos, and the piano he learned to play as a lad.

Orange County Museum of Art   •  17.9 mi

850 San Clemente Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660    (714) 993-3393
Richard Milhouse Nixon, the nation's 37th president, was born in sleepy Yorba Linda on January 9, 1913. The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace opened in 1990 and includes a museum, gallery space, the First Lady Garden, and the family home. Today, history buffs can stop by the center and learn about the late president's early life and public career. The birthplace, a quaint farmhouse that Nixon's father built, has been lovingly restored to its original state, complete with furniture, family photos, and the piano he learned to play as a lad.

Laguna Art Museum   •   23.8 mi

307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA    (949) 759-1122
The Orange County Museum of Art is the premier visual arts organization in Orange County, California. Dynamic solo exhibitions and landmark group shows link historical and contemporary art and ideas, bridge local and global perspectives and embraces a broad array of cultural activities and media.

Mission San Juan Capistrano   •   27.9 mi

26801 Ortega Hwy, at Camino, San Juan Capistrano, CA    (949) 234-1300
One of California's oldest Spanish missions, San Juan Capistrano dates from 1776 and still features a variety of adobe foundations and a few working buildings. Although the once-majestic Great Stone Church is no longer intact, the intimate chapel with its baroque altar is still in use. The mission's legendary swallows, said to arrive every year on St. Joseph's Day, add to the mission's charm. The on-site museum recollects the history of the mission, and a variety of art and cultural activities are hosted each season.