Lyon Air Museum: History of the Skies

A hidden gem, the Lyon Air Museum offers aviation exhibits to amaze even the most begrudging museum visitors (your children). While it may look small, the museum can take over two hours to fully peruse — it's a deal for the $12 adult admission price. Centered primarily around World War II, the museum’s collection is an impressive array of airplanes, automobiles, motorbikes, and related memorabilia that create a unique tour through the United States’s history. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a hanger when walking through the vast collection of immense military planes, from the Boeing ‘Flying Fortress’ to the historically important B-52s. There are also fully operational military vehicles and motorcycles, alongside civilian automobiles. Take a docent tour to learn more fun facts and interesting trivia. Then end the day with watching modern airplanes take off from neighboring John Wayne Airport!

Lyon Air Museum
19300 Ike Jones Road
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(714) 210-4585

Orange Circle Antique Mall: A Treasure Seeker’s Dream

Centrally located in Olde Towne Orange, the Orange Circle Antique Mall is a browser’s paradise. The mall, which is the largest antique mall in Orange County, houses many vendors peddling goods from truly antique (think 1800s) to retro (think 80s). Open for over 40 years, Orange Circle is a veritable labyrinth of antique goods, and the sheer volume of items for sale often shocks first-time visitors to the mall. Frequent visitors rave about the bountiful selection of antique estate jewelry, vintage records, and unique old-fashioned toys. Though prices vary by vendor, bargain hunters tout Orange Circle as a great place to find a fair price on a special item. With everything from furniture to knick knacks and anything in between, the Orange Circle Antique Mall is a gold mine for those who love to browse through history’s best collectables and find something special to take home.

Orange Circle Antique Mall
118 S. Glassell Street
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 538-8160

Santiago Oaks Regional Park: Take a Hike Today

Santiago Oaks Regional Park, tucked away in East Orange, boasts over 1700 acres of scenic parkland just minutes from downtown. The park offers scenic views along several trails of varying length and difficulty level, making it popular for families and hikers of all ages. In addition to the hiking trails, the park is home to a nature center that offers educational programs on weekends, and park rangers lead various walks and activities throughout the year. The park has many amenities, including an amphitheater, barbeques, picnic areas, a playground, and a scenic overlook.  Additionally, several trails are suitable for bicycles or equestrians, and the park allows dogs on leashes. Regular visitors love the serenity and quiet of Santiago Oaks, as the park rarely feels crowded or overrun, truly allowing visitors to relax and connect to their natural surroundings. For views of the local scenery and a peaceful hike, head to Santiago Oaks Regional Park.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park
2145 Windes Drive
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6620

The Olde Ship: A Voyage to London

To be transported to Britain, hop aboard The Olde Ship. While not technically an actually ship, the pub replicates the haul of an old-timey boat with dark wooden beams criss-crossing the ceiling; long, sleek tables; and antique decorations. Run by a British couple, The Olde Ship offers pleasingly authentic pub fare and ale for lunch and dinner. Many locals enjoy stopping in the friendly atmosphere for a bottle of British brew, including Boddingtons, Smithwicks, Abbott Ale, and Blackthorn Cider. The bartender is happy to guide newcomers through the delicious creamy beers. The daily menu offers up hearty options like fish and chips, lamb shank, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, and steak and kidney pie (for the daring). Stick around for raucous viewings of live soccer games and live jazz on the weekends.

The Olde Ship
1120 W. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 550-6700

Grand Central Art Center: Hub for Great Art

Run by the Fullerton campus of California State University, Grand Central Art Center is dedicated to showcasing art in a variety of media from all over the world. The Art Center is a popular location for discovering new artists by taking an art work through the expansive Art Gallery and Project Room, which host four to six exhibits each year. The Theater offers an intimate view of new, thought-provoking dance performances and plays. Its in-the-round design makes sure each of the 85 house seats has a good view of the stage. In addition to its performance space, the Art Center has apartments available for its artist-in-residence and graduate students. These students, along with a board of directors, run the center, selecting and running the exhibits and performances. The public is also invited to a number of lectures on visual arts at the center.

Grand Central Art Center
125 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 567-7233

Laguna Canyon Winery: Gorgeous Wines, Gorgeous Winery

When Marlowe Joseph Huber decided to start his own winery from scratch after successfully purchasing and running two existing ones, he knew he had a challenge ahead of him. His Laguna Canyon Winery, opened in 2003, shows that he has met the challenge excellently. Located in an industrial park outside Laguna Beach, the winery produces spectacular, award-winning whites, reds, and sparkling wines. They host an excellent wine tasting on the first Friday of every month that offers wine, food, and a souvenir glass etched with the winery’s logo for just $35. If you’re looking for a bigger experience, the winery hosts private parties and catered affairs with live music available. They also have a tasting room in downtown Laguna Beach. The ambience isn’t much—with no vineyard (the winery buys their grapes from a variety of sources), the vibe is more science than scenic, but the quality of the product more than makes up for it.

Laguna Canyon Winery
2133 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-9463
www.lagunacanyonwinery.com

Get fit at South Coast Racquet Club Apartments

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help:

  • Control your weight
  • Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
  • Reduce your risk of some cancers
  • Strengthen your bones and muscles
  • Improve your mental health and mood
  • Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult
  • Increase your chances of living longer

With all those benefits, why not get moving? All it takes to get started is to put on some sneaks and visit our fitness center that’s conveniently located right here at South Coast Racquet Club Apartments.