Things To Do
in Garden Grove
Garden Grove is a family-friendly city in northern Orange County, just a short drive from the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It blends suburban neighborhoods with a lively cultural scene anchored by Old Town Garden Grove and the Christ Cathedral campus. The city is known for its diverse dining, especially Vietnamese and Korean flavors found in nearby Westminster and along Brookhurst Street.
With parks, festivals like the annual Strawberry Festival, and easy access to beaches and theme parks, Garden Grove makes a convenient base for exploring Orange County.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in the historic Garden Grove village. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets lined with vintage shops and art galleries. Don't forget to visit the iconic Garden Grove Historic Main Street, where you can admire the unique architecture and learn about the city's history.
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant that specializes in local cuisine. Following your meal, head to the Garden Grove Historical Society Museum to dive deeper into the area's rich past. Spend some time in the surrounding park, where you can relax and soak in the vibrant community atmosphere.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local brewery or wine bar to unwind with a drink. Experience the lively nightlife of Garden Grove by checking out a local band or live performance at one of the venues. End the evening with a leisurely walk through the beautifully lit streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the town.
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Crystal Cathedral, known for its striking glass architecture and serene gardens. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and the architectural marvels it showcases. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast at the on-site café while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
After your morning exploration, head to the nearby Garden Grove Park for a picnic lunch under the shade of the trees. Spend your afternoon exploring the park's trails and beautiful landscapes, or engage in a friendly game of frisbee or soccer with locals enjoying the outdoors. Be sure to visit the park's pond, where you can watch the ducks and other wildlife.
As evening approaches, consider attending a service or concert at the Crystal Cathedral to experience its breathtaking acoustics firsthand. Afterward, treat yourself to dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring a mix of international flavors. Conclude your night with a stroll through the gardens, appreciating the tranquil ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏨Hotel room per night | $120-200 |
| 🛍️Groceries per week (single traveler) | $60-100 |
| 🚗Gasoline per gallon | $3.50-4.50 |
| 💇Haircut | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to many Orange County attractions
- Vibrant Asian-influenced dining nearby
- Family-friendly neighborhoods and parks
- Relaxed suburban rhythm with festivals
- Limited nightlife within Garden Grove itself
- Most attractions require a short drive to adjacent cities
- Traffic can be heavy during peak hours
- Some areas may feel suburban and spread out
Places to Visit in Garden Grove
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic glass-and-steel architecture with reflective ponds, ideal for architectural photography and sunset shots.
Colorful storefronts, vintage signage, and preserved facades perfect for street photography.
Lush lawns, water features, and civic architecture provide accessible portrait and landscape shots.
Water reflections and natural scenery suitable for outdoor photography.
Food in Garden Grove
Garden Grove Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup featuring beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meats; widely found in nearby Westminster and Garden Grove.
Must-Try!
Grilled marinated beef short ribs served with banchan; look for traditional Korean restaurants along Brookhurst and nearby corridors.
Crisp baguette sandwich with pickled vegetables, meat or tofu, and fresh herbs; available at Vietnamese delis and markets.
Spicy, tangy stir-fried rice with kimchi and vegetables, commonly offered at Korean eateries.
Soft steamed buns with fillings like pork or tofu; often found at modern Asian fusion spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A cluster of Vietnamese markets and street vendors in nearby Westminster offering fresh produce, bánh mì, pho kits, and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People value courtesy; queues are common and waiting your turn is appreciated.
Be mindful of noise and tipping as a business norm; avoid loud behavior in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Garden Grove
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., tipping at 15-20% in restaurants is customary; tip higher for excellent service. For quick-service, tips are optional.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted; cash is always useful; many places also accept mobile wallets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures with blooming trees and flowers; great for outdoor walks and early garden photography.
Warm to hot days; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and enjoy outdoor festivals and street markets.
Comfortable shoulder season with mild days and cooler evenings; ideal for walking tours.
Mild winters with cooler evenings; rainfall is possible but rare; great for indoor museum visits and city lights.
Garden Grove at Night
Hiking in Garden Grove
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic loop trails with gentle ascents and views of the OC valley.
Steeper trails and panoramic vistas amid oak woodland and canyon.
Varied trails through canyons, coastal hills, and forested areas; good for longer hikes.
Airports
How to reach Garden Grove by plane.
Less than 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic); major hub for domestic flights and some international routes.
About 25-40 minutes away; smaller airport with domestic flights and shorter security lines.
About 40-60 minutes away; convenient option for sky connections in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant and longstanding presence, with cultural influence in food and markets.
Strong representation in nearby dining and crafts; shared in Orange County's broader Korean corridor.
Notable presence, contributing to local culture and businesses.
Residents and visitors across a range of neighborhoods.
Diverse mix including Chinese, Filipino, and Thai communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in schools and community leagues; many parks have courts for pickup games.
YMCA and city leagues; little league games can be found in local parks.
Active youth and adult leagues with fields across city parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Garden Grove.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy tofu and vegetable dishes at many Vietnamese and Korean spots; ask for no fish sauce and request modifications; many menus offer vegetarian pho, veggie bibimbap, and veggie bao.