Things To Do
in North Tustin
North Tustin is a quiet hillside suburb in Orange County, California, known for its winding streets and scenic canyon views. It blends upscale residential living with easy access to parks, trails, and OC culture, all within a short drive of larger cities like Orange, Irvine, and Santa Ana. The area offers a tranquil base with family-friendly amenities and abundant outdoor spaces.
Expect pleasant year-round weather and a convenient gateway to both nature and city life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Old Town Tustin, admiring the historic architecture and quaint boutiques. Don't forget to stop by the Tustin Area Museum to learn about the rich history of the area.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling some of the delicious local cuisine. After lunch, visit the nearby Tustin Marketplace for some shopping and entertainment, exploring unique shops and perhaps catching a movie. Wind down your afternoon at the Tustin Sports Park, where you can relax or engage in recreational activities.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery for a delightful dinner featuring farm-to-table dishes. After your meal, consider taking a scenic drive through the area to enjoy the beautiful evening landscape. End your night with a visit to a cozy coffee shop, enjoying a warm drink while reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike at Peter's Canyon Regional Park, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Breathe in the fresh air as you navigate through scenic trails, keeping an eye out for local wildlife. Capture stunning views of the canyon and surrounding hills as you make your way to the summit.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park’s designated areas, surrounded by the serene beauty of the outdoors. Spend your afternoon exploring the park further, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll around the lake or participating in bird watching. Make sure to take plenty of photos to remember this beautiful natural escape.
As the day winds down, head back to North Tustin and treat yourself to dinner at a local grill. After your meal, consider visiting a nearby bar for live music or a laid-back atmosphere to unwind. Wrap up your evening with a nightcap or dessert at a nearby café, enjoying the relaxed ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee shop | $3-6 |
| 🥗Lunch for two at mid-range restaurant | $30-50 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $4-6 |
| 💡Internet (monthly) | $40-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet suburban base with proximity to OC attractions
- Great access to parks, trails, and family-friendly activities
- Varied dining options within a short drive
- Beautiful hillside views and pleasant year-round weather
- Limited nightlife within North Tustin itself
- Traffic around major OC corridors can be heavy during rush hours
- Higher cost of living in the region
- Some services are spread over a wide area requiring car travel
Places to Visit in North Tustin
Visit one of these nice places.
Rolling hills, canyon views, and seasonal wildflowers provide dramatic landscape photography, especially at sunrise.
Historic storefronts, brick streets, and murals offer charming street photography opportunities.
Sweeping valley views and OC foothills; nice golden hour spot.
Lookout point with panoramic views of the Saddleback Mountains on clear days.
Food in North Tustin
North Tustin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy fries topped with grilled carne asada, cheese, pico de gallo, and crema. Common at taquerias across OC; try it at local spots in nearby Santa Ana or Orange.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised beef in corn tortillas with consommé for dipping; widely available from taquerias in OC.
Carne asada with french fries and cheese wrapped in a tortilla; a staple at many SoCal taquerias.
Grilled or lightly battered fish with slaw and crema; widely available in OC Mexican eateries and coastal towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal produce, street snacks, and artisan goods in the Old Town Orange area; great for tasting local produce and snacks.
Seasonal market with produce, prepared foods, and crafts in downtown Santa Ana; look for tamales and aguas frescas.
A cluster of food trucks and casual stalls around the Tustin Market District; try regional street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Casual, friendly greetings; handshakes or brief hugs are common among friends; avoid overly loud conversations in quiet areas.
Tipping is customary in service industries; always tip for dine-in.
Casual to smart-casual; local norms are relaxed; dress for the weather.
Be mindful of noise late at night in residential neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in North Tustin
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 15-20% is customary for good service; for bar staff, $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the bill. It's common to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted; cash is useful for small vendors and street food; digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (often 70s-90s F / 20-35 C); light clothing, sun protection, hydration; possible Santa Ana winds in certain weeks; plan hikes for morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
Pleasant temperatures; dry conditions; good for hiking and outdoor dining; evenings can be cool.
Mild and cooler days; temps generally in the 50s-60s F (10-20 C); rare frost; rain possible; pack a light jacket.
Spring is mild with wildflowers in bloom in local parks; consider early morning shoots for better light.
North Tustin at Night
Hiking in North Tustin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular circuit with canyon views and wildflowers; suitable for moderate hikers.
Rugged hills, scenic overlooks, and creek crossings; moderate to challenging routes.
Network of trails through natural preserves near Irvine; variety of routes for all levels.
Airports
How to reach North Tustin by plane.
Approximately 15-25 miles away, with frequent domestic flights and good connections to OC towns; can reach by car in 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
About 40-60 miles away; major international hub; access via car or rideshare; longer travel times in traffic.
Smaller airport about 30-40 miles away; convenient for some regional flights; quickest to OC from Long Beach with moderate traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Very common in North Tustin, with family-friendly neighborhoods and good schools.
Earlier years property and quiet neighborhoods; many enjoy hiking and local community activities.
Some commute to jobs in Irvine, Santa Ana, and the greater OC region; many value the safety and scenic beauty.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Common in community centers and gyms; local leagues and courts available.
Youth and adult leagues; local fields in parks and school campuses.
Several public and private courses in OC; good year-round play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting North Tustin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; look for veggie tacos, bean bowls, and salads; ask for cheese or egg substitutions where needed; many places offer meat-free entrees and seasonal veggie sides.