Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is a California icon. Perhaps most famous for visits from its annual guests of honor, the swallows, the Mission means many things to many people. For Californians, it is a powerful symbol of the state's complicated colonial history. For Catholics, it is a profound religious site, indicative of the Church's own complex heritage. History buffs spend hours reveling in the facility's many exhibits and displays, connecting viscerally with the sights, sounds and feelings of generations long past. For visitors of any background, it is an undeniably gorgeous place to spend an afternoon-replete with striking architectural elements and lovingly cared-for gardens.
Laguna Beach has long been a center for art. Creative types flocked here in droves to work their magic along Laguna's pristine shores. The Laguna Art Museum continues this proud heritage with an impressive list of year-round exhibitions and programming. Within these hallowed halls, you'll find classic and contemporary works by artists both fledgling and world renowned. An emphasis is placed on artists hailing from California, but the museum's scope is global nonetheless.
The Festival of Arts Center in Laguna Beach, California was first established in 1932 by John H. Hinchman. Over the years the forms of art changed from drawings to live pictures, slowly getting revamped with backdrops and music. Today, the Festival of Art is a huge event with live demonstrations, artwork for sale, art exhibitions, music performances and food. It is a fun and exciting event that should not be missed.
Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a beautiful theater equipped with retractable seats, a spacious stage featuring wooden-flooring, as well as, a mezzanine level seating area offering an unparalleled view of the stage. The excellent acoustics and flexible nature of this theater make it ideal for hosting a wide range of events. Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center also features six practice rooms and two rehearsal spaces. This theater is home to the Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale that host regular concerts drawing a large crowd of music-lovers from across the city.
Ole Hanson, co-founder of the city of San Clemente, built Casa Romantica as a family residence in 1927. Now a cultural center, it offers special interest events such as art workshops, poetry sessions, lecture series and so forth. Take a tour of the facility and its beautiful, expansive gardens with a docent for a complete experience.
In collaboration with the city of Santa Ana, the Grand Central Art Center at Cal State Fullerton features exhibits and performances by established and emerging artists. The complex consists of live/work studios for graduate students, in addition to art galleries and a theater for performance art.
Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum is named so because it belonged to Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, who was one of the first female physicians in the entire county till she died in 1924. Built by Stoughton and George in 1889, the Late Victorian Queen Anne style house now operates as Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum by the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society in honor of the original owner. It open for tours on the first Saturday of every other month, starting from February.
Delighted customers discover their hidden talent for painting in a cozy, friendly non-judgemental environment where they can sip their favorite vintage and let their brush speak. Inspired Art Wine is a studio that combines a relaxing glass of wine or beer with a spot of creative art, away from the demands of everyday life for an evening with friends. Corporate team building events or private parties with friends can be organized at the venue, complete with expert art instructors, easels, aprons, brushes and paints, along with beverages.
Gymnasium that not only holds sporting events, but concerts as well on University campus.
Have a fancy wedding to attend and you're not quite ready to show off your dancing skills on the floor? Head on over to Phill's Ballroom Dance Studio. They'll set you right. They have private lessons for those who want to meet their dancing goals in a hurry. They also have special packages for brides and grooms, where they teach the couple the basics and even perform a special choreography just for the couple. If you're not prepping for an event but just want to learn to dance, they also have regular batches for group learning sessions. The LGBTQ community gets special consideration from them as they have personalized dancing lessons designed especially for them. They also cater to the personalized dancing needs of same sex couples.
Recess is not only a rehearsal studio but also a performance space for local musicians. With state-of-the-art equipments,nine multifaceted rooms and a professional staff, this sleek space is everything an artist or a band needs. Some of their previous listings are Indubious, Richard Benjamin and The Simpkin Project.