10 Best Things to Do in Tustin, CA

By VacationIdea Staff on September 21, 2023 - Updated

Don/stock.adobe.com

Called by locals “the city of trees,” Tustin is located in central Orange County between Irvine and Santa Ana, among green hills that offer panoramic views of the Saddleback Mountains and the Pacific Coast. The area was once full of citrus groves, and one of the last ones is preserved in the Citrus Ranch Park.

1. Marconi Automotive Museum

The Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California is a beloved playground for all kids big and small who love fancy cars. It is home to more than 70 luxury cars such as Lamborghinis and Ferraris and many American muscle cars. The collection and the building in which it is located was donated by Dick Marconi and is open to public. There is a suggested donation of $5 instead of an entrance fee. Donations benefits various children charities in Orange County through Dick Marconi’s Foundation for Kids. Both the museum and the Foundation were established in 1994. The museum also includes an open wheel car collection that features cars that were driven by Dick Marconi, his son John, and wife Bo, as well as many famous cars driven by equally famous drivers.

1302 Industrial Dr, Tustin, CA 92780, Phone: 714-258-3001

More ideas: Things to do in Orange County

2. Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin

Not so long ago, Orange County was covered in citrus groves and so many oranges that it was named for them. Today, Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin has one of the last citrus groves left in the county. With almost 1,000 lemon trees growing over 17 acres, the Citrus Ranch Park was created by the City of Tustin to preserve this part of the California history. The grove is located on a 40-foot high knoll that rises 40 feet above the surrounding area of the park. There is a trail that leads to the top of Vista View Point, which offers the view of the San Gabriel Mountains, Catalina Island, and the Pacific Ocean. Citrus Ranch Park promotes a sustainable design by including California native plants, trails covered by decomposed granite, vegetated swales that collect parking lot rain runoff, and more. The park also includes a playground, seating and picnic areas with grills, and a charming gazebo with views.

2910 Portola Pkwy, Tustin, CA 92780, Phone: 714-573-3000

More ideas: Orange County beaches

3. Chemers Gallery

Located in Enderle Center in Tustin, California and established in 1978, Chemers Gallery has been a leader and innovator in the Orange County arts scene. The gallery focuses on promoting and showing the art of mid-career and emerging artists, offering a range of fine and decorative art in styles from contemporary to traditional. The gallery offers works in mediums such as oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, monotype/monoprint, mixed media, photography, and a number of limited edition graphics – lithograph, etching, engraving, digital prints, mezzotint, and serigraph. The gallery also offers high quality framing, a selection of jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber and wood artworks, art restoration, and consultation on the design and installation of artworks in commercial and private spaces.

17300 17th St G, Tustin, CA 92780, Phone: 714-731-5432, (website link)

More ideas: Hiking Trails in Orange County

4. Chinmaya Mission of Los Angles-'Chinmaya Rameshwaram'

Chinmaya Mission® was established in 1953 in India to be a spiritual renaissance movement. It includes a range of spiritual, educational, cultural, and charitable activities. The mission today has more than 300 centers all over the world, including the Los Angeles center in Tustin. Chinmaya Mission is a Hindu organization, but it does not work on converting people of other religions. It is a more spiritual than religious organization. The mission offers a wide range of Vedanta study groups for all ages, promoting Indian classic art and running many social projects. Chinmaya Mission of Los Angeles was established in 1983, and it offers Balvihar classes for children, youth forums for young adults and university students, spiritual camps, devi group for women, clubs for senior citizens, and more.

14451 Franklin Ave. Tustin, California 92780, Phone: 714-832-7669

More ideas: Day Trips from Orange County

5. Tustin Ranch Golf Club

Tustin Ranch Golf Club is a world class golf facility in the heart of Orange County. Designed by Ted Robinson, the course has numerous times been voted “Best Orange County Golf Course and Range” by the readers of Orange County Register. The Golf School at Tustin Ranch Golf Club has a number of award-winning PGA teaching experts. The elegant clubhouse overlooks verdant manicured fairways and shimmering lakes, a perfect backdrop for any social occasion. Tustin Ranch is a very popular local gathering place, not only for golfing but also as a gathering place for friends and families who want to share great food, entertainment, fresh air, and outdoor activities. Guests are accustomed to receiving warm hospitality, gourmet food, expertly made drinks, and first-class service in a wonderful location with spectacular views. The golf club includes the four-start Restaurant at Tustin Ranch, Pine Tree Patio, and the Player’s Lounge.

12442 Tustin Ranch Rd, Tustin, CA 92782, Phone: 714-730-1611

More ideas: Things to do in Santa Ana

6. Things to Do in Tustin: Bowlmor Lanes

Bowlmor Orange County is one of 18 upscale ten-pin bowling and entertainment centers owned and operated by Bowlero Corporation. Located in The District at Tustin, Bowlmor Orange County has 30 bowling lanes, a massive sports bar lined up with HDTVs, a private spacious 12-lane bowling suite, and an interactive arcade with some of the latest and coolest games. Bowlmor Orange County is the perfect place to play and party and is a popular venue for all sorts of celebrations – birthday parties, office parties, anniversaries, reunions, and other social gatherings. The Bowlmor party professionals are there to take care of all details.

2405 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782, Phone: 714-258-2695

More ideas: Things to Do in Fullerton

7. Zov's Bistro and Bakery

Located in Tustin’s Enderle Center, Zov’s has been Tustin’s icon since its opening in 1987. Founded by Chef Zov Karamardian, this family-run Mediterranean bistro and bakery quickly became Tustin’s culinary institution. Chef Zov offers unique cuisine that seamlessly combines Eastern Mediterranean and contemporary flavors. The spacious and airy Tustin location is chic without being pretentious and has a wonderful large outdoor patio. Zov’s still uses family traditional recipes to create delightful dishes that earned this wonderful place a top Zagat rating. If you do not get distracted by their incredible display of desserts, try the delicious Roasted Beets with creamed goat cheese, candied walnuts and red wine vinaigrette, or Sauteed Calamari with garlic, shallots, lemon, fresh herbs, chardonnay butter sauce, crostini, and micro greens.

17440 17th St, Tustin, CA 92780, Phone: 714-838-8855, (website link)

More ideas: Things to Do in Avalon

8. Roma D Italia

When it opened its door in 1961, Roma d’Italia was Tustin's first family-owned Italian restaurant. Located in Old Town Tustin, the restaurant is still one of the most popular Tustin spots for a family lunch or dinner, with traditional red-checkered tablecloths, brick walls, and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The spacious stone patio is perfect for a romantic meal or dining al fresco. Most of the ingredients for the restaurant’s extensive menu are still bought from the same local suppliers. The menu includes all traditional Italian delights, from pastas and seafood to legendary pizzas and desserts. Everything is made fresh and in house, including their famous gnocchi. You might want to try their Baked Mostaccioli Sigiliano with mostaccioli baked with ricotta cheese, mushrooms, eggplant, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Roma d’Italia is also a popular venue for celebrations, parties, and banquets.

611 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780, Phone: 714-544-0273

More ideas: Things to Do in Irvine

9. Things to Do in Tustin: Rutabegorz Restaurant

What started in 1970 in Fullerton as a small “hippie joint” serving coffee and cakes quickly became a trendsetter and a pioneer offering healthy food before it became all the rage. One of three locations today, their Tustin shop is a very popular and quirky spot decorated to the last inch. The colorful and cozy space has a distinct hippy vibe, and they serve an eclectic menu that includes a range of vegetarian dishes, but also chicken, turkey, tuna, and lean deli meats. They make their salad dressings fresh daily and their condiments are low-fat. Their homemade desserts are really hard to resist. They serve wine, beer, and cocktails as well.

158 W Main St, Tustin, CA 92780, Phone: 714-731-9807

More ideas: Things to Do in Buena Park

10. Rusty Bass Hook Pro Bass Fishing Guide Service

If you are visiting Tustin and nearby areas and are in the mood for some fishing, Rusty Brown is your guy. A professional bass fisherman and fishing guide for more than 15 years of tournament competition experience, Captain Rusty Brown will take you on an unforgettable fishing trip in his fully tournament-rigged Ranger bass boat. He organizes full day trips to a number of lakes in Southern California – Castaic, Diamond Valley, Perris, San Vincente, Pyramid, Irvin, Hodges, and Isabella lakes. Captain Rusty will provide all equipment, including Phenix custom rods, Daiwa reels and top of the line baits, lures, and other necessities. Beginners and young anglers are welcome too.

Canyon Lake Drive, Canyon Lake, California, Phone: 714-883-8627

More ideas: Things to do in Mountain View