Back-To-School season is just around the corner, and we want you to be as prepared outside of the classroom as you will be inside. If you’re new to the Orange County area or just looking for fun places to explore nearby, Limon has you covered. We’re featuring three OC schools: University of California, Irvine (UCI), California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), and Chapman University, and  some of the top places to explore around each school!

University of California, Irvine

If you’re headed to UCI this fall, why not begin your adventure right at home base? Start your Orange County itinerary at the UCI Institute and Museum of California Art (IMCA). As the only museum in California devoted to preserving and exhibiting California Impressionism, this Irvine attraction features fixed and traveling exhibitions to help you appreciate the beauty of California nature. For those of you wanting a more relaxed and elegant start to your day trip, check out the IMCA offering free admission from 10 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. 

Once you’ve finished admiring the Californian landscapes at the art museum, head over to the Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center located at the intersection of Irvine’s business and residence. Offering a variety of cuisines to satisfy every palate, Diamond Jamboree gathers 21 restaurants all in one place. From Japanese street food at Curry House CoCo Ichibanya to dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, this dining destination has a fine selection of international flavors for every mood. 

Wrap up your day with a laugh at the Irvine Improv Comedy Club located in the Irvine Spectrum! Hosting a full food and drink menu filled with delicious options, the Irvine Improv makes for a great dinner time experience as you can savor your meal while relishing in stand-up comedy shows starring big names and up-and-comers. With future headliners like Bob Saget, Taylor Tomlinson, and Tom Segura in the upcoming months, you won’t want to miss a night at the Irvine Comedy Club. 

California State University, Fullerton

For those of you starting school in Fullerton, stop by Wild Goose Escape Rooms for a 60-minute themed escapade. This exhilarating arena offers games with an assortment of storylines to choose from including pulling off a bank heist, escaping a serial killer, and even surviving a zombie apocalypse. Each themed room has a varying level of difficulty, and you and up to six players can book rooms, choosing your desired time and date, on the Wild Goose Escapes website. 

Replenish your brain after completing those escape room puzzles by unwinding at the Anaheim Packing District. Home to the historic Anaheim Packing House, the Packing District is a collection of restaurants and small businesses all gathered under one roof. This upscale food court intermingles culinary flavors ranging from soul food at Georgia’s Kitchen, to modern Thai cuisine at White Elephant, and Japanese style crepes at Crepe Coop. Whatever food you’re craving, the diverse selection of vendors at the Packing District is sure to indulge your appetite.

After eating your heart out at the Anaheim Packing District, conclude your fun-filled day trip at our last stop: the Concourse Bowling Center. A staple in the Anaheim and Orange County community, this upscale bowling alley and entertainment center includes a full sports bar and restaurant, VIP suites, and in-house catering. The Concourse Bowling Center houses 40 lanes in addition to an arcade, making it the perfect place for large groups and family outings!

Chapman University 

If you’re located at Chapman University in Orange, look no further than the antique mall located in Old Towne Orange to do some vintage treasure hunting. The Orange Circle Antique Mall carries antique, vintage, and collectible items from a variety of genres, across 125 vendors and two floors. Here, you’ll find anything from jewelry and fine china to vintage clothing, album covers, and so much more. Open from 10:30 AM to 5:15 PM Monday through Sunday, check out the Orange Circle Antique Mall to rekindle nostalgic memories and sift through forgotten treasures. 

When in Orange, book a food tour! Led by knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides, the Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours takes participants restaurant to restaurant, taste-testing samples from each establishment. The tour also includes stops at unique shops and briefings of the local antiquities, as the tour takes place in a historical district. Participants can choose from a variety of tours including the Vintage Orange Food Tour, the Orange Sampler Tour, and the Orange TasteLAB Tour, each featuring their own exclusive eateries and stops. Tours run up to three hours long, and the total walking distance equals about one mile with several sitting stops. If you like history and food, be sure to book your desired tour date ahead of time on the company website.  

Finally, end your night at Chapman Crafted Beer, a local, family-owned, and community-focused brewery. Committed to making exquisite beers utilizing the best ingredients and brewing processes, this brewery produces beer that maintains a focal point on flavor and freshness. Stop by Chapman’s for a one-of-a-kind drinking experience that you won’t be able to find anywhere else!

Thank you for reading our travel recommendations for the upcoming Back-To-School season! If you enjoyed this Orange County travel guide, sign up for the Limon newsletter to get future blog posts sent straight to your inbox! Check out the Limon website, and visit our Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages for more featured California destinations and startup updates!