Start the trip by exploring Tustin Old Town, a charming historic district filled with local shops and restaurants. Some notable locations to visit are the Black Marlin and Quinn's Old Town Grill for a taste of local cuisine, and the Tustin Brewing Company for a pint of craft beer. Make sure to check out the weekly Farmer's Market on Wednesdays from 9am-1pm.
Get in touch with nature by visiting the Orange County Zoo, home to over 150 animals native to the southwestern United States. Afterward, take a hike in Santiago Oaks Regional Park and enjoy beautiful views of Orange County’s landscape. Keep an eye out for the park’s native wildlife, including bobcats and coyotes.
Take the whole family to the Discovery Cube Orange County, an interactive museum with hands-on exhibits related to science, technology, and the environment. Afterward, visit the nearby Santa Ana Zoo, home to over 260 animals from around the world. Don’t miss the zoo’s famous “Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel.”
To get around Tustin, a rental car is recommended as public transportation is limited. Expect to pay around $30-$40 per day for car rental. For those flying in, the nearest airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is approximately 5 miles from Tustin.
If you have more time, consider spending an additional day exploring nearby beaches like Newport and Huntington, or take a day trip to Disneyland, just a 20-minute drive away. If you have less time, consider combining days 2 and 3 or skipping either the Orange County Zoo or the Santa Ana Zoo.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located in Santa Ana, just 5 miles from Tustin. It is the primary airport for Orange County and is served by several major airlines including American, Delta, and United. Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.