Tustin Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and stay in Tustin, California, through this comprehensive travel guide. Find out about the local culture and customs and learn about safety and health tips when traveling to this hidden gem in Orange County.


Introduction to Tustin

Nested in the heart of Orange County, Southern California, lies Tustin, a small town with a big personality. Tustin is known for its historic significance and prevalence during the early days of California’s statehood, but it’s also home to a ton of natural wonders and exciting things to do.

List of Places to Visit in Tustin

Here are some of the top places to visit when exploring Tustin:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tustin is steeped in history, and there are plenty of places to explore the city’s heritage. Visit:

  • Tustin Area Museum - The museum provides a comprehensive history of the town, from its earliest settlers to its current population and everything in between.
  • The Red Hill Avenue Historical Trail - A self-guided tour that takes you through some of the city’s significant landmarks and highlights its rich past.
  • Marconi Automotive Museum - A fascinating collection of high-performance vintage cars and an educational exhibit that teaches you everything about the history of the industry.

Natural Attractions of Tustin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tustin has more to offer than just its rich history, explore some of its natural wonders, too.

  • Peters Canyon Regional Park - A lush, peaceful canyon park popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Follow one of the several hiking trails and take in the beautiful panoramic views of Orange County.
  • Carbon Canyon Regional Park - A serene park boasts of its 124-acre lake, perfect for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park also has trails for hiking and biking, giving visitors an opportunity to explore its botanical garden and wilderness areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tustin

Tustin provides an excellent opportunity for hikers and bikers to experience its stunning natural biodiversity.

Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • The Peters Canyon trailhead - A moderately difficult 5-mile trail for hikers/bikers that leads to Peters Canyon Reservoir.
  • The Tustin Ranch Trail - A smooth 2.4-mile trail perfect for scenic bike rides through the lush green park.

Best Things to Do in Tustin: Activities and Tours

There is something for everyone in Tustin, from antiques shopping to wine-tasting! Here are some must-try activities when in town.

  • Shop for antiques - Tustin has several antique shops with an incredible collection of antiques and historical artifacts waiting to be discovered.
  • Take a sip tour - Tustin is home to some award-winning wineries, and most offer wine tastings tours, paired with a side of cheese and crackers.
  • Go on a hot air balloon ride - Take in the beauty of Tustin from above by going on a hot-air balloon ride.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tustin

Here’s an itinerary that covers all beautiful places Tustin has to offer:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Tustin Area Museum and take a Red Hill Avenue historical trail
Day 2 Explore Peters Canyon Regional Park through a 5-mile hike
Day 3 Visit one of the many award-winning wineries in the city to take a sip tour
Day 4 Go on a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the breathtaking view
Day 5 Visit Marconi Automotive Museum and learn about the history of the industry
Day 6 Take a bike ride through Tustin Ranch Trail
Day 7 Check out Carbon Canyon Regional Park and have a picnic by the lake

Food and Drink Scene of Tustin

Tustin has restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up delicious food and drink options. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacos at Taco Adobe - A local favorite, serving traditional Mexican-style tacos.
  • Classic burger from The Filling Station Cafe - A juicy, classic burger with all the fixings.
  • Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory - A staple dessert destination, with dozens of kinds of cheesecakes and cakes to choose from.

Local Beverages

  • Citrus beers from The Bruery - Their seasonal and year-round beers are infused with local citrus, giving each beer a unique flavor.
  • Craft cocktails from The Corner - The bar serves fresh cocktails, made with locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Tustin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tustin offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.

Here are some recommendations:

  • The Saratoga motel - A budget-friendly motel complete with basic amenities and a clean comfortable stay.
  • ATRIUM Hotel - A mid-range option for travelers that offer luxurious suites with world-class amenities.
  • Tustin Motor Lodge - A stylish retro-inspired motel, perfect for a unique and funky stay experience.

What to Buy in Tustin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tustin offers unique local products and souvenirs to bring back home. Here are some ideas:

  • Olive Oil from We Olive & Wine Bar - Here you can try a sample of some of the best olive oils the town has to offer, and purchase your favorite.
  • Wine from Tustin Winery - Select a bottle of wine to take home from Orange County’s premier wine producer.
  • Souvenirs from Tustin Area Historical Society - commemorative postcards, t-shirts, pens and other items you can take back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Tustin

The people of Tustin are known to be friendly, welcoming, and proud of their history. Be respectful of the town’s cultural heritage and take the time to learn about it.

Best Time to Visit Tustin

Tustin’s weather is mild and pleasant year-round, with temperatures averaging in the 70s. The best time to visit depends on the activities you want to pursue as the weather can vary throughout the year.

For outdoor activities, Spring (March to May) is ideal because of the bloom and summer (June to August) for some fun in the sun. For a quieter and less crowded experience, winter (December to February) might be the best option.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tustin

It’s essential to be respectful of the town’s culture, customs, and environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Explore the town’s history and heritage.
  • Engage in the outdoor activities available, including hiking and biking.
  • Try local food, drink, and products.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment in any way.
  • Park in a prohibited area or park illegally.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Tustin is generally a safe and healthy place to visit, but it’s important to keep the following in mind:

Safety in Tustin

  • Be mindful of your surroundings and belongings at all times.
  • Be careful driving-Orange County roads can be busy, with high-speed traffic.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Health in Tustin

  • Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and a hat when going out in the sun.
  • Make sure to inform yourself of any food or drug allergies that might interfere with your trip.

Getting to Tustin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tustin is easily accessible from other Californian Cities and beyond.

Here are some of the transportation options to reach Tustin.

Airports Near Tustin

  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - just 5 miles from Tustin.

Bus Stations Near Tustin

  • Orange County Transportation Authority buses serve the city, with frequent services providing connections to other areas.

Other Options

  • Car rentals - A perfect option If you wish to explore areas outside Tustin.
  • Taxi & ride-sharing services - Grab a ride using any of these services like Uber or Lyft.

How to Get Around in Tustin

Getting around in Tustin is easy and convenient, thanks to its advanced transportation systems.

Here are some ways to get around:

  • Drive yourself: Rent a car or bring your vehicle.
  • Public Transportation: OCTA Bus Service offers frequent transportation services.
  • App-Based Ride Services: Travel around using Uber, Lyft, or any another ride-sharing app.

Where to Go Next from Tustin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have the time and inclination, head to these nearby destinations from Tustin:

  • Disneyland Anaheim - Located just 7 miles from Tustin, Disneyland is a fun-filled destination for all ages.
  • Newport Beach - A popular beach destination, only 12 miles away from Tustin.
  • Santa Ana - another Orange County city known for its historic architecture and artistic legacy, located just 5 miles away from Tustin.

Conclusion

Tustin may be a small, relatively unknown destination in the grand scheme of the travel world. Still, it’s one that offers its visitors a unique mix of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and modern attractions that should be on any traveler’s list when visiting Orange County.