Exploring The Noguchi Garden

Last weekend, on our way to Tanaka Farms, we decided to make a pit stop at a place that had been on my must-visit list forever. "California Scenario," also known as The Noguchi Garden—a beautifully peaceful outdoor sculpture garden tucked away in Costa Mesa, California. Created by the legendary artist Isamu Noguchi, this place is like stepping into a whole new world where art and nature meet to create a relaxing experience for all to enjoy.

Get to Know the Artist:

For those unfamiliar with his work, Isamu Noguchi was a very famous artist known for his sculptures and landscapes spanning over six decades starting way back in the 1920s. And with "California Scenario," he brought his artistic vision to life, showcasing California's geography in what is a beautifully designed and curated hidden garden.

Highlights for the Whole Fam:

As soon as we stepped foot into this one-acre sculpture garden, I could tell that Connor’s imagination was lighting up. He brought his dinosaurs to see the rock sculptures and he was so excited to play. I was impressed by the scale of "The Spirit of the Lima Bean," this towering monument that pays tribute to California's farming roots—seriously, it's huge! And then there's "Water Source," where sparkling pools and trickling streams made us feel like we were in some magical oasis. Oh, and let's not forget about "Desert Land," which transported us straight to the rugged beauty of California's deserts.

Plan Your Visit:

This garden is free to the public. It is also across the way from South Coast Plaza, so you can grab lunch afterwards. Being an art enthusiast, I personally loved this garden and felt so at peace here. I loved seeing Connor explore, run free, and experience something different and I highly recommend stopping here if you’re ever in the Costa Mesa or OC area!

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