Budget-Friendly Fun: 4 Days in Garden Grove

Experience the beauty of Garden Grove without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the charming Garden Grove on a budget-friendly trip featuring visits to the city's top attractions such as the Atlantis Play Center and Crystal Cathedral. Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the popular eateries in Little Saigon, and take a stroll through the Grove District-Anaheim Resort area dotted with retail outlets and dining options. Find affordable accommodation in the form of budget hotels, motels, and vacation rentals within the city limits.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
  • Check into the Gem Hotel, a budget-friendly stay option with a retro feel.
  • Visit the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, held annually in late May. Enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, and of course, fresh strawberry treats.
  • Take a stroll through Main Street Garden Grove, a charming downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
  • Visit the Stanley Ranch Museum & Historical Village to learn about the area's farming and ranching heritage.
  • Dinner at Brodard Chateau, a Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant known for their delicious spring rolls.
  • Start the day at Disneyland Park, just a short drive away from Garden Grove. Experience classic rides like Space Mountain and It's a Small World, meet your favorite Disney characters, and indulge in some park snacks.
  • Head to Disney's California Adventure Park for even more thrills, including the Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT! ride and the World of Color nighttime spectacular.
  • Finish the day at The Cheesecake Factory at Anaheim GardenWalk, a mall with a variety of dining and entertainment options.
  • Drive to Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA. Spend the day lounging on the beach, renting a bike or surfboard, and exploring the shops and restaurants of Main Street.
  • Check out the International Surfing Museum to learn about the history and culture of the sport.
  • Grab some seafood at Duke's Huntington Beach, a beachfront restaurant with Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
  • Visit the Atlantis Play Center, a unique park with dinosaur sculptures, a castle, and other imaginative play areas for kids.
  • Head to Little Saigon, a nearby neighborhood with a large Vietnamese-American population. Try some delicious pho at Pho 79 or Banh Cuon Luu Luyen.
  • Catch a movie at Regal Garden Grove, a theater with recliner seats and a bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails.
  • Dinner at The Gypsy Den, a quirky cafe with a bohemian vibe and live music on weekends. Don't miss their signature Rainbow Cake for dessert.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Garden Grove by plane is to fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) located in Santa Ana, which is the closest airport to Garden Grove. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to your final destination.

Car

The best way to get to Garden Grove by car is to take the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) or the San Diego Freeway (I-405). Both highways intersect near Garden Grove, making it easily accessible by car.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no train stations in Garden Grove. The closest stations are in Fullerton and Anaheim, both of which are serviced by Amtrak and Metrolink train services. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Garden Grove.

Boat

Since Garden Grove is located inland, there are no boat services available to get there.

Bus

One of the best ways to get to Garden Grove by bus is to take Greyhound. The Greyhound station is located in Anaheim, and from there, you can take a taxi or local bus to Garden Grove.

More travel plans

Budget-Friendly Fun: Garden Grove in 2 Days

Garden Grove is an ideal travel destination for those on a limited budget. With its affordable accommodations, visitors can enjoy the city's top attractions such as the Garden Grove Farmers Market, the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, and the Crystal Cathedral without breaking the bank. Additionally, the city offers plenty of free or low-cost activities like hiking in Garden Grove Park or exploring the Harbor Boulevard area.

5 Day Getaway: Explore Garden Grove and Beyond

Garden Grove is a charming city located in Orange County, California. While there, tourists can explore the various cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Crystal Cathedral and the Stanley Ranch Museum. Additionally, the city offers numerous shopping and dining options, as well as a bustling nightlife scene.

5 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun in Garden Grove

Visiting Garden Grove on a limited budget can be an enjoyable experience, as there are many free outdoor attractions to explore, such as Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village, and Atlantis Play Center. There are also affordable dining options available, such as Dos Chinos and the Orange County Marketplace for budget-friendly shopping. In terms of transportation, taking buses or cycling around the city can be a cheaper and fun way to get around.

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Garden Grove, California is a city with a rich history and diverse culture. A visit to Garden Grove will allow tourists to explore its many parks, gardens, and historic sites, such as the Crystal Cathedral and Stanley Ranch Museum. Additionally, Garden Grove is known for its variety of delicious food options, including Vietnamese, Korean, and Mexican cuisine.