Local Information

AUCCCD reserves Monday afternoon to give attendees the freedom to explore. If guided tours aren’t your thing, we’ve curated a list of local attractions worth visiting at your own pace. Details for these options will be posted soon to both the conference app and website.

Museums & Cultural Sites

Bowers Museum
https://www.bowers.org/index.php/visit 

The Bowers is located at the corner of 20th & Main Streets in Santa Ana - one minute from the 5 freeway, (Main St. South exit) and just minutes from the 57, 55 and 22 freeways.

The special exhibit, World of the Terracotta Warriors, will be running through October 19. Closed Mondays.


Heritage Museum of Orange County (Santa Ana)
A charming 12-acre site featuring historic buildings—including the Kellogg House—lush gardens, and citrus groves that bring early 20th-century Orange County to life.


Lyon Air Museum
Discover World War II-era aircraft, vintage cars, and aviation artifacts in an immersive museum honoring “The Greatest Generation.” Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Entertainment Venues / Options

Discounted Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets

These special ticket prices are not available once you arrive at the Resort.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The ticket store closes at 9:00 PM PST on Friday, Oct 10, 2025.

Don't delay! Prices are subject to change without notice.

These specially priced tickets are for sale only to individuals attending the event for use only by event attendees and their travel party during their stay. Each event attendee (with a registration confirmation) may purchase up to six (6) tickets from this ticket store. Disney reserves the right to contact the ticket purchaser to request that the ticket purchaser provide their event registration confirmation. If it is discovered that the ticket purchaser is not participating in or attending the event, it will be considered a violation of the ticket store terms and conditions, and the ticket(s) will be de-activated and will not be eligible for a refund. To enter a theme park, Guests (ages 3 and older) need both valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit. Park reservations are limited in number; subject to the availability of park reservations allocated to park tickets as determined by Disney, and theme park capacity; and are not guaranteed. Additional restrictions apply.


Honda Center
Click here to view the Duck's schedule


Gardens / Outdoor Attractions

Japanese Garden at Cal State
A serene garden offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and landscaping. Typically closed on Mondays—double-check before heading over.


Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
Perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll. The zoo is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring botanical exhibits and rides (additional fees apply).


Guided Walking Tours: Check locally for options such as historical neighborhood walks (e.g., Downtown Anaheim or Pearson Park tours). Available through local tour providers and community organizations.


Shopping and Restaurants

Diverse & Inclusive Orange County Restaurants

NameCategory / CuisineOwnership / InclusivityWebsite / Info Link
The Boiling Crab (Santa Ana) Seafood (Cajun-style) Vietnamese-American–owned http://www.theboilingcrab.com/
Georgia’s Restaurant (Anaheim) Soul food Black-owned http://georgias-restaurant.com/
Tribute Coffee House (Garden Grove) Café / Coffee Black-owned https://tributecoffeehouse.com/
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Santa Ana) Fried Chicken Black-owned https://www.gusfriedchicken.com/locations/santa-ana-california
Beale’s Texas BBQ (Santa Ana) BBQ Black-owned https://bealestexasbbq.com/
AoSA Coffee (Huntington Beach) Coffee Shop Black-owned https://aosacoffee.com/
Hambone’s BBQ & Grill (Bellflower) BBQ Black-owned https://hambonesbbqsmokehouse.com/
Made By Yub (Costa Mesa) Bakery Black-owned https://www.madebyyub.com/
Seaside Donuts Bakery (Newport Beach) Donuts Cambodian American–owned https://seasidedonutsbakery.site/
Rasta Taco (Laguna Beach) Mexican–Jamaican Fusion Latinx–Jamaican–owned https://rastataco.com/
Wahoo’s Fish Taco (Orange) Fusion seafood tacos Chinese–Brazilian founders https://www.wahoos.com/
Tin Lizzie Saloon (Costa Mesa) LGBTQ-friendly Bar Longest-standing gay bar in OC https://www.tinlizziesaloon.com/
Strut Bar & Club (Costa Mesa) LGBTQ-inclusive Nightclub Queer, all-inclusive club https://strutoc.com/


Shopping / Food Courts

Anaheim Packing House
440 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Located in the heart of downtown Anaheim, the Anaheim Packing House is a restored citrus packing facility turned vibrant food hall and community gathering space. This historic 1919 building is now home to a diverse array of artisan eateries, bars, and dessert shops, offering everything from ramen and Indian street food to craft cocktails and gourmet popsicles.

With its airy, plant-filled interior, live music on select evenings, and eclectic mix of local flavors, the Packing House is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Southern California’s culinary creativity in a fun, casual atmosphere.

It’s a great spot for lunch, a late afternoon bite, or just soaking in the local culture—and it’s only about 15 minutes from the Hyatt Regency Orange County.

More info: https://www.anaheimpackingdistrict.com


Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
irvinespectrumcenter.com

The Irvine Spectrum Center is a premier open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Orange County. With over 130 stores, including Nordstrom, Target, and Anthropologie, it offers a diverse retail experience. Food enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.

Entertainment options abound with attractions like the iconic 108-foot Giant Wheel, a classic carousel, and the Regal Irvine Spectrum theater featuring IMAX and luxury seating. For live performances, the Irvine Improv comedy club hosts renowned comedians. Families and friends can also challenge themselves at The Escape Game or enjoy games and dining at Dave & Buster's.

The center's vibrant atmosphere, combined with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and beautifully landscaped courtyards, makes it a must-visit spot. Located approximately 20 minutes from the Hyatt Regency Orange County, it's an ideal destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.


SteelCraft Garden Grove
Garden Grove CA's Outdoor Communal Hangout | SteelCraft
Address: 12900 Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA 92840

SteelCraft is a unique outdoor patio with multiple kitchens / food options.