California Scenario


The renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi designed this 1.6 acre sculpture park, steps from the arts center near South Coast Plaza and the Segerstrom Center. Noguchi's minimalist works honor the landscape of his native California, surrounding the enigmatic, reddish Spirit of the Lima Bean sculpture, itself cobbled together from 15 granite pieces.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve

2.46 MILES

The brackish water of this 752-acre reserve, where runoff from the San Bernardino Mountains meets the sea, supports more than 200 species of birds. This…

2. Muth Interpretive Center

2.47 MILES

This 10,000 sq ft center in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve is made from sustainable materials. Inside, you’ll find displays and information…

3. Orange County Museum of Art

4.62 MILES

This engaging museum highlights California art and cutting-edge contemporary artists, with exhibitions rotating through two large spaces. Recent…

4. Kidseum

5.04 MILES

Compared with other children's museums, this one is intimate and pretty mellow, with mostly low(ish) tech, hands-on art and cultural exhibits to keep the…

5. Bowers Museum

5.17 MILES

From its stately, Spanish Colonial–style shell, the Bowers Museum explodes onto the scene every year or so with remarkable exhibits that remind LA-centric…

6. Balboa Island

5.72 MILES

In the middle of the harbor sits the island that time forgot. Its streets are still largely lined with tightly clustered cottages built in the 1920s and …

7. Discovery Cube

5.89 MILES

Follow the giant 10-story cube – balanced on one of its points – to the county's best educational kiddie attraction. About 100 hands-on displays await,…

8. Balboa Fun Zone

6.02 MILES

On the harbor side of Balboa Peninsula, the Fun Zone has delighted locals and visitors since 1936. There’s a small Ferris wheel (where Ryan and Marissa…