Beyond the century-old buildings, cool restaurants and antique shops is a respected art museum that captures the California’s visual history along with Chapman University’s Huell Howser Archives.
California has its own style, its own light and its own distinct landscape. The Hilbert Museum’s collection of over 1,000 watercolors, oils and drawings is a significant repository of images of 20th century life by California artists, celebrating the unique artistic and cultural development of the Golden State.
Places to dine after visiting the museum
Don Jefe Jalapeños Grill
The Pie Hole
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen
Felix Continental Café
Citrus City Grille
Getting here
The Museum is directly across Atchison Street from the Orange Metrolink station.
The curiosity and fun that the late TV legend Huell Howser shared with Californians infuses a new permanent exhibit housed in Chapman University’s Leatherby Libraries. The Huell Howser Archives include images, text, and artifacts, which outline Howser’s career and legacy in California.
Places to take a break
Urth Caffé
Afters Ice Cream
The Pizza Press
Rutabegorz
The Filling Station
Getting here from the station
You’ll find the Exhibit at 222 University Drive on the Chapman University campus. It is a half-mile walk from the Orange Metrolink station.
The official name of that cool spot in the middle of the roundabout at the intersection of Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue is Plaza Park. Locals simply call it The Orange Circle. It was designed in 1886 and maintains its original layout complete with a center fountain. Here’s a detailed history of Plaza Park for history buffs.
We always suggest when planning your adventure to check the Metrolink train schedule to Santa Ana. Both the Orange County Line and the Inland Empire Orange County Line serve this destination.