We will be heading to Santa Ana, Mission Viejo area in a few weeks and are looking for suggestions of things to see and do. We have been there before but it's been awhile. We have no interest in going into LA and been been to San Diego. What's interesting, fun and even different? We are planning to visit the aquarium in Long Beach. Thanks so much for your thoughts and suggestions. FYI-we are in our late 50's and traveling without children.
Thanks-Mo

Mo,

I grew up there. The things we used to do with guests (besides Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm):

Newport Beach & Balboa Island - don't forget to have a Balboa bar

Laguna Beach & art galleries

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Shop till you drop at South Coast Plaza (if you have lots of money)

The Bower's Museum in Santa Ana sometimes has excellent special exhibits

Plus, lots of concerts and special annual events, sporting events too. Check out schedules for Angel's Stadium and the music center at South Coast (I can't remember the name now).

Old Town Orange for its historic district and dozens of antique shops.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs & Mud baths near Lake Elsinore is a good 50ish couple place, also you might want to check out all the businesses in Tustin where the Marine Base was and/or the Spectrum(where 5/405 meet)

Not sure how far south you want to go but we recently discovered Cedros Avenue - a fun artsy, shopping street in Solana Beach. Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach are also great areas to walk around.

"the music center at South Coast (I can't remember the name now)."

It's the Orange County Performing Arts Center. It's in Costa Mesa and it's just a walk over a bridge from the South Coast Plaza.

Thanks dbdurand,

I escaped 10 years ago and the name just wasn't coming to me! Such a beautiful venue.