
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Mission Viejo, California, United States
1. Mission Viejo Flyers & Model Airplane Museum
A unique museum dedicated to the history and craft of model airplanes, featuring a diverse collection of over 600 models.
- Scale Models: Displays a wide range of models from various eras, showcasing the evolution of model airplane design.
- Model Building Demonstrations: Offers demonstrations and workshops where visitors can learn how to build their own models.
- Historic Aircraft Collection: Presents a collection of antique airplanes with historical significance, such as the original Lockheed Ventura bomber.
2. Mission Viejo Butterfly House
A tropical paradise housing thousands of exotic butterflies in a greenhouse-like environment.
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to walk among the butterflies, providing an up-close encounter with these beautiful insects.
- Butterfly Education: Provides educational programs about the life cycle of butterflies and their importance in ecosystems.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation initiatives for endangered species and helps rehabilitate injured butterflies.
3. Lost Canyon Nature Center & Archaeological Preserve
An archaeological site with Native American artifacts and a nature center offering hiking trails and educational programs.
- Historical Artifacts: Displays various artifacts from the ancient Chumash people, including tools, pottery, and petroglyphs.
- Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails that lead to scenic canyons, waterfalls, and historic sites.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops and lectures on the Chumash culture, archaeology, and local ecosystems.
4. Mission Viejo Rocket Fizz
A soda fountain store offering a large selection of unique, handcrafted sodas and ice cream floats.
- Handcrafted Sodas: Creates over 100 flavors of soda, using natural ingredients and traditional methods.
- Ice Cream Floats: Combines handcrafted sodas with various ice creams to create unique ice cream floats.
- Vintage Atmosphere: Evokes a nostalgic, vintage atmosphere with its old-fashioned soda fountain decor and service.
5. SkyPark at Saddleback
An aerial adventure park featuring zip lines, ropes courses, and other challenges high above the ground.
- Aerial Obstacle Courses: Offers a variety of challenging obstacle courses at various heights for all skill levels.
- Zip Lines: Features multiple zip lines that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours and instruction for those new to aerial adventure parks.
6. Mission Viejo's Witch's Hut
A whimsical, storybook-style cottage that serves as a gathering place for community events and celebrations.
- Storybook Appearance: Features a charming, fairytale-like exterior design with gingerbread details.
- Community Gatherings: Serves as a venue for various community events such as storytime, craft workshops, and holiday celebrations.
- Fantasy-Themed Decor: Inside, the hut is adorned with fantasy-themed decor, providing a magical atmosphere for visitors.
7. Mission Viejo's Mystic Maze
A corn maze with a twist: it changes shape every year and features various challenges and puzzles.
- Changing Design: Reconfigures its design each year, creating a new experience for visitors.
- Puzzles and Challenges: Incorporates puzzles and challenges throughout the maze for added fun and excitement.
- Seasonal Events: Hosts seasonal events such as haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and corn cannons during specific times of the year.
8. Mission Viejo's Secret Garden
A hidden oasis with unique plants, water features, and sculptures tucked away in a residential neighborhood.
- Hidden Location: Located within a residential area and requires knowledge of its location to find.
- Unusual Plants: Features rare, exotic plants not commonly found in other gardens.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful, serene environment for relaxation and reflection.
9. Mission Viejo's Paint Nite Events
A series of social painting events where participants create their own artwork guided by a professional artist.
- Professional Guidance: Offers guidance from experienced artists to help participants create unique pieces.
- Social Atmosphere: Provides a fun and social atmosphere where attendees can meet new people and enjoy themselves.
- Variety of Subjects: Offers a wide range of painting subjects, from landscapes to abstract designs.
10. Mission Viejo's Ghost Town Alive!
A theatrical event that transforms the city into a western-style ghost town with actors playing out scenes.
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to interact with costumed actors and participate in various activities.
- Historical Themes: Incorporates historical themes and stories of the west to create an immersive experience.
- Food and Merchandise: Offers food, drinks, and merchandise from the era to enhance the overall experience.
11. Mission Viejo's Miniature Golf
A miniature golf course with unusual, whimsical obstacles and challenges.
- Unusual Obstacles: Features unique, creative obstacles that require skill and strategy to overcome.
- Scenic Views: Provides scenic views of the surrounding area as players make their way through the course.
- Fun for All Ages: Offers a fun and challenging experience for both children and adults.
12. Mission Viejo's Time Capsule Park
A park dedicated to a time capsule buried by the founders of Mission Viejo, set to be opened in 2078.
- Historic Time Capsule: Houses a time capsule containing items and messages from the city's founders.
- Community Involvement: Encourages community members to contribute items for inclusion in future time capsules.
- Memorial Plaza: Includes a memorial plaza honoring the city's founders and early residents.
13. Mission Viejo's Splash Canyon
A water park featuring slides, wave pools, and other water attractions for all ages.
- Water Attractions: Offers a variety of water attractions such as slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Provides a safe and enjoyable environment for families to spend time together.
- Private Cabanas: Rents private cabanas for those seeking a more secluded experience.
14. Mission Viejo's Ghost Bike Tour
A nighttime bike tour that explores the city's haunted history and ghost stories.
- Haunted History: Explores the city's historical sites and legends associated with paranormal activity.
- Guided Experience: Offers a guided tour led by knowledgeable guides who share stories and anecdotes about local ghost sightings.
- Group Activities: Provides opportunities for group events, such as team-building exercises or birthday celebrations.
15. Mission Viejo's Upside Down House
A house that appears to be upside down from the outside, providing an interesting visual experience.
- Upside-Down Design: Features a design where the building appears upside down when viewed from the street.
- Photo Opportunities: Offers numerous photo opportunities for visitors, both inside and out.
- Tourist Attraction: Serves as a popular tourist attraction, drawing in people from all over the area.