Weird & Unusual Attractions in Mission Viejo, California, United States

Mission Viejo, United States, Mission Viejo, Unique & Fun, Weird & Unusual Attractions

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.