The Best Things to Do in Mission Viejo, CA

Lake Mission Viejo with houses on lake front and blue skies

If you’ve just arrived in Mission Viejo, California, or you’ll be arriving soon, there’s a good chance you have many questions about what amenities the community offers. The good news is that Mission Viejo is an exciting place with many fantastic, fun, and interesting things to do!

To help you experience all of them, StorAmerica put together the following list of the best things to do in Mission Viejo: the top places to visit, see, experience, and enjoy! Read on to find out what you’ll be doing in your new town tonight, this weekend, and in the foreseeable future!

Living in Mission Viejo, CA

neighborhoods during daytime with flowers in foreground

One thing you need to know right away about Mission Viejo is that it’s one of the largest master-planned communities in the United States. The community’s motto is “Make Living Your Mission,” and with the gorgeous weather seen here year-round, that’s easy to do!

Wintertime weather is more like spring in most places, slightly cool at night but in the 60s and 70s during the day. Snow? Missions Viejo sees absolutely no snow, so heavy clothing like winter jackets, gloves, and scarves won’t be necessary. Summer is a dream, with temps usually in the high 80s but rarely any higher.

What is Mission Viejo, CA, Known For?

Known for being a massive planned community that’s safe, attractive, and near some of the best beaches in California. (Laguna Beach is 8 miles away.) In a state where water is often hard to come by, you’ll be glad to know that Mission Viejo has plenty of agua, thanks to nearby Lake Mission Viejo.

Top Things to Check Out

If we’re being honest, Mission Viejo isn’t the most exciting place for nightlife in this area of California unless your idea of excitement is playing “Cards Against Humanity” with your next-door neighbors. That said, there are still various fascinating things to check out around the area, including the ones we’ve listed below.

A Hidden Vine on the Lake

If you find wine delightful, A Hidden Vine on the Lake, situated on lovely Lake Mission Viejo, will be your fave spot!

Lake Mission Viejo

Lake Mission Viejo is the most popular place for several reasons; just minutes from downtown and offers boating, swimming, skiing, and other water sports. There are also fabulous concerts here almost every weekend in spring and summer!

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course

18 holes, 17,000 yards, and featuring dramatic elevation changes and numerous hazards, this is one of the best golf courses in Mission Viejo!

Irvine Barclay Theatre

See the stars come out at the Irvine Barclay Theatre! From Shakespeare to dance, plays, cabaret, and jazz, it’s the best!

Free Activities

When you want to do something with the entire family (or maybe just you and your 4-legged friends), there are plenty of free activities in and around Mission Viejo!

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

A beautiful park with a 40-acre lake that’s stocked annually with trout and bass?! Yes, please! One thing to remember, though, is you must purchase a day-use fish permit. There are plenty of other activities that don’t need a pass, including horseback riding, boating, volleyball, and plenty of picnic tables!

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

A scant 15 minutes from downtown lies Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, with over 2,000 acres of wilderness and unique rock formations. For runners, bikers, and hikers, it’s a dream come true!

What to Do on a Rainy Day in Mission Viejo, CA

young African American woman holding shopping bags and smiling

It barely rains here but when it does, you need something to do to take your mind off the wet stuff. Below are a few ideas that should suffice very nicely!

California Fire Museum

With wonderful exhibits and plenty of history (and even a little learning, but don’t tell the kids!), the California Fire Museum is a treat for young and old alike! They also hold regular safety courses, which can be valuable for the entire family.

The Shops at Mission Viejo

Malls might be under siege from Amazon, but The Shops at Mission Viejo Mall are still going strong with over 100 shops, stores, restaurants, and specialty retailers!

Regal Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium

A massive movie theatre with 20 screens should make the family happy. Locals call it the gold standard of movie theatres.

What to Do on a Sunny Day in Mission Viejo, CA

There are plenty of things to do in Mission Viejo when the sun is shining! That’s good because the sun is almost always shining here! Aside from all the outdoor areas we’ve already mentioned, you can enjoy the following activities whenever the sun’s out and about!

  • Boating, fishing, and swimming on Lake Mission Viejo
  • Hiking, biking, and jogging on all the area’s trails
  • Hit the beaches! Table Rock, and West Street Beaches
  • Go golfing at one of the many local golf courses
  • Head over to O’Neill Regional Park
  • Visit lovely Newport Beach, CA, a place many call “paradise.”

StorAmerica: For ALL Your Storage Needs in Mission Viejo, CA

If you need storage in Mission Viejo, CA, StorAmerica has everything you need to store your things like a pro! Our monthly rentals keep you from getting stuck in a long-term contract, and our clean, safe storage units will ensure all your valuables stay in pristine condition.

Many new arrivals store their household goods with us while searching for their new Mission Viejo home. Just as many local business owners use our storage units for overstock, old files, equipment, rental gear, and much more. Be sure to take a look at our storage unit size guide before renting. Once you’re ready, click the link to reserve your Mission Viejo storage unit online!