3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Admission: Free with online reservation

Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The O.C. Museum of Art, located at the Segerstrom Arts campus in Costa Mesa, highlights the work of artists with innovative exhibitions and programs. Visitors begin their journey even before entering through the museum’s stunning design, an architectural masterpiece by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne. Read about the museum experience here.

2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706

Admission: $15 for students and seniors, $18 for adults, free under 12 years old

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Santa Ana’s Bowers Museum, the largest and one of the oldest in Orange County, aims to celebrate art and artifacts from cultures around the world. Its nine permanent galleries and special featured exhibitions offer a great place to explore the world of art for the common student as well as aspiring artists, who are free to sketch in the Bowers’ permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. Current featured exhibitions include “Fantasy: Realms of Imagination,” “Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt” and “The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen.” Although the museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, it is open the rest of the week for visitors to enjoy.

18881 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA

Admission: Free admission and validated 2-hour parking

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4.m.

Langson IMCA, a local arts exhibition curated by UCI, features American Impressionist art depicting the California landscape and curates a new exhibit every three months in a rotating schedule. The current exhibition, organized by the Nevada Museum of Art, is called “End of the Range” and features Charlotte B. Skinners’ vibrant depictions of California’s Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley desert country alongside works from Skinners’ mentors and other artists. The 2,500-square-foot gallery is free to visit throughout Thanksgiving week except for Nov. 28 and 29. Although the new museum is under construction on UC Irvine’s North Campus, Langson IMCA remains open at its temporary museum location.

307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Admission: $10 for students, seniors and military, $15 for general admission, free for 12 years and under

*Free on the first Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As the oldest cultural institution in the area, the Laguna Art Museum exclusively showcases California art and even includes an original gallery built by the Laguna Beach Art Association in 1929. The museum commemorates California artists across all periods and styles as well as pieces that reflect California’s vibrant history. With its location in Laguna Beach, visitors have the opportunity to explore both California’s art and beautiful coast in one trip. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving but open during the rest of the week.

167 N. Atchison Street, Orange, CA 92866

Admission: Free online reservations recommended; no reservations needed for Chapman students, faculty and staff with Chapman IDs

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Hilbert Museum of California Art contains one of the world’s largest collections of California narrative art, with more than 5,000 pieces spanning from the late 19th century to present day. With a permanent collection along with rotating exhibits and art-inspired events, the museum helps visitors explore California’s unique legacy and history. The Hilbert Museum is closed on Nov. 28 and 29 in observance of Thanksgiving.