Do you live in a Camden apartment community in Southern California? Well, you're in luck! Because you just found THE guide to the most fun you'll have all summer! Whether you want to have an educational outing or experience a cultural event, the following places and events are a MUST to experience if you're living in SoCal!

Photo courtesy of author Nicholas Leone, family photos taken at the OC Fair

The Orange County Fair

Beginning on July 14, the Orange County Fair returns for a month, running until August 13. The fair itself is a must-see experience for anyone living in Southern California. With events like monster truck rallies, music acts like Which One's Pink and Rebulution, contests galore, and more! This is the OC cultural event of the summer.

There is something for everyone at the Orange County Fair, with rides, games, food, drinks, beer and wine gardens, and other vendors to buy goods from.

If you live at Camden Martinique, the fairgrounds are within walking distance from your community! Our residents have unparalleled access to this event. If you visit, make sure to get a deep-fried Oreo, a turkey leg, and a delicious beverage!

Picture courtesy of author Nicholas Leone. Seen here is the famous Reno Airracer "Strega"

The Planes of Fame Museum in Chino

If you live in the Costa Mesa, Carona or anywhere near the Chino Airport you HAVE to take a trip to the Planes of Fame Museum at the Chino Airport. Located just 20 minutes from Camden Landmark, this historical museum is home to some of the rarest airplanes in existence. Most of these planes are kept in such great shape that they can still fly!

Author Nicholas Leone with his two children in front of a historical P-51 Mustang as seen in Top Gun: Maverick and owned by Tom Cruise

In fact, on the first Saturday of every month, the museum hosts a "Hanger Talk" with experts, veterans, and volunteers where they not only fly an airplane from their collection, but also have a Q&A afterward. It's a fantastic way to spend a day learning aviation history. The Planes of Fame Museum is perfect for people of all ages.

Photo courtesy of author Nick Leone. Pictured are his wife, son, and daughter enjoying a ride on the railroad train

Irvine Regional Park and Railroad

If you live in Costa Mesa, Irvine, or Orange, then you NEED to visit The Irvine Regional Park and Railroad this summer. Filled with historical landmarks and important buildings from Orange Counties history, this regional park is a wonderful place to have picnics, family get-togethers, and even features a railroad ride for adults and children!

Photo courtesy of author Nick Leone of his daughter in Irvine Regional Park

This area is also home to the Orange County Zoo, so if you or your loved ones have an affinity for animals, this is a great place to visit as well. Irvine Railroad also features visits from Santa Clause and the Easter bunny when those holidays are here. These three events and places are what make summertime in Orange County unique and are close for our residents to enjoy. If you would like to find out about living in this area, check out this blog about Camden Martinique!