Historic Main Street Garden Grove
A historic heart of Garden Grove, buzzing with weekly car shows, vibrant cultural festivals, and diverse culinary delights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Car shows and lively atmosphere
Historic Main Street Garden Grove
Best Time
Car shows and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic heart of Garden Grove, buzzing with weekly car shows, vibrant cultural festivals, and diverse culinary delights.
"Experience the charm of classic cars, delicious food, and lively cultural events on Historic Main Street!"
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Don't miss out! Main Street hosts many events like Lunar New Year & Strawberry Fest.
🚗 Friday Night Car Show
Classic cars, music, and a great block party vibe every Friday.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lunar New Year Festivities
Historic Main Street
Experience vibrant floral decorations, traditional attire, and a lively cultural celebration during Tet.
+1Friday Night Car Shows
Historic Main Street
Marvel at classic cars, lowriders, and vintage vehicles every Friday night with music and a block party atmosphere.
+2
Strawberry Festival Fun
Main Street and Euclid
Enjoy carnival rides, games, food, and live music every Memorial Day Weekend.
Aum Beer House
12900 Main St
Savor Asian fusion dishes, strong cocktails, and enjoy live DJs on weekend nights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Events
Parking & Weekday Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Don't miss out! Main Street hosts many events like Lunar New Year & Strawberry Fest. +1
🚗 Friday Night Car Show
Classic cars, music, and a great block party vibe every Friday.
🍜 Taste Asian Fusion
Aum Beer House offers great food, drinks, and live DJs on weekends. +1
☕ Vietnamese Coffee Spots
Explore unique Vietnamese cafes like Phin Smith and Phuc Long.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Don't miss out! Main Street hosts many events like Lunar New Year & Strawberry Fest. +1
🚗 Friday Night Car Show
Classic cars, music, and a great block party vibe every Friday.
🍜 Taste Asian Fusion
Aum Beer House offers great food, drinks, and live DJs on weekends. +1
☕ Vietnamese Coffee Spots
Explore unique Vietnamese cafes like Phin Smith and Phuc Long.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Parking can be limited during events; consider nearby lots or Costco during Lunar New Year.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Historic Main Street Garden Grove offers a charming blend of history and vibrant community life, particularly known for its lively events like the Friday night car shows and cultural festivals. Visitors appreciate the diverse culinary scene, especially the Asian fusion and Vietnamese coffee shops, and the nostalgic atmosphere of the restored historic buildings. While weekdays are quiet, the street transforms during events, offering a dynamic experience.
"🇺🇸 Historic Main Street, Garden Grove, CA
Though it’s just a short stretch, Historic Main Street is one of the key historical landmarks in Garden Grove.
In the 19th century, many people were migrating to the Midwest and Western U.S., and Garden Grove was one of the cities established by these settlers. Originally an agricultural community, Garden Grove was known for its orange and stone fruit farms (which is why early homes always had orange trees in the backyard). Main Street was the hub for community gatherings, which led to the development of surrounding services like post offices, churches, and local shops.
In 1905, the introduction of the Pacific Electric Railway boosted the transportation of agricultural products from Garden Grove, making it easier for farmers to ship their goods.
By the 1950s, with the rise of highways and suburbanization, local businesses began moving to larger shopping malls and newly developed towns, leaving Main Street’s glory days behind.
However, after 1980, there was a greater focus on historical preservation, and the city of Garden Grove invested resources to restore and maintain these original buildings. Today, many of these old structures have been given new life, housing restaurants, cafés, and thrift stores. The area also hosts annual events like car shows, concerts, and festivals, which help promote local culture and keep the economy thriving.
Garden Grove is also one of the primary destinations for Asian immigrants in Orange County. The city has a diverse population, with about 42% Asian, 17% White, 15% Hispanic (White), and 14% Hispanic. Around 44% of the residents are naturalized U.S. citizens who were born outside the U.S.
On weekdays, the street is pretty quiet, with most people hanging out inside the cafés. I took a walk around and came across the quirky Elvis-themed Mexican restaurant, Azteca Restaurant & Lounge, the popular Vietnamese coffee shop Phin Smith, another Vietnamese café called Phuc Long Coffee and Tea, and a thrift store that, to my surprise, sells wedding dresses and formal gowns!
It was a fun and relaxed afternoon.
📍 Garden Grove Historic Main Street
Free parking.
GPS coordinates: 8554Q3F6+X4, or just enter Phin Smith’s address: 12921 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
There’s a parking lot right across from it."
Jenny L.
"Lunar New Year 2023 is the year of Cat (Quý Mão) and this is the first time they decorated this Main Street with flowers to celebrate the New Year. Quite lots of people came in their traditional Áo Dài to take pictures. In front of the arch , across the Garden Grove St is Costco warehouse. Parking is limited so we parked at Costco and then walked over to the Main st."
Sky Moonie
"Quaint little Majority Asian businesses street. I was there for the New Year Flowers festival."
Tin Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Historic Main Street is located in Garden Grove, California. You can use the address 12921 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840 (Phin Smith's address) for GPS navigation. There is a parking lot directly across from it.
Yes, there is free parking available. A parking lot is located right across from the main street area. However, parking can become limited during major events.
Historic Main Street is a walkable area, perfect for exploring on foot. Most attractions and shops are within easy walking distance of each other.
While specific public transport routes can vary, checking local transit apps for Garden Grove will provide the most up-to-date information on bus routes that may service the Main Street area.
Yes, Historic Main Street is conveniently located in Orange County, making it accessible from neighboring cities like Anaheim and Westminster. Driving is the most common method, with easy access via major freeways.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Historic Main Street itself is a public area and does not require tickets for general access. Entry to the street and browsing shops is free.
General admission to the street is free. However, specific events like the Strawberry Festival may have separate charges for carnival rides or certain attractions.
Shop hours can vary, but most businesses on Historic Main Street are typically open during daytime hours on weekdays and weekends. It's advisable to check individual business hours if you have specific places in mind.
The Friday Night Car Show on Historic Main Street is free to attend. You can enjoy the display of classic cars and the lively atmosphere without any entry fee.
The best way to stay updated on events is to follow local Garden Grove social media accounts or check community event listings. Many events, like Lunar New Year and the Strawberry Festival, are free to attend. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a mix of businesses, including unique Asian-owned shops, cafes, restaurants, and even a thrift store selling formal gowns.
Absolutely! You can find diverse options like Aum Beer House for Asian fusion, Vietnamese coffee shops like Phin Smith and Phuc Long, and the Elvis-themed Azteca Restaurant & Lounge. +1
On weekdays, it's generally quiet and relaxed, with people enjoying cafes. Friday nights transform into a lively block party with the car show. During festivals, it's vibrant and bustling.
Yes, especially during events like the Strawberry Festival or Lunar New Year, which offer family-friendly activities. The car shows can also be enjoyable for all ages.
Don't miss the vibrant Lunar New Year decorations, the impressive classic cars at the Friday night show, and the unique local eateries and shops that showcase the area's cultural diversity.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lunar New Year floral arrangements offer stunning backdrops. The classic cars at the Friday night show are also highly photogenic. Look for the town's entrance sign for a classic shot. +1
Yes, taking photos of the cars at the Friday night car show is encouraged! It's a great way to capture the vibrant atmosphere and the beauty of the vehicles.
Golden hour, just before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for general street photography. Friday evenings during the car show are dynamic, while Lunar New Year offers colorful, festive scenes.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside private businesses. Many cafes and restaurants are happy to have you share their ambiance.
Street photography, car photography, cultural event photography (especially during Lunar New Year), and food photography are all popular here.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1During quieter times, exploring the unique shops and enjoying treats from Vietnamese coffee shops can be a pleasant outing. While the street itself is walkable, keeping an eye on younger children is advised, especially during crowded events. Consider visiting during the day for a more relaxed experience, or plan around a specific family-oriented festival.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
+3 You can expect a lively atmosphere with music and a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Beyond the weekly show, the street's general ambiance, with its vintage architecture, can appeal to those who appreciate automotive history and culture. It's a great opportunity to see well-maintained vehicles and soak in the SoCal car scene.
🍜 Foodies & Culture Seekers
The street truly comes alive during cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year, offering a feast for the senses with elaborate decorations and traditional foods.
+1 Exploring the various shops and eateries provides a delicious insight into the community's rich heritage and contemporary influences. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Main Street
The area's history as an agricultural hub and its significant Asian immigrant population have shaped its culinary landscape. This blend creates a unique gastronomic experience, from casual cafes to more vibrant evening spots. Exploring the food options is a key part of understanding the street's character and community spirit.
The Pulse of Main Street: Events & Gatherings
+1 This event draws enthusiasts and locals alike, creating a vibrant social scene. Culturally significant celebrations are also a major draw. The Lunar New Year festivities, particularly the 'Flower Street' event, adorn the street with beautiful floral arrangements and attract many to celebrate Tet in traditional attire.
+1 Another major annual event is the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, held every Memorial Day Weekend, offering carnival rides, games, food, and free concerts, making it a family-friendly spectacle. These events are crucial for the street's vitality, fostering community engagement, promoting local businesses, and showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Garden Grove. They transform the street from a quiet thoroughfare into a dynamic hub of activity and celebration.
A Glimpse into Garden Grove's Past
By the 1950s, like many downtown areas, Main Street experienced a decline as businesses shifted to larger shopping malls. However, a renewed focus on historical preservation starting in the 1980s led to the restoration of many original buildings.
The area also reflects Garden Grove's diverse population, with a significant Asian community contributing to its cultural vibrancy. This blend of history and contemporary culture makes Historic Main Street a unique and engaging destination.
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