Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Fullerton, CA

For much of its history dating back to the latter years of the 19th century, the territory in and around Fullerton was primarily dedicated to agriculture.

The climate and soil conditions are ideal for cultivating various citrus fruits such as Valencia oranges and grapefruit; however, over the years, its economy has evolved to focus on higher education, aerospace engineering, and tourism.

The city has slightly more than 130,000 residents and is situated in northern Orange County, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Fullerton’s attractions encompass historical and cultural venues, numerous restaurants, as well as a variety of golf courses and state parks conveniently located just a short drive away from the city limits.

1. Laguna Lake Park

For those seeking to unwind or engage in physical activity amidst nature without traveling to larger and more remote state parks, Laguna Lake Park in Fullerton offers an excellent setting for a few morning or afternoon hours.

The park boasts a network of unpaved trails that meander around a picturesque lake. These paths are accessible to walkers, joggers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

The lake supports a variety of gamefish species—including bass, trout, and catfish—that can be caught with relative ease. Additionally, there are several shaded seating and picnic areas near the dam close to Lakeview Drive.

2. Philz Coffee

For coffee purists who appreciate their brew in its most basic form, Philz Coffee in Fullerton is an ideal destination.

The establishment’s menu features over a dozen distinct blends crafted from high-quality beans sourced globally.

Each blend exhibits unique nuances and flavor profiles. If you’re uncertain about which option best suits your taste, their knowledgeable baristas are available to assist.

While popular drinks such as cappuccinos or lattes are not available at Philz, a diverse selection of sandwiches and freshly baked goods can be found.

Established in 1978, Philz is situated on North State College Boulevard in the city.

3. The Fullerton Arboretum

Given California’s abundant sunlight and fertile soil, it’s not surprising that the state grows more than half of the fruits and vegetables consumed nationally each year.

The Golden State is also home to numerous stunning gardens, and the Fullerton Arboretum is among Orange County’s most picturesque.

Stretching across more than 25 acres, it houses over 3,000 plant species from various parts of the globe.

The grounds are traversed by a network of trails, and an engaging agricultural museum is available onsite. It is advisable to visit their website for a schedule of guided activities and events prior to planning a visit.

4. Bootlegger’s Brewery

More than a decade ago, during the microbrew revolution that swept the nation, small-batch breweries emerged throughout Southern California.

Though Bootlegger’s Brewery in Fullerton has not been established as long as some competitors, it has garnered a dedicated patronage since its inception in 2008.

Currently, the brewery offers a broad array of products, ranging from staple selections to seasonal and limited release beers.

Popular choices include their pale ale and traditional hefeweizen—a type of German wheat beer.

For those interested in exploring Bootlegger’s operations, guided tours are accessible by appointment.

5. The Muckenthaler House, Art and Cultural Center

Constructed nearly a century ago, Fullerton’s Muckenthaler House stands as one of the area’s most meticulously preserved examples of Spanish Colonial-style architecture.

The estate features 18 rooms, spans nearly nine acres, and now serves as a historical, artistic, and cultural attraction that merits attention when in the vicinity.

In addition to guided house tours, the center hosts a comprehensive year-round schedule that includes musical and theatrical performances, festivals and fairs, art exhibitions, and workshops for aspiring artists.

The estate’s grounds are particularly breathtaking during the spring bloom, and the facilities are also available for private events.

6. Les Amis

Located on West Wilshire Avenue in Fullerton, Les Amis is a widely frequented restaurant known for its lively Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

The establishment serves lunch and dinner, offering various vegan options to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Previous visitors have described the restaurant as trendy, comfortable, and inviting, leading to significant crowds during peak dining hours.

Outdoor seating is particularly sought after during evenings and throughout the spring and fall when temperatures are typically mild, ranging from the 60s to 70s.

7. Cal State Fullerton’s Campus

University campuses often go unnoticed as vacation destinations; however, they typically offer expansive spaces, sporting events, and other engaging activities that can be enjoyable and sometimes free.

Cal State Fullerton, located on North College Boulevard, features numerous attractions, including a vibrant bookstore, an art center, and facilities for athletic teams.

Visitors may consult Cal State’s website to check the event calendar during their visit or simply wander around the campus and ask students for recommendations.

8. Crystal Cathedral

The Crystal Cathedral, located on Chapman Avenue in nearby Garden Grove, is regarded as one of Southern California’s most remarkable manmade structures.

Claimed to be the largest glass edifice of its kind in the world, it also houses one of the world’s largest pipe organs.

Its towering mirrored surfaces reflect and amplify sunlight under the intense California sun, giving the building a brilliant luster akin to that of a massive natural crystal.

The cathedral is approximately ten minutes southwest of Fullerton. As it operates as a place of worship, visitors need to attend a service or view it from the exterior before proceeding on to their subsequent activities.

9. Fullerton Museum Center

Situated on North Pomona Avenue in Fullerton, the Fullerton Museum Center was established to promote engaging community activities focused on history, culture, science, and the arts.

The museum’s interactive exhibits and staff-led initiatives cater to individuals of all ages and abilities. It also showcases an impressive compilation of contemporary pop-culture memorabilia, which is particularly popular among visitors from out of state.

Additional annual activities include concerts, guided tours, and lectures; thus, reaching out to confirm their calendar of events prior to your visit is advisable.

10. Craig Regional Park

Craig Regional Park is conveniently situated in Fullerton, just north of the Cal State Fullerton campus.

The park encompasses nearly 125 acres and features a diverse array of natural environments, including undulating hills, several creeks, a lake, and numerous shady areas ideal for picnics or leisurely reading.

For those inclined towards sports, the park is equipped with baseball and softball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.

For a peaceful stroll, it provides an outstanding atmosphere. Finding a secluded area should not pose a challenge, especially if you visit in the early morning or during weekdays.

11. Fullerton Golf Course

Orange County boasts several golf courses, with Fullerton Golf Course being a preferred choice for its picturesque holes, narrow fairways, and relatively short average playtime.

The course features 18 holes equipped with multiple tees to cater to men, women, and children across various ages. It is set in a canyon, resulting in significant elevation variations.

Water hazards are present on 12 holes, and the greens tend to be fast throughout much of the year, presenting challenges even for experienced golfers.

For those seeking professional guidance prior to playing, PGA teaching pros are available.

12. Clayes Performing Arts Center

Situated in downtown Fullerton, the Clayes Performing Arts Center is named after a generous alumnus of Cal State, whose contributions were instrumental in establishing the venue.

This state-of-the-art performance space showcases a diverse selection of annual shows, encompassing traditional music, stand-up comedy, dramatic plays, and contemporary dance performances.

Moreover, it is conveniently located near numerous downtown bars and restaurants, making it an ideal starting point for an enjoyable evening out.

Tickets for popular shows tend to sell quickly, hence purchasing in advance is recommended to prevent disappointment.

13. Disneyland Park

Although located in nearby Anaheim, less than ten kilometers south of Fullerton, Disneyland Park is a must-visit attraction for those in the region.

As one of the two distinct parks within the Disneyland Resort, it has been welcoming visitors since the mid-1950s.

Since its inception, it has attracted millions to the Golden State and continues to be a vital economic catalyst for local enterprises, including eateries and hotels.

The park has considerably expanded since the 1990s and now encompasses nearly 170 acres filled with amusement rides, live entertainment venues, dining options, and iconic characters from classic Disney films.

14. Marconi Automotive Museum

When the founder of the Marconi Automotive Museum relocated from Indiana to California in the 1950s, establishing a premier automotive museum was far from his plans.

However, following remarkable success in the vitamin and supplement industry, he began amassing vintage cars that would ultimately form the core of the museum’s collection, which opened in the mid-1990s.

The museum is situated in a refurbished food processing facility in Tustin, roughly 25 minutes southeast of Fullerton, just off Interstate 5. It is an essential destination for enthusiasts of European sports cars, classic American muscle cars, and hot rods.

15. Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village

The Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village is situated in Garden Grove, approximately 20 minutes southwest of Fullerton.

While smaller compared to other California ranches, Stanley Ranch was owned by a relative of the young Walt Disney, who famously used its garage as a studio prior to launching his global entertainment enterprise.

The ranch encompasses numerous buildings and a wealth of Disney-related memorabilia, including early prototypes of beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

As the facility does not operate daily, it is prudent to verify their schedule online or call ahead if you desire to arrange a one- or two-hour docent-led tour.