Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Placentia, CA

Placentia is a city of approximately 51,000 residents located in Orange County. It is recognized for its pleasant weather throughout the year, tranquil neighborhoods, and strategic location providing easy access to the coast and neighboring cities.

The city hosts numerous parks, historic structures, restaurants, and commercial centers such as Placentia Town Center, Sierra Vista Plaza Shopping Center, and Village Center of Rose.

Throughout the year, Placentia is home to various festivals and events, including the Heritage Festival and the Placentia Tamale Festival.

Below are fifteen outstanding activities to engage in within and around Placentia, California.

1. Get Outdoors at Tri-City Park

Tri-City Park serves as an exceptional venue for a day outdoors in Placentia. Spanning 40 acres of lush greenery, it offers numerous recreational opportunities.

Anglers can try their luck at fishing in the on-site lake, targeting species such as catfish and bluegill. Furthermore, birdwatchers can witness a diverse array of native and migratory birds.

Biking is a popular activity, thanks to several existing pathways, alongside a nearly one-mile walking trail.

Additional facilities include a playground and picnic areas equipped with barbecue facilities, along with restrooms.

2. Learn About Local History at the Brea Museum & Heritage Center

The Brea Museum & Heritage Center, alongside the Brea Historical Society, is dedicated to acquiring, preserving, and showcasing items of historical relevance to Brea and the surrounding region.

The museum houses over 15,000 artifacts, photographs, models, and documents. Noteworthy items include a saber-toothed cat fossil and models of oil derricks, which visitors can explore. A gift shop is also available on-site.

3. Spend a Day on the Greens at Black Gold Golf Club

Black Gold Golf Club presents an exquisite golfing experience, enveloped by stunning views in the neighboring community of Yorba Linda.

This 18-hole, par-72 championship course accommodates players of all skill levels, featuring captivating challenges like water hazards and elevation changes to enhance the game.

Modern golf carts include built-in GPS systems, and the driving range and putting green are illuminated for night play. Derrick’s Restaurant offers a diverse menu suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

4. Satisfy Your Hunger at Meat Up BBQ

Since its inception in 2014, Meat Up BBQ has been serving a variety of savory dishes. This West Coast-style barbecue restaurant offers an extensive menu, including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees such as St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken breast.

The beverage list features an array of craft beers, with at least 25 options on tap at any time. Inside, televisions are positioned around the dining area, and outdoor dining is also available.

5. Kick Back in Laguna Lake Park

Laguna Lake Park, located in nearby Fullerton, features a tranquil lake and is a favored location for picnickers seeking a serene outdoor environment, as well as anglers hoping to catch trout and catfish.

Several gravel trails surround the lake, perfect for walking, biking, and horseback riding.

6. Get a History Lesson at The Bradford House

The Bradford House stands as a historic site currently operated as a museum by the Placentia Founders Society.

This Victorian-style residence, erected in 1902, was formerly home to the Bradford family. Touring this living museum affords a glimpse into the daily life of a pioneer family from that era.

Visitors can explore two stories and 15 rooms, observing artifacts, period furnishings, coved ceilings, and a double fireplace.

Guided tours of the house are available on select days of the month.

7. Catch a Live Show At Brea Improv

The Brea Improv primarily showcases comedy acts, although it also hosts a variety of performances including plays and concerts.

Recognized as a cherished venue, it accommodates both established and emerging comedians.

Strategically located in downtown Brea, the theatre holds 528 attendees and features an on-site restaurant offering classic American cuisine alongside a bar with fine dining and beverage options in a refined setting.

8. Learn About Plants at the Fullerton Arboretum

The Fullerton Arboretum emphasizes the conservation of endangered plant species across its expansive 26-acre botanical garden, recognized as the largest in Orange County.

Winding pathways facilitate exploration, showcasing more than 4,000 plant species from around the globe.

The garden also features various collections representing distinct ecosystems and geographical regions, including woodlands, Mediterranean, and desert habitats, along with many native plants and a unique fruit grove.

A children’s garden is present on-site, and numerous events, including nature classes, are organized throughout the year.

9. Admire Beautiful Art at the Brea Art Gallery

Located in nearby Brea, the Brea Art Gallery encompasses a significant space housing exquisite artwork from across the globe.

Since the early 1980s, the gallery has presented both traditional and contemporary art produced by local and international artists.

Upon concluding your visit to the indoor galleries, you may wish to explore the outdoor area to discover 163 sculptures found throughout the city, part of the museum’s Art in Public Places Program.

Throughout the year, the gallery organizes various programs, such as workshops, presentations, and lectures, and features a gift shop offering art, literature, and souvenirs.

10. Visit the Fullerton Museum Center

A visit to the Fullerton Museum Center sparks interest in history, science, art, and the humanities through assorted engaging exhibits and programs.

For over a century, this museum has been displaying items that represent pop culture spanning the last 120 years.

The highlight of the museum is the exhibit featuring two galleries dedicated to Fender guitars and the storied history of this iconic musical instrument. Additionally, various rotating exhibits are showcased throughout the year.

Workshops, lectures, concerts, and classes form part of the program at the museum, which also includes a gift shop.

11. Plan Your Escape at Red Lantern Escape Rooms

Red Lantern Escape Rooms stands as the largest escape room establishment in Orange County, offering a stimulating activity suitable for the entire family.

For those unfamiliar with escape rooms, prepare for an enjoyable and exhilarating experience filled with puzzle-solving, clue-finding, and racing against the clock to escape a locked room, featuring themes inspired by movies and amusement parks.

12. Check out the Placentia Certified Farmers’ Market

The Placentia Certified Farmers’ Market operates weekly throughout the year, providing visitors with an opportunity to purchase fresh, local produce.

Among the approximately 30 vendors present, shoppers can find organic eggs, homemade bread, dips, prepared hot food items, baked confections, jewelry, and artisanal soaps.

13. See a Live Performance at the Muckenthaler Art and Cultural Center

Located in nearby Fullerton, the Muckenthaler Art and Cultural Center, established in the early 1920s, now functions as a venue for a myriad of performances throughout the year.

Approximately 60 events are organized annually, featuring a variety of theatrical performances, concerts, special galleries, and festival events.

The venue itself is worth the visit, consisting of a Spanish Colonial mansion encompassing 18 impressive rooms situated on a vast eight-acre property.

14. Dine on Authentic Mexican Fare at El Farolito

For nearly half a century, El Farolito has been delighting patrons with authentic Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This charming, family-operated restaurant provides diners with a welcoming environment and a diverse range of dishes.

The extensive menu features appetizers, burritos, salads, enchiladas, and a selection of entrees like steak picado, pork carnitas, pollo ranchero, and machaca de carnitas.

A variety of margaritas and other delicious cocktails are also available on the beverage menu.

15. Learn How To Ride a Horse At Yater Performance Riding

Yater Performance Riding, located in nearby Brea, offers horseback riding instruction for aspiring riders from age three and up. Expert instructors provide the training, combining their passion for horses with effective teaching.

Participants will learn fundamentals such as riding techniques, training, saddling, and grooming. Once the basics are mastered, excursions into the picturesque hills and valleys await.

For those already familiar with riding or even seasoned riders, lessons can be bypassed in favor of a sunrise or sunset outing in the countryside.