Fullerton is located on the northern edge of Orange County, California.
Since it became a city in 1887, it boasts numerous cultural and entertaining landmarks provided there are plenty of things to do in Fullerton.
There are numerous locations in the city to enjoy fun, ranging from theater to local drinking establishments.
You can also visit a number of natural and historical sites.
Top Things to do in Fullerton, California
1. Bootlegger’s Brewery Offers Beer Trials
Beer aficionados must visit The Bootlegger’s Brewery, and is among the top attractions in Fullerton CA.
The brewery is a relatively recent establishment in the city and offers a variety of beers. It is situated close to South Highland Avenue.
You can sample a variety of hard seltzers and pale ales at the brewery, to name a couple.
You can mix your drink with a variety of foods, such as sandwiches and tacos, in addition to a lengthy list of blends.
Additionally, you are free to purchase additional goods and services online.
2. Go hike, Swim, or Fish in Laguna Lake Park
Are you seeking some outdoor activities in the city? Then go to Laguna Lake Park for some fishing, cycling, and other outdoor fun.
Laguna Lake Park is one of the many parks in Fullerton, and it can be found on Lakeview Drive.
This park has picnic areas and numerous routes for hikers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, and is one of the best outdoor things to do in Fullerton CA.
Check the stocking schedule if you’re interested in fishing in the lake and want to catch some bluegill or catfish.
When visiting Laguna Lake Park, you can participate in a variety of outdoor activities.
3. Discover the Muckenthaler Cultural Center’s Art
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, originally known as the Muckenthaler House, is one of the best places to visit in Fullerton for art lovers.
There are several elements to explore in the center, including a gallery and two types of gardens.
Depending on the month, you can browse a variety of pieces at the gallery, including artworks, portraits, and other media.
The sculpture garden at the center houses additional works of sculpture made of various materials.
Along with artwork, the facility has a garden with a variety of plants that bloom in the late summer.
Additionally, the center holds a number of events, such as concerts, plays, and exhibitions of art.
If you wish to tour the gallery, head towards West Malvern Avenue.
4. Tour the Fullerton Train Museum
One of the unique things to do in Fullerton, the venue is located on East Santa Fe Avenue that offers a wealth of historical information.
Various antique railcars are on display at the Fullerton Train Museum, which is a museum run by the Southern California Railway Plaza Association, Inc. (SCRPA).
Some of the railcars on display in this museum date back to 1926 and have been restored.
Unfortunately, the museum is only open on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
When it opens, have a guided tour and observe staff working on renovations.
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5. Play Sports at Craig Regional Park
Craig Regional Park is one of several parks that offer a variety of sports and outdoor activities in Fullerton CA.
This park offers a variety of amenities, such as picnic areas, nature trails, and ball fields and courts.
The 124-acre park first welcomed guests in 1974 and has since grown to include a variety of sights and activities for tourists to enjoy.
Aside from recreational opportunities, the park has a three-acre lake and a wildlife refuge.
When you visit Craig Regional Park, you’ll have a tonne of outdoor enjoyment.
6. Escapade Games will Put Your Puzzle Skills to the Test
Escapade Games is one of the many escape rooms that you may find in the city.
The Last Experiment and Zoe are two different kinds of live escape room games offered at Escapade Games.
Both chambers can seat 2-6 people and have a time limit of 60 minutes. They will take you on a paranormal adventure with a moderate level of difficulty for escape room lovers.
One of the fun things to do in Fullerton, the Escapade Games is a must-see for fans of mystery and ghost stories.
7. Visit the Fullerton Museum to Peruse the History and art Exhibits
The Fullerton Museum, located on North Pomona Avenue, exhibits both local history and art. The museum began as a library in 1904 before evolving into its current form in 1985.
The museum has a number of displays that teach visitors about the history of the city and prominent residents, and is one of the top things to do in Fullerton CA.
A gallery featuring local musician Leo Fender is the main highlight of the museum.
Aside from historical exhibitions, there are various pieces by local artists on show. The museum also offers a variety of activities and events, including a tour of local paranormal stories and puzzles.
8. Crack the Code to Wild Goose Escape’s Puzzles
Check out Wild Goose Escape if you seek fun and entertainment with your loved ones.
Wild Goose Escape is an escape room facility with four types of chambers, the majority of them have a horror theme.
The Cold War bunker stands out among the chambers, challenging players to stop a nuclear launch before time runs out.
The Cold War Bunker offers two rooms where two teams of 2 to 6 can compete against one another.
The other rooms, on the other hand, test players through various frightening scenarios and have a maximum capacity of 7 people at one-go.
9. Learn about Disney’s legacy at Stanley Ranch Museum
The Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village was formerly held by a relative of young Walt Disney. One of the best things to do near Fullerton with kids, and is situated in Garden Grove only 20 minutes southwest of Fullerton.
The ranch is believed to be small by California ranch standards. Its garage was frequently used as a studio by a young Walt Disney before he founded the global entertainment empire.
The Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village is made up of numerous structures and historical Disney figures. It features the first iteration of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their early stages of development.
If you want to visit the ranch, you should either give them a call to sign up for a guided tour. You can also visit their website to learn about their various schedules as it is not always open to guests.
10. Catch a Show at the Clayes Performing Arts Center
What to do in Fullerton to catch some entertainment? The California State University has a theater called the Clayes Performing Arts Center on North State College Boulevard.
Additionally, it has multiple venues and hosts a number of shows every year.
The Clayes Performing Arts Center, which is part of the college of arts, is one of many venues within the institution where you may witness local talent.
This theater hosts a variety of activities, including concerts and dances.
You may learn more about daily events by visiting the box office, which is located southwest of the theater.
11. Dine at the Villa del Sol
The Villa del Sol is one of the best spots to go window shopping in the city.
A historic building from 1922 is a home to a number of stores, restaurants, and other enterprises at the moment.
This arena is located in the downtown area along North Harbor Boulevard.
The Villa del Sol provides a location for numerous events, including weddings, in addition to housing various enterprises.
The Villa del Sol offers a variety of experiences, whether you decide to shop, eat, or get a stay there.
12. Attend a Performance at the Maverick Theater
Maverick Theater is one of many venues in Fullerton where you may see a performance.
Maverick Theater is a storefront theater on East Walnut Avenue that has been in business since 2002. It offers a variety of performances, including literary readings, comedy, and operas.
The theater features two stages: one is a cabaret stage for Broadway, and the other is a black box theater for smaller events.
This theater offers a wide selection of both traditional and contemporary performances, and you may even try out if you’re interested.
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13. Stroll through the flowers at the Fullerton Arboretum
Enthusiasts of plants and nature should visit the Fullerton Arboretum.
The 26-acre botanical garden, which is situated on Associated Road, is adorned with thousands of different plant species, and has a variety to explore.
The garden has a number of walkways that take you to various collections, and contains a variety of trees, flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
The venue also provides educational programmes, activities, and displays.
14. Play a Round of Golf at the Fullerton Golf Course
If you’re interested in golfing, head to the Fullerton Golf Course.
The Fullerton Golf Course is one of several local golf courses in the city that can accommodate golfers of all skill levels.
The course has 18 holes for you to play. If you’re new to the sport, you can use the practice facility before you participate.
Aside from the practice facility, there are instruction programmes available for those who are interested.
You can take a break and have breakfast or lunch at the clubhouse on the course.
Go to North Harbor Boulevard to find the course.
15. Bourbon Street Bar & Grill Serves up Southern Cuisine
The Bourbon Street Bar & Grill is one of the eateries and bars in Fullerton where one can relax and unwind after a tiring day of explorations.
The downtown area is home to the Bourbon Street Bar & Grill, a restaurant that serves a variety of Southern fare and alcoholic beverages.
Among the blends available at the bar and grill are numerous beers and wines, as well as a variety of cocktails.
The Bourbon Street Bar & Grill is the place to go if you want to splurge on a few cocktails and a filling dinner.
16. Feel the Magic and Mystery of Infinity Escape
Infinity Escape is just one of the many spots in Fullerton where you can have a good time.
This escape room facility may be found on East Amerige Avenue, and features one-of-its-kin experiences.
The Magic Cottage and the Zombie Lab are two of these attractions.
You and your squad teleport to a village from the 14th century called the Magic Cottage where visitors need to break the curse to release one of two witch sisters who are enslaved.
Depending on your decision, you can either escape or become a victim of a killer witch.
The players take on the role of CIA operatives in the Zombie Lab scenario, trying to apprehend a rebellious lab assistant before he unleashes his gang of zombies.
Both sessions take 60-75 minutes and can accommodate a maximum of 6-7 persons. One of the best things to do in Fullerton where you can have fun with science or magic.
17. Bring your Kids Along at Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park is a theme park that is worth seeing while you are in Fullerton. It is a theme park that is situated less than 10 km south of Fullerton close to Anaheim.
It is one of the two unique parks located on the Disneyland Resort and was established and inaugurated in the middle of the 1950s. Today, it is a must visit place to visit for kids and families, and is one of the fun things to do in Fullerton CA.
As an economic icon, it has drawn many tourists and visitors since its establishment, contributing to the expansion of various companies, hotels, and restaurants in the surrounding region.
Since the 1990s, the park has had some expansion and upgrades, including 170 acres of theme park rides, eateries, musical concert venues, and iconic characters from classic Disney films.
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18. Car Lovers Must Head to Marconi Automotive Museum
The Marconi Automotive Museum is situated in a remodeled food processing building in Tustin. It is 25 minutes south of Fullerton near Interstate 5.
When its founders came to California from Indiana in the 1950s, they had no intention of establishing the Marconi Automotive Museum.
However, following a flaming success in his vitamin and supplement company, Michael made the decision to begin amassing a collection of classic cars. Today it is the most visited museum in the United States.
Don’t forget to include this museum on your list of exciting things to do in Fullerton if you enjoy automobiles. You would be having an opportunity to view a variety of magnificent American classic cars, sports cars, and luxury vehicles from Europe, and the rest of the world.
19. Crystal Cathedral is a Sight to Hold
The Crystal Cathedral, which is adjacent to Garden Grove on Chapman Avenue, is one of Southern California’s most impressive man-made masterpieces.
This structure, which is thought to be the largest glass structure of its kind in the world, holds one of the largest pipe organs in the entire globe.
Because of its mirror-like soaring surface, which intensifies and bounces light to create the glitter and luster of a gorgeous natural crystal, the cathedral’s splendor is enhanced by the powerful California sun.
Take a ten-minute drive southwest of the city to see this breathtaking glass cathedral, and it is among the top things to do near Fullerton. To obtain a glimpse inside the Crystal Cathedral, consider visiting one of its continuing services.
Best Places to Eat in Fullerton CA
In modern times, Fullerton is a vast, varied city; a lively college town with a youthful air that extends to its expanding food industry. A wealth of different cuisines keep bringing a fresh spirit to the town, even as many enterprises continue to retain the community’s decade-old culinary traditions. Visitors won’t ever go hungry with options from Asian, French, British, and Italian influences. Here are the top 10 dining establishments in Fullerton.
Rutabegorz Restaurant
In Fullerton, California, Rutabegorz was initially a little hippie hangout. The eatery started off providing only coffee and desserts. Today, it focuses on healthy food with a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Other options for carnivores include chicken, poultry, sea bream tuna, and a variety of deli meats. Additionally, there are wraps, sandwiches, soups, and salads that are prepared using the finest ingredients and served to devoted local customers.
Address – 211 N Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
Soco Sushi & Gastro Pub
It is a hip restaurant that has been solidifying its reputation as a hotspot for foodies for many years. Located in downtown Fullerton, this restaurant offers the greatest Asian fusion food in a fun environment, making it the perfect place to start your evening. The “salmon on fire,” sashimi that has been seared with ponzu and garnished with mint and radish sprouts, is one of the standout immediate choices on the menu. Enchiladas huevos, crispy chorizo waffles, and other egg-based delicacies are part of the brunch menu that is available on Sundays.
Address – 1925 W Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833
Summit House Restaurant
Summit House is housed in a historic English inn that has been hospitable to guests for many years. The restaurant offers first-rate English-style cuisine and boasts an inventive wine list in a magnificent setting, making it one of the top fine-dining locations in Fullerton. There are delectable lunch and dinner options available, the latter of which features barbecue prime pieces of beef and other top cuts, as well as stews, appetizers, and fish specialties.
Address – 2000 E Bastanchury Rd, Fullerton, CA 92835
Kim Loan Restaurant
Don’t let the shabby exterior of this establishment fool you. Kim Loan is the real deal when it comes to outstanding Vietnamese food in Fullerton. The business has been established for more than 25 years and features décor from the 1990s, which further enhances its appeal. The hearty pho selection is what pulls the people here, although classic rice dishes offered with grilled pig or salty shrimp will not disappoint. Visit during midday when folks are frenziedly eating and chatting.
Address – 1651 W Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833
Best Places to Stay in Fullerton CA
Some of the top recommendations include –
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fullerton
California State University at Fullerton and the city of Fullerton may be reached by car in 11 minutes. It offers roomy lodging and offers a free continental breakfast. There is also an outdoor pool available. A refrigerator and coffee machine are included in every room as standard equipment. All of the rooms feature carpeted floors, pleasant décor, a desk, and cable TV.
Address – 333 E Imperial Hwy, Fullerton, CA 92835
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Fullerton/Anaheim Conference Centre
This modern hotel in Fullerton, California, is close to Freeway 91 and has a pool with cottages by the water. The hotel provides a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast. The distance between Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center is 6.5 kilometers. A 24-hour business center is one of the amenities available to visitors.
Address – 222 W Houston Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
Grand Inn
This Fullerton hotel features an outdoor pool and is about 5.8 km from Disneyland and 5.7 km from Knott’s Berry Farm. Free WiFi is offered in each guest room. It’s 3 kilometers to the Fullerton Train Station. At the Grand Inn, each room has a flat-screen cable TV. Each pleasantly furnished room has a small refrigerator and is warmly decorated. There are vending machines on the property that sell candies, snacks, and beverages.
Address – 1000 S Euclid St, Fullerton, CA 92832
Holiday Inn Express Fullerton-Anaheim, an IHG Hotel
Disneyland is 15 minutes away from here. This hotel offers complimentary WiFi and daily continental breakfast. The distance from the property to Los Angeles is 37 kilometers. A work desk, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV are included in every room. Every room features a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The on-site fitness center is available to guests.
Address – 212 W Houston Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
When are you planning your Fullerton CA trip?
When Hometown LA published this list of things to do in Fullerton, they featured a number of them as Top Picks. We think that it’s important to include all of the 19 main attractions that they suggested to capture a good range of what visitors can expect from Fullerton.
It’s never a bad thing to be a bit more informed about the city you live in, especially if it’s one that’s fairly close to being a suburb of Los Angeles. Don’t forget to write down the places you want to visit on your next trip and check out those art exhibits. You might learn something new and be inspired by something you see!
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