Fullerton is one of the best hidden gems in Orange County because there’s just a bit of everything there. Whether you love nature, musicals, or adventures, there’s something for everyone in this city. If you’re not a fan of how busy and crowded Los Angeles is but love the abundance of activities the city offers, then visiting Fullerton is definitely a no brainer. In this post, we’ll present you the best things to do in Fullerton that are definitely worth a visit for a day trip or to spend a weekend.

What is Fullerton California known for?

Fullerton is primarily a residential neighborhood with a very community atmosphere. It’s very well known for education as well since Fullerton College and California State Fullerton are both located in the city. The nightlife is also a highlight in this city.

Things To Do In Fullerton

1. Fullerton Arboretum

The Fullerton Arboretum is a beautiful botanical garden and is located on the California State University, Fullerton’s campus. The entire garden takes up around 26 acres of land, making it the largest botanical garden in Orange County and one of the largest in Southern California. The arboretum contains a wide variety of over 4,000 plants from around the world including rare and endangered species.

2. Clayes Performing Arts Center

This is a performance venue located at the California State University, Fullerton campus. The performance arts center has three theaters and a few rehearsal spaces. A variety of performances are hosted here throughout the year including dance performances, concerts, musicals, plays, and more.

3. Fullerton Museum Center

This Museum is housed in the city’s historic Carnegie Library building and is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. Take a step inside and you can find a variety of exhibits featuring Fullerton’s history, art, and culture. Specifically, you can find information about Fullerton’s agricultural history and involvement in the aerospace industry in the past. There are rotating exhibits throughout the year and you can find workshops and family activities here as well. While you’re here, check out the Fullerton Downtown Plaza nearby.

4. Maverick Theater

Maverick Theater is a small theater in Fullerton founded in 2002. The theater has a casual ambiance and hosts live performances of productions, comedy shows, musicals, dramas, and more. The space only sits 60-80 guests so it creates a very intimate and immersive experience for guests. The theater is run by volunteers.

5. Bourbon Street Bar

This is a very popular bar and restaurant in Fullerton. The atmosphere resembles a New Orleans vibe with jazz music and traditional Southern dishes. Popular dishes they have include gumbo and jambalaya. They also serve American food like burgers and sandwiches as well. They offer a wide range of drinks including beers, wines, and cocktails. Not only do they have great food, but they also have a very lively atmosphere with live music performances. A great spot for both tourists and locals.

6. Laguna Lake Park

For all the nature lovers out there, Laguna Lake is a must-visit park in Fullerton. The park has a large lake, walking and biking trails, a playground, and picnic areas. The lake is a natural body of water and has a variety of aquatic wildlife like fish, turtles, and waterfowl. If you have a fishing license, you can even fish here. It’s a great spot for families and group gatherings. The calming vibes and picturesque environment makes this one of the best things to do in Fullerton.

7. Summit House Restaurant

The Summit House is an upscale restaurant that sits on the top of a hill that overlooks amazing views. The restaurant serves classic American cuisine and their most popular dishes are steak or seafood. There are also vegetarian options as well. The restaurant also serves a wide range of wines. The interior is a very elegant decor with dark wood accents. It’s definitely worth it to come here to celebrate a special occassion.

8. Fullerton Golf Course

This is a public golf course in Fullerton with an 18-hole course for all skill levels. In addition to a golf course, this place also has a driving range, practice facilities, and a clubhouse with a pro shop. A few tournaments are sometimes hosted here also.

9. Fuoco Pizza

Love pizza? You need to try this place. This Italian restaurant serves delicious pizza using a wood-fired oven which is a traditional way of making pizzas. They offer a variety of different pizza toppings including pepperoni, mushroom, proscuitto, argula, gorgonzola, and even fig. By far one of the best pizza shops in Southern California.

10. Downtown Fullerton Market

Downtown Fullerton Market is an outdoor farmers’ market that takes place every Thursday from 4:00pm to 8:30pm. There are vendors here selling fresh produce, flowers, handmade goods, and prepared foods. The market also features live music and family-friendly activities like face painting.

11. Muckenthaler Art and Cultural Center

Muckenthaler Cultural Center is an 8.5-acre mansion on top of a hill built in 1924. There’s a total of 18 rooms in this home. This mansion was donated to the city in 1963 by Harold Muckenthaler who donated it in hopes of using it as a cultural center for the public. This home is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside you can find art exhibitions, concerts, educational programs, and other events.

12. Escapade Games

Escapade Games is a company that creates escape rooms which are essentially an immersive game where you need to solve a puzzle using the clues they give you. Their rooms have themes so you can find themes like mysteries, horror, science fiction, and historical adventures. Escapade Games has many locations including one in Fullerton and one in Los Angeles.

13. Marconi Automotive Museum

Marconi Automotive Museum is a private museum in Tustin. Not quite in Fullerton but very close. The museum was founded by Dick Marconi who is an entrepreneur. The museum features a collection of over 75 automobiles including a mix of classic cars, vintage cars, sports cars, race cars, and motorcycles. In addition to the car display, there is also an event space that is rented out for weddings and events.

14. Angel Stadium

Angel Stadium is in Anaheim which is just a short drive from Fullerton. It’s home to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Major League Baseball team. It’s one of the largest ballparks in the league. The stadium can seat over 45,000 people and has many modern amenities like luxury suites, modern video displays, and nice restaurants. If you’re a baseball fan or even just a sports fan, going to one of the games at Angel Stadium is a must. See upcoming Angel Stadium events here.

15. Fullerton Civic Light Opera

Fullerton Civic Light Opera is a non-profit theater founded in 1972. The theater presents high-quality Broadway-style musicals and plays. It has even won quite a few awards over the years. Some popular musicals that FCLO presented in the past include “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music”. The auditorium seats up to 1,400 people.

16. Craig Regional Park

Craig Regional Park is a 124-acre park with recreational activities for all ages. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and volleyball courts. You can even come hiking here and the hiking trails lead to really amazing views of the area. The park has a large lake that is filled with fish which makes it a popular spot for fishing. The Fullerton Arboretum is a part of this park and it is a must-visit place.

17. Matador Cantina

This is a Mexican restaurant that has a very lively atmosphere with colorful decor and a beautiful outdoor patio. The restaurant serves fresh Mexican-inspired dishes including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. You can also get yourself some specialty cocktails here as well. With the spacious setting, string lights, and a fire pit, this restaurant brings you a really cozy feeling.

18. Stanley Ranch Museum

Stanley Ranch Museum is a historic museum built in the early 1900s and is housed in the historic George Key Ranch, a 12-acre citrus ranch. The museum puts on display a collection of exhibits showcasing the development of Fullerton and OC. Some exhibits here feature antique farm equipment, historic photographs, and much more.

19. Fullerton Train Museum

Fullerton Train Museum is a railroad museum built in 1930 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features a collection of exhibits that showcase locomotives, cabooses, and railway cars. Visitors can even climb into the trains and explore the interior. There’s a lot of history you can learn about the railroad industry from visiting this place.

20. Pirates Dinner Adventure

Want an exciting and entertaining dining experience? Try out Pirates Dinner Adventure where they’ll present an interactive show with acrobatics, sword fights, and special effects. The story is essentially about a group of pirates who are on a journey to find treasure and the audience gets involved to help the pirates on their hunt. While watching the show, guests can enjoy a four-course meal. This is a unique and great experience for families and couples. Get tickets to the Pirates Dinner Adventure here.

21. Wild Goose Escapes Rooms

This is a popular one with themes such as a spy mission, a haunted hotel, and a superhero adventure. The interior decor is incredibly thoughtfully designed and really makes you feel you’ve been transported to that environment. Each game lasts around an hour and it’s the perfect interactive activity to do with friends.

22. Fullerton Public Library

For all of the book lovers out there, you’ll want to check out Fullerton Public Library. This library is quite spacious and offers a variety of physical books, audiobooks, movies, and more to borrow. They also host a variety of events throughout the year including book clubs, speaker events, author talks, and more.

23. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is quite a popular activity to do in Fullerton. It’s a really nice activity to do as a couple or as a family. A popular one is called Fullerton Recreational Riders and they offer horseback riding lessons. There are horses for beginners and advanced.

24. Bootlegger’s Brewery

Looking to enjoy a nice beer in a comfortable environment? Bootlegger’s Brewery is a must-visit when in Fullerton and they offer a variety of beers including lagers, IPAs, stouts, and more. They also occasionally have live music and food trucks. You’re allowed to bring outside food in here so you can bring your own food and enjoy the beers here.

25. Mountain Biking

Fullerton has a lot of top mountain biking spots for all skill levels. If you’re into something more adventurous, this can be a really fun activity. Some good places for mountain biking include Fullerton Loop Trail, Powder Canyon Trail, and Hacienda Hills Trail. The latter two are not exactly in Fullerton but are only a short drive away.

And that’s a wrap on the best Fullerton attractions! Use this guide as inspiration on the best things to do in Fullerton.

Read more: Want to explore more of Orange County? Read more about the top things to do in Orange County and top things to do in South Bay Los Angeles.

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