Cerritos

Day Trips

Start your day with a freshly brewed latte at a cozy coffee shop near the Civic Center. Wander through the manicured lawns and discover public art installations that celebrate Cerritos’s community spirit. Feel the early-morning calm as city hall and the community center come to life.

Head inside the Cerritos Library’s grand atrium to browse extensive collections and tech exhibits. Pause at the rooftop garden for a peaceful moment surrounded by greenery and city views. Pop into rotating gallery spaces to see local artists’ work and interactive displays.

Dine at a nearby bistro offering farm-to-table fare under softly glowing lanterns. Stroll over to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and soak up the buzz before curtain time. Let a world-class concert or Broadway production transport you to another realm under the spotlight.

Begin in the Cerritos Sculpture Garden surrounded by 16 abstract, large-scale works on display. Follow winding pathways that weave through trees and themed installations. Pause to read the artist plaques and reflect on the interplay of metal, stone, and light.

Spread out a picnic blanket in Heritage Park and savor artisanal sandwiches and fresh fruit. Listen to birdsong as you explore shaded trails that loop around a serene pond. Make time to visit the Heritage Center Museum to learn about Cerritos’s ranching and aviation roots.

Return to the Sculpture Garden for a golden-hour walk when the artworks are bathed in warm light. Enjoy food truck tacos or ramen under string lights in the park’s gathering area. End the night gazing at the stars from a hidden bench tucked behind a row of orange trees.

Arrive early at Los Cerritos Center to browse high-end boutiques and department stores before the crowds. Sample gourmet donuts or a bubble tea at the food court cafe. Hunt for the perfect keepsake in upscale shops and pop-up artisan stalls.

Refuel with a chef-driven lunch at an open-air dining terrace overlooking the fountain. Challenge friends to an arcade showdown at Round1 or virtual reality escape room next door. Take a leisurely stroll down European-inspired promenades lined with designer storefronts.

Sink into plush seats at the mall’s movie theater for the latest blockbuster. Order popcorn and a craft soda while the lights dim and the screen flickers to life. After the credits roll, cap the night with gelato and moonlit mall-side people watching.

Set off for Ralph B. Clark Regional Park and arrive as golden light filters through eucalyptus groves. Rent a rowboat or paddle kayak to glide across Willow Lake amid herons and turtles. Breathe in the cool, pine-scented air while you drift past lily pads.

Follow shaded trails through oak woodlands to the Interpretive Center and learn about local wildlife and restoration projects. Pause at scenic overlooks for panoramic views of the Puente Hills. Pack a deli lunch to enjoy at one of the covered picnic sites by the water.

Relax at a park barbecue area with pre-booked grills and picnic tables. As dusk falls, use the stargazing guides to spot constellations above the open meadow. Listen to crickets chirp and watch fireflies dance in the tall grasses around you.

Stretch out with a yoga class on the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts lawn. Sip herbal tea while watching future stars rehearse behind glass walls. Wander the backstage corridor and imagine the stories each show will tell.

Take a guided tour of the center’s hidden nooks, from costume shops to prop storage. Peek into rehearsal studios where professional dancers perfect choreography. Enjoy a light lunch in the on-site café overlooking the plaza.

Dress up for a dazzling performance—be it ballet, jazz, or touring Broadway. Let the artists’ voices and instruments wash over you in the acoustically pristine auditorium. Exit late with your heart racing from the final standing ovation.

Drive 20 minutes to Seal Beach and feel the sand between your toes at sunrise. Join a surf lesson with an experienced instructor to catch your first gentle wave. Warm up with a hearty breakfast burrito at a beachside shack.

Challenge friends to beach volleyball or paddle out on stand-up paddleboards. Explore the lively pier, where fishing lines and seagulls vie for attention. Cool off with a scoop of handmade ice cream while watching sailboats drift by.

Dine at a waterfront patio restaurant serving fresh-caught seafood and local wine. Watch the sky ignite in shades of pink and orange as the sun dips below the horizon. Take a moonlit stroll along the boardwalk before heading back to Cerritos.

Step back in time at Heritage Park Museum, housed in a restored 19th-century schoolhouse. Examine authentic artifacts detailing Cerritos’s ranching and oil-boom heritage. Chat with costumed interpreters who share anecdotes about early settlers.

Drive to nearby Little Saigon for a flavorful lunch of pho, banh mi, or fresh spring rolls. Wander colorful markets stocked with tropical fruits, herbs, and imported treats. Pop into a Vietnamese coffee shop for a sweet, condensed-milk cold brew.

Return to Cerritos and book a karaoke room at a lively family-friendly lounge. Savor bite-sized bao buns or dim sum as you belt out classics with new friends. Let loose under mirrored disco balls until the night winds down.

Hit the road to Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park as gates open. Race to your favorite roller coasters for front-row thrills on GhostRider and HangTime. Stop for freshly baked boysenberry donuts to refuel mid-ride.

Explore Camp Snoopy with younger companions and brave the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Sample wine and berry-themed dishes at in-park tasting stations. Wander ghost town facades and catch a live stunt show for a dash of Old West drama.

Stay for the spectacular nighttime light and fireworks show over Ghost Town. Marvel as bursts of color illuminate the sky above historic buildings. Head back to Cerritos with adrenaline still pumping and sugar-sweet memories.

Begin at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts gift shop for elegant souvenirs and artisanal crafts. Admire limited-edition prints and sculptures displayed in the lobby gallery. Chat with gallery staff about emerging local talents.

Cross the street to Cerritos Towne Center, where eclectic boutiques line sunlit walkways. Discover handmade jewelry, bohemian clothing, and artisanal chocolates. Pause for lunch at an al fresco café renowned for its farm-fresh salads.

Join a craft-beer tasting flight at a nearby microbrewery featuring seasonal brews. Sample hops-forward IPAs and smooth stouts while learning about the brewing process. Share tasting notes with fellow enthusiasts in a friendly, communal atmosphere.

Drive to Long Beach and begin at the Aquarium of the Pacific, marveling at tropical fish and shark exhibits. Pet a sea star in the interactive tide-pool gallery and watch playful sea otters. Sip on a coastal-inspired smoothie as you wander spacious hallways of marine life.

Stroll along Shoreline Village’s waterfront walk, hopping aboard a harbor cruise to spot sea lions and cargo ships. Enjoy fish and chips at an open-air restaurant overlooking the marina. Browse quaint shops selling nautical gifts and beach-themed décor.

Return to Cerritos for a celebratory dinner at an upscale steakhouse with panoramic city views. Toast to your 10-day adventure with a perfectly chilled glass of California cabernet. Reflect on the diversity of experiences—from urban centers to tranquil parks—that make Cerritos a hidden gem.