Things To Do
in Fullerton
Fullerton is a compact Orange County city that blends historic storefronts with a modern dining and arts scene. Its downtown core is walkable and lively, tied to the nearby campus and several cultural venues. The city serves as a convenient base for exploring both the urban edge of OC and nearby nature preserves.
With parks, museums, and a steady stream of events, Fullerton offers a family-friendly, approachable pace for visitors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Fullerton Café, where you can savor fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, wander through the streets of the Historic Downtown area, admiring the vintage architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of the city. Don’t forget to stop by the Fullerton Museum Center to learn about local history and art.
In the afternoon, grab a light lunch at a local deli before heading to the Fullerton Arboretum, where you can stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy the serene landscapes. Spend time exploring the different plant collections and learning about the importance of conservation. If you're feeling adventurous, take a guided tour to deepen your appreciation of this natural oasis.
As the sun sets, head to the iconic Matador Cantina for dinner, where you can indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine and refreshing cocktails. After dinner, catch a live performance at the historic Fox Theatre, which showcases a variety of music and arts events throughout the year. End your night with a leisurely walk down Commonwealth Avenue, soaking in the vibrant nightlife and charming atmosphere.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at The Filling Station Café, known for its unique décor and hearty portions. After your meal, visit the Fullerton Art Walk, where you can explore local galleries and meet artists showcasing their work. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local art scene and perhaps find a unique souvenir to take home.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a nearby bistro, followed by a visit to the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, a beautiful estate that hosts art exhibits and cultural events. Spend your afternoon wandering the grounds and appreciating the outdoor sculptures and gardens. If time permits, participate in a workshop or class offered by the center to further engage with the local art community.
As evening approaches, head to downtown Fullerton for a casual dinner at a trendy gastropub, where you can sample local craft beers and gourmet burgers. After dinner, catch an indie film at the independent movie theater nearby, providing a unique cinematic experience. Finish off your night with a stroll through the city, enjoying the lively atmosphere and perhaps stopping for dessert at a local ice cream shop.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment in city center | $1800-2400 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $4-6 |
| 💡Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water) | $100-260 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Walkable downtown with many dining and cultural options
- Strong university presence and related events
- Easy access to parks, gardens, and nature nearby
- Variety of cuisines and casual, family-friendly ambiance
- Can be car-dependent beyond the downtown core
- Parking can be challenging at peak times
- Weekend nightlife can bring noise to some neighborhoods
- Some attractions require short drives to reach from the core
Places to Visit in Fullerton
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful storefronts, vintage signage, and a bustling street scene provide vibrant urban photography opportunities, especially at golden hour.
A stately hillside mansion with ornate gates and formal grounds—great for architectural and landscape shots.
Lush plantings, ponds, and walkways on the CSU Fullerton campus create serene nature photography backdrops.
Elevated views of the city and surrounding hills, especially during sunset for a panoramic shot.
Wooded trails and creekside scenery ideal for nature photography and wildlife observations.
Food in Fullerton
Fullerton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty burrito with carne asada, French fries, pico de gallo and cheese; a staple at many casual taquerias in and around downtown Fullerton.
Must-Try!
Crispy or grilled fish with cabbage slaw, salsa and crema; widely available at coastal-adjacent and inland taquerias alike.
Double-fried, ultra-crispy chicken with gochujang or soy glaze; common in Korean-influenced spots along the downtown dining corridors.
Slow-braised meat filled tortillas with rich consommé for dipping; a popular street-food variation found in several local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in Downtown Fullerton offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food stalls; a great place to sample local bites.
Around the Historic District there are informal stalls and pop-up eats on peak evenings, offering quick bites and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake is common; polite conversation is valued, and people in downtown areas often enjoy relaxed, approachable interactions.
Allow others to be seated in restaurants; follow local cues for table service and order pacing; tipping is customary as noted above.
Respect campus rules during visits to CSU Fullerton and be mindful in residential neighborhoods around event times and parking regulations.
Safety
Tipping in Fullerton
Ensure a smooth experience
In the US, tipping 15-20% of the bill at restaurants is customary; tip bar service separately; cash tips are appreciated but cards are widely accepted.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; mobile pay options (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common; cash is always an option.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect warm to hot days with potential Santa Ana winds; stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings.
Often mild and pleasant; great for outdoor events and urban walks with comfortable temperatures.
Cooler days with occasional showers; layering is key and rain gear is handy for street photography and markets.
Warmer but not oppressive; many parks and gardens are at their best bloom-wise, creating vibrant photography opportunities.
Fullerton at Night
Hiking in Fullerton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular city-level loop offering a rolling route through neighborhoods and parks; suitable for a moderate workout.
Connects urban areas with nature paths within an established nature preserve.
Extensive trail network with canyons and hills in nearby Lake Forest for longer hikes.
Large natural area with long, scenic hikes and expansive OC views just a short drive away.
Airports
How to reach Fullerton by plane.
Santa Ana-based airport about 15–25 miles from Fullerton; car, rideshare, and shuttle options available; commonly used for regional and international flights.
A smaller airport in Long Beach offering domestic flights with convenient access to central OC; often less crowded than larger hubs.
Major international hub about 25–40 miles away; extensive flight options and multiple ground transportation choices to Fullerton.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large share of CSU Fullerton students and staff contributes to a dynamic, youthful civic life with frequent events and cultural activities.
Residential neighborhoods with parks and good schools provide a stable, family-friendly environment.
A diverse mix of Latinx, Asian, and other communities shapes the city’s dining scenes and community events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Strong local interest via CSUF Titans teams and community leagues; baseball venues and parks are common in the area.
Street ball, rec leagues, and university programs; urban courts and gym facilities are widely available.
Popular among youth and adults; multiple parks and fields support clubs and casual play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fullerton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for dishes built on vegetables, beans, grains, and cheeses; many restaurants offer adaptable vegetarian plates—ask about stocks and sauces that may contain animal products.