Fullerton
Introduction
You will find Fullerton nestled in northern Orange County, California. This community offers you a local experience within the southern California landscape.
Before you go
Before you arrive, consider the layers of history that shape this community. You will find a landscape transformed from its origins as an agricultural hub for fruit and nut trees into a center for petroleum, manufacturing, and modern education and healthcare. The city's identity is also deeply tied to music; as the birthplace of the electric guitar, it maintains a vibrant scene rooted in the legacy of early solid-body guitar production.
When exploring the local culture, keep these characteristics in mind:
- The historic downtown serves as a revitalized district for your shopping and entertainment.
- You can experience a diverse culinary landscape where Korean restaurants, bakeries, and shops are found in various pockets throughout the city.
- The arts scene is active, featuring several theatre companies and a rich musical heritage.
Getting there
You can reach Fullerton by car via Interstate 5, which connects the city to Santa Ana and Los Angeles, or by State Highways 91 and 57 along the southern and eastern borders. If you are traveling from a distance, the nearest commercial airports include John Wayne Airport to the south and Long Beach Airport to the west, while Los Angeles International Airport serves as the primary international gateway for the region. For those with a pilot's license, the local Fullerton Municipal Airport provides a general aviation field for flying directly into the area.
Rail travel options include the Fullerton Transportation Center, where you can board the Pacific Surfliner between San Diego and Los Angeles or the Southwest Chief long-distance train. The Metrolink commuter rail also serves this station with the Orange County Line and the 91 Line. If you prefer by bus, intercity services such as Greyhound, Megabus, and Tres Estrellas de Oro are located in nearby Anaheim.
Getting around
While you will find that Fullerton is a car-centric city typical of Southern California, there are several ways to navigate the area without a vehicle. You can explore the walkable downtown district, where the street grid centers at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue. Located just down the street from this hub, the Fullerton Transportation Center serves as a major transfer point for various OCTA bus lines.
For those seeking a more active way to travel, you can navigate the city via an extensive network of public recreational trails. These paths are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian use, and they provide a continuous route that allows you to walk across the entire city from Ralph B. Clark Regional Park in the west to Craig Regional Park in the east.
Where to stay
You can find accommodations at the Fullerton Marriott located near California State University.
Food & drink
Savor a variety of culinary styles across the city, from hearty Italian pasta and seafood at The Mulberry St. Ristorante to fine French cuisine like foie gras and escargot served in an underground setting at The Cellar. For a taste of local culture, grab a classic burger with fresh-cut fries at In-N-Out or visit Taqueria de Anda for authentic tacos. If you prefer a health-conscious meal, Rutabegorz offers large salads and famous cheesecake, while Kimmie's Coffee Cup provides a traditional diner experience featuring banana-nut pancakes and handmade aprons.
Explore the vibrant downtown area, where numerous bars offer diverse atmospheres ranging from live music at Back Alley Bar & Grill to themed nights at Ziings. For those seeking specific pours, Hopscotch Craft Beer and Whiskey serves microbrews and whiskey inside a historic building, while Roman Cucina provides an intimate setting for martinis and wine. You can also find a selection of coffee at Veronese Cafe.
What to see and do
Explore the local culture and history by visiting the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, a former mansion that serves as an art school, performance space, and gallery. You can also visit the Fullerton Museum Center to experience various exhibits, galleries, and festivals. For those interested in unique machinery, the Moped Museum at Myron's Mopeds houses a collection of vintage mopeds from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
Nature lovers can explore the Fullerton Arboretum, which features a vast collection of plants including desert species and a tall Ombu tree, alongside the historic Heritage House. If you prefer an active experience, head to the airport area for aerial adventures:
- Experience dogfighting techniques as a fighter pilot for a day with Air Combat USA.
- Take an aerobatic thrill ride in an open-cockpit biplane or a scenic cruise over downtown Los Angeles and Catalina Island with SkyThrills.
Three days in Fullerton
Day one, you can begin your journey in Fullerton as you explore the local atmosphere of this part of Orange County. You might take a stroll along Harbor Boulevard or find yourself on Commonwealth Avenue to experience the neighborhood character.
Day two, you can travel further into Southern California. Your travels could take you toward nearby areas like Anaheim or even towards the coast near Long Beach.
Day three, you can utilize various transportation options to see more of the region. You might ride the rail lines such as the Pacific Surfliner, the Southwest Chief, or the Metrolink Orange County Line to reach your next destination.