Rediscover One of OC’s Oldest Cities Revamped With Top Notch-Breweries, Yoga Studios and Hot, New Restaurants
Coastal cities are not the only destinations that put Orange County on the map. Fullerton is one of the first cities that drew people to the heart of SoCal. Now an underdog of OC, it’s time to rediscover Fullerton’s best-kept secrets. Brimming with historic charm and award-winning cuisine, you’ll find that this sunswept city is so much more than a college town. Fill your itinerary with our favorite things to do in Fullerton, from the best happy hours to fun family day trips.
Coffee at Play Coffee
Before you begin your day in Fullerton, fuel up at Play Coffee. Open everyday at 7 a.m., the volcano latte with almond milk will apparently change your life (and get you hyped for the day), but you can’t go wrong with a classic cappuccino or matcha latte. You won’t miss the blue and orange exterior, especially when you find out it’s located in a renovated shipping container! We love a trendy coffee shop to start the day.
Discover the Roots of Fullerton at the Arboretum
Hidden in the center of Fullerton’s metropolis sits a secret garden. Enter the Arboretum, an abundant plant museum that promotes education on different plants growing across the globe. What started as an iconic California orange grove is now a world-class collection of habitats that highlight natural beauty and sustainability. Aspiring botanists eager to get more involved can even sign up for volunteer opportunities and hands-on workshops. Enhance your culinary skills, learn how to compost and plant your own bonsai to take home. The Fullerton Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a $5 donation recommended per visit.
Take a Yoga Class at Purple Yoga
Find your flow state at Purple Yoga. Here, soft-colored lights combine with heat-building flows in classes that cater to all skill levels. Blue classes follow a slow-paced stretch while red and green classes add the heat! Continue your practice and work up to the purple flow. Whether in a traditional hot yoga class or approachable vinyasa flow, poses work to improve strength and flexibility. Over 10 classes run per day to accommodate even the busiest schedules, so book a flow through Purple Yoga’s app! Grab your yoga mat and prepare to enter a state of blissful meditation.
Lunch at Pour Company
Brunch, burgers and beer? It’s a tried and true recipe for a well-spent weekend. Invite the whole crew and grab a picnic table on Pour Company’s playfully modern patio. The House Burger is a must-order item with two juicy patties, a slightly sweet bourbon bacon onion jam, classic American cheese and Thousand Island dressing. Fair warning: no other burger will be quite the same! Good vibes continue to pour out with live music on weekends and all-day happy hour every Wednesday. Quite possibly the best part: brunch is served all day—bacon-topped bloody marys included.
Hop Around Downtown Fullerton With a Brewery Tour
Hop your way around downtown Fullerton’s craft beer scene. Stop No. 1: Fullerton Beer Co. Try a flight and the Tavern Sliders before heading to Bootleggers Brewery. Bootleggers’ family-forward hospitality and crisp craft beers are the product of owner Aaron Barkenhagen’s entrepreneurship class presentation at Cal State Fullerton way back when, which later turned into three locations with fresh-brewed beers every week. Up next, choose your own adventure at Barrel & Stave Pour House. Their self-pour system allows beer-lovers to pour their own pint from a selection of 32 craft beers, wine, seltzers and ciders.
Fullerton Train Museum
All aboard the express to Fullerton Train Museum! The nonprofit’s sprawling collection of historic rail cars makes for a fun family visit. All cars are all in “in service” condition, allowing guests to relive the bygone world of train travel. Display cars span from the Roaring Twenties era to 1940s-period decor. Take a seat in the dormitory-like lounge and walk the halls where the kitchen crew prepared travel dinners. You’ll even find fully restored sleeping cabins used for long commutes. The railroad collection is free to explore from 9 a.m.-noon on the first and third Saturdays of every month.
Happy Hour at Zama Lounge
Zama Lounge’s oasis-like atmosphere calls for a beverage equally as tropical! Boasting the best and longest happy hour in town, Zama is an early-evening hub for local young adults. You never know who you might meet! Cheers to $6 off house wine and $8 margaritas weeknights 2-6 p.m. and all day Sunday. Order more than one, as margaritas are offered in five fruity flavors and presented with salty rims and a lime garnish. Start with the pineapple and end with the Jamaica Margarita. And don’t forget the loaded nachos or spicy Chicken Tinga Taquitos for the table before round two.
Drinks at Hopscotch Tavern
Situated in downtown Fullerton, Hopscotch is a must if you’re looking to grab a cold one with your best pals. Craft beer, cocktails, whisky and more, the drink list at Hopscotch Tavern is seemingly never ending. The ambiance is warm and inviting, welcoming locals and visitors alike to sit back, relax and make some memories. Indulge in a bite to eat like their bacon wrapped dates or the Hopscotch burger.
Dinner at Khan Saab
Date night just reached a whole new level at Fullerton’s Michelin-recommended Brazilian steakhouse, Khan Saab. Street food favorites from Pakistan, India and Afghanistan get an elevated twist in the 100% halal kitchen. Presentation is just as unique as the flavors, especially with all the vapor mocktails on the menu. For a bold showstopper, order the alcohol-free Smoked Negroni and for something sweet try the Mango Mojito. For mains, go for Khan Saab’s signature Chicken Karahi and a Pani Puri starter. A server will roll out a mini street cart with a flight of four fried dough balls atop sweet and tangy syrup shooters.
