Top Attractions for First Time Visitors
Fullerton has no shortage of museums, historical sites, outdoor spaces, and other attractions to fill your itinerary. Here are some of the top spots to check out if you’re short on time:
Museums
Start your explorations at the museums to get a taste of Fullerton’s history and culture: Museum of Teaching and Learning – Get hands-on with interactive education exhibits spanning history, science, and technology. Don’t miss the one-room schoolhouse on the grounds. Fullerton Museum Center – Learn about Fullerton’s agricultural beginnings and see elegant vintage cars at this campus of history museums. CSUF Grand Central Art Center – Tour contemporary art exhibitions and catch a show at the center’s theater, housed in a historic downtown building.
Historic Downtown Fullerton
Downtown Fullerton brings together historic architecture, public art sculptures, unique shops, restaurants, and bars: Fox Fullerton Theatre – Catch a flick at this vintage movie palace built in 1925. Night Owl Vintage Lounge – Sip craft cocktails in a retro cocktail lounge with live music and weekend burlesque shows. Bootleggers Brewery – Sample flights of craft beer brewed on-site in this Prohibition-style brewpub. Farmers Market – Shop for fresh local produce and artisanal goods every Wednesday and Saturday morning.
Outdoor Activities
Fullerton has wonderful green spaces and outdoor recreation: Fullerton Arboretum – Explore 26 acres of gardens showcasing plants from around the world. Hillcrest Park – Rent a paddleboat and cruise around the lake or visit the botanical gardens. Laguna Lake Park – Jog and walk around this urban lake with playgrounds for the kids. Tri-City Regional Park – Have a picnic at the duck ponds or take a ride on the train tracks.
Live Entertainment
Catch a show or concert while in Fullerton: Maverick Theater – This intimate theater puts on comedy, improv, music, and theater acts. The Continental Room – Mix of rock, punk, reggae & other genres perform at this divey concert venue. CSUF Clayes Performing Arts Center – University venue for student & professional dance, music, and theater performances. Bourbon Street Bar & Grill – Cajun restaurant with live jazz bands performing nightly.
Annual Events
Time your visit right to experience one of Fullerton’s beloved traditions: Orange County International Auto Show – Classic car exhibition held each December at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center. Fullerton Market & Swap Meet – Vintage items, crafts, produce and more for sale Fridays-Sundays. Day of Music Fullerton – Free September street festival with local bands and music-related activities. Fourth of July Fireworks – Fullerton’s beloved annual fireworks display over Fullerton High School’s baseball field.
Fullerton For Families
If you’re traveling with kids, these family-friendly spots should be on your list: Fullerton Children’s Museum – Hands-on interactive exhibits and toddler area make learning fun for little ones. Bowers Kidseum – Creative art studios and programs just for kids inside the Bowers Museum. Blackberry Farm – Pony rides, a petting zoo, train rides, and play areas delight children. Parks – Kiddie playgrounds abound at parks like Hillcrest, Laguna Lake, and Bastanchury.
How to Get Around Fullerton?
Now that you know all the top things to do in Fullerton, let’s talk logistics. Here are your options for navigating the city:
Public Transportation
Fullerton has limited public bus service through the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Just three routes serve Fullerton, connecting riders to transit centers in Anaheim and Buena Park. While handy for commuters, OCTA buses are not the most practical option for sightseeing. Visitors will be limited in the attractions they can access via public transit.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Fullerton but wait times and costs increase during peak times. Trying to coordinate rides for a large group can also quickly become a hassle.
Charter Buses
To keep your group together while conveniently accessing Fullerton’s spread-out attractions, consider booking a charter bus or passenger van. Charter buses offer everything from compact 14-seater vans to 56-passenger motorcoaches equipped with restrooms, entertainment systems, and other luxury amenities. These private vehicles operate on your schedule, taking your group exactly where you want to go without time-consuming transfers or stops. No one will get left behind and you won’t have to stress about coordination. Just sit back and leave the driving to an experienced professional!
Ready to Get Started?
I hope this introduction has you excited to explore everything Fullerton has in store! Let me help you start planning your group’s perfect Fullerton getaway. Give me a call at 323-380-3986 to learn more about charter bus rentals for any size group. My team will walk you through the rental process from start to finish so you can focus on having fun. Can’t wait to hear from you!