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Brea is a city of about 47,000 people in north Orange County, set against the Puente and Chino Hills about 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It grew up around the oil fields that boomed here in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and its name comes from the Spanish word for the tar that seeped from the ground.
Modern Brea is known for its walkable downtown on Birch Street, the large Brea Mall and an unusual public art program. Since the 1970s developers have been required to install artwork, and today more than 200 sculptures stand along streets, parks and shopping centers. The Brea Civic and Cultural Center houses the Curtis Theatre and the Brea Gallery.
The city's oil heritage is remembered at the Olinda Oil Museum and Trail, while Carbon Canyon Regional Park, with its grove of coast redwoods, and the wild hills of Chino Hills State Park offer hiking on the city's eastern edge. Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are each about 20 minutes away.
Downtown Brea centers on Birch Street, a pedestrian-friendly strip of restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema built around a town square. It is busiest on weekend evenings and during summer concerts and events. Parking structures nearby are free, making it an easy stop for dinner and a movie.
One of Orange County's major malls, Brea Mall has department stores, about 150 shops and a range of restaurants under one roof, plus outdoor dining along its edges. It sits right off the 57 freeway, and several public art pieces stand around the property. Holiday weekends get very busy.
Brea's public art program has placed more than 200 sculptures across the city since the 1970s, from abstract steel works to playful bronze figures. Many cluster downtown and around the Civic Center and Brea Mall. Pick up a self-guided tour map from the city and walk the downtown loop in about an hour.
Located in the Brea Civic and Cultural Center, the Curtis Theatre is an intimate venue presenting musicals, plays, concerts and children's shows through the year. Its size gives every seat a good view. Next door, the Brea Gallery hosts juried art exhibitions. Book shows ahead, as runs are short.
This county park in the hills east of downtown has lawns, a lake, sports fields and picnic areas, plus a trail to a grove of planted coast redwoods, an unusual sight in Southern California. The trail also connects to Chino Hills State Park. A vehicle entry fee applies on most days.
Opened in 1929, the Brea Plunge is a Spanish Colonial Revival public swimming pool near downtown that has served generations of local families. It offers recreational swims, lessons and lap swimming, mostly in the warmer months. Check the city's schedule for public swim hours and bring your own towel.
On the site of the historic Olinda oil field, this small museum and walking trail explain the oil discoveries that founded Brea, with restored equipment, an early well site and interpretive panels. The trail climbs into the hills with good views. The museum has limited weekend hours, so check before visiting.
Run by volunteers, this small downtown museum displays photographs, artifacts and oil-era memorabilia that tell the story of Brea from its oil boom days to the present. It is a quick but interesting stop for history fans. Opening hours are limited, usually on certain weekend days, so check ahead.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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