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Fullerton was founded in 1887 by brothers George and Edward Amerige, who bought land in northern Orange County and persuaded the Santa Fe Railway to route its line through their new town, named for railroad official George Fullerton. Oranges, avocados and walnuts soon covered the surrounding hills, and in the 1920s oil was found, bringing new wealth to the town, which was incorporated in 1904.
Downtown Fullerton keeps many historic buildings from that era, including the Spanish Colonial Revival Fox Fullerton Theatre, the Villa del Sol and the restored Santa Fe Depot, still a busy train station. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, a 1920s mansion on a hill, hosts art exhibitions and concerts, and the city is known for its Mission-style homes, Leo Fender's guitar history and a lively nightlife scene.
Fullerton is also a college town, home to California State University, Fullerton, and Fullerton College. Visitors stroll the Fullerton Arboretum on the Cal State campus, walk the trails of Laguna Lake and the Fullerton Loop, and explore Hillcrest Park with its views over downtown.
Downtown Fullerton centers on Harbor Boulevard and nearby streets, with historic buildings from the early 1900s, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and a lively nightlife scene driven partly by nearby colleges. It is walkable and close to the train station. Evenings are busiest; use the public parking structures.
The Fox Fullerton Theatre is a 1920s movie palace on Harbor Boulevard that has been saved and is being restored by a local nonprofit. Its tall sign and Italianate facade are downtown landmarks. Parts of the complex host events and tours; check current events and restoration news before planning a visit.
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center is a 1920s Spanish Revival mansion on a hill in Fullerton, now an arts center with gallery exhibitions, classes and an outdoor theater for summer concerts and plays. The gardens and lawns are pleasant for a stroll. Check the calendar for shows and gallery hours.
Plummer Auditorium is a 1930 Spanish Colonial Revival theater at Fullerton Union High School, used for concerts, plays and community events. Its exterior features a large painted mural of early California scenes, restored after being covered for years. View the mural from Chapman Avenue, and check for public performances.
The Fullerton Santa Fe Depot is a 1930 Spanish Colonial Revival train station that still serves Amtrak and Metrolink trains. It is one of the busiest stations in Orange County and a fun place to watch trains. The historic building houses a restaurant, and downtown Fullerton is a short walk away.
The Fullerton Museum Center hosts changing exhibitions on art, history and science, and includes the Leo Fender Gallery about the inventor of the Fender electric guitar, who built his first instruments in Fullerton. It is in the downtown civic area. Check open days, and combine it with a walk downtown.
The Fullerton Arboretum is a botanical garden of about 26 acres at Cal State Fullerton, with collections of plants from around the world, ponds, an orchard and an 1890s Victorian house. Shaded paths make it a calm escape. Entry is by donation, and the spring plant sale is popular with gardeners.
Hillcrest Park is a historic hilltop park in Fullerton with stone stairs, walking paths, lawns and views over the city, built partly in the 1930s with Works Progress Administration stonework. The Great Lawn is good for picnics. Climbing the stairs is a popular workout; go in the morning or late afternoon.
Laguna Lake Park in north Fullerton has a small fishing lake surrounded by trees and an equestrian trail, and it connects to the Fullerton Loop, a long trail circling much of the city. It is a quiet spot for a walk or fishing with a license. Watch for horses on the trails and bring water for longer loops.
Craig Regional Park is an Orange County park on the Fullerton and Brea border, with a lake, sports fields, playgrounds, picnic shelters and a native plant area. It is popular for birthday parties and family gatherings. Expect a vehicle entry fee on weekends and holidays, and arrive early for shaded tables.
The Cal State Fullerton Titans are one of the most successful college baseball programs in the United States, with several national titles, and they play at Goodwin Field on campus. Spring home games are affordable and full of energy. Check the schedule online; the season runs from February through May.
Fullerton Market is a weekly evening street market held downtown in the warmer months, with food vendors, local produce, crafts and live music. It is a popular way to spend a Thursday evening with friends or family. Check the season dates and hours, and come hungry to try a few food stalls.
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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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