TRAVEL
Though often eclipsed by Disneyland and the beach towns, the north Orange County city of Fullerton is one of the most iconic and historic in California.
Since 1888, generations of visitors and new residents to the Golden State have arrived through the Fullerton Train Station.
Agricultural town. Industrial community. L.A. suburb. Education community. Fullerton has been all this and more over the years.
Here are some things not to miss on a fun and fascinating day trip.
Fullerton Train Station
Dating back to the 1930s, the current station is served by both Metrolink and Amtrak’s cross-country Southwest Chief—which runs between Los Angeles and Chicago. This is a great spot for people-watching, since the Southwest Chief is frequented by the Amish and even cowboys from small heartland towns.
Fullerton Museum Center
In addition to rotating exhibits, the Leo Fender Gallery is always a must-see, celebrating Fullerton as the birthplace of the electric guitar. Other draws include a farmer’s market every Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., from April to October, as well as periodic concerts.
Villa del Sol
Built in 1922, Villa del Sol is now a three-story Spanish revival-style shopping and dining mall. Mexican, American and pan-European cuisines make this spot a great place for lunch or dinner. Unique shopping options include The British Grocer, which specializes in edible and collectible items from across the pond, and Past Times sports memorabilia store.
Hillcrest Park
The oldest city park in Fullerton, 37.8-acre Hillcrest Park is a perfect place to get your steps in-- especially on the stairs up and down the Coyote Hills. At the top, the views of Orange County (and L.A. on a clear day) are spectacular. History buffs will be drawn to the Orange County Korean War Memorial, which lists all 36,591 U.S. service members who died in the conflict.
Fullerton Union High Agri-Science Academy
Sheep in busy Fullerton? You bet. A walk down Berkeley Avenue takes you past sheep (and pigs and other farm animals) cared for by high school and community college students. Great photo spot!
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center
This 18-room mansion, built in 1925 by a citrus and nut farming magnate, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center features a sculpture garden, California pottery exhibition, concerts and performing arts events, and an annual JazzFest and hot rod show each May and June. The grounds are also a great picnic spot.
Fullerton 9/11 Memorial
Every year for the past two decades, Sept. 1 through Sept. 12, Orange County Fire Authority firefighter Scott Townley has erected an elaborate 9/11 tribute outside his home. The memorial features photos and names of those who lost their lives--at the World Trade Center and Pentagon, on Flight 93, from post-9-11 illnesses, and in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also exhibiting a model of the Twin Towers, it’s the largest 9/11 memorial on the West Coast. Located at 863 N. Woods Ave., the touching tribute honors a tragic yet unifying moment in American history.