Brea CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Brea, California.
1. Carbon Canyon Regional Park
NATURE AND REDWOOD GROVE
Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a picturesque park in the heart of Orange County featuring more than 8 miles of hiking trails through oak and sycamore forests. The park includes a unique redwood grove that provides welcome shade for hikers and visitors. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic views of the canyon, making it perfect for family outings from sunrise to sunset.
2. Brea Mall
UPSCALE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Brea Mall is an upscale shopping center featuring four major department stores including Nordstrom, Macy's, and JCPenney. The mall offers more than 175 specialty shops, providing a comprehensive shopping experience for visitors of all ages. As one of north Orange County's premier shopping destinations, it serves as a central hub for retail therapy in the area.
3. City of Brea Art Gallery
CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE
The City of Brea Art Gallery showcases contemporary art exhibitions in a modern, spacious venue. The gallery is part of Brea's commitment to public arts, complementing the city's nationally known Arts in Public Places sculpture collection. Visitors can experience rotating exhibitions featuring works from both established and emerging artists throughout the year.
4. Brea Museum & Heritage Center
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Brea Museum & Heritage Center offers visitors a chance to walk back in time and experience the rich history of the city. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Brea's development from its early days to the present. Visitors can gain insights into the cultural heritage and historical significance of this Orange County community.
5. Olinda Oil Museum and Trail
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
The Olinda Oil Museum and Trail preserves and showcases Brea's important oil industry history that helped shape the region. Located at the site of the former Olinda Oil Fields, visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor trails that highlight this industrial heritage. The museum provides educational opportunities to understand how oil extraction influenced the development of Southern California.
6. Brea Improv
PREMIER COMEDY CLUB
Brea Improv is a world-famous comedy club located in downtown Brea that hosts both established comedians and rising stars. The venue offers a full dining experience alongside top-tier comedy performances in an intimate setting. As part of Brea's vibrant nightlife, the Improv provides laughter and entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
7. Red Lantern Escape Rooms
IMMERSIVE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Red Lantern Escape Rooms is home to the largest escape room in Orange County, featuring their signature experience "Midnight on the Bayou." The facility offers immersive puzzle-solving adventures that are perfect for team building, birthday parties, fundraisers, or family fun. Located conveniently in Brea near Anaheim, these escape rooms provide an exciting interactive entertainment option for visitors.
8. Brea Downtown
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Brea Downtown is a vibrant district offering a unique array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues all within a walkable area. The district features 22 movie screens, specialty boutiques, and hosts special events including the annual Jazz Festival and seasonal holiday activities. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere both day and night, making it a central gathering place for the community.
9. Brea Creek Golf Course
SCENIC PUBLIC LINKS
Brea Creek Golf Course is one of two public golf courses in the city, offering accessible recreation for golfers of various skill levels. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways in a picturesque setting among Brea's rolling hills. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day of golf while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
10. Brea Sports Park
ATHLETIC COMPLEX AND FIELDS
Brea Sports Park is a comprehensive sports complex featuring an outdoor stadium with an indoor arena for various athletic events. The park serves as the home field for the Brea Olinda High School football team and hosts numerous baseball, soccer, track, and field competitions. Families and sports enthusiasts can enjoy watching or participating in athletic activities throughout the year at this modern facility.
11. The Children's Museum at La Habra
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FOR KIDS
The Children's Museum at La Habra, located near Brea, is a place where children of all ages can learn and explore through hands-on exhibits. The museum is divided into different themed galleries focusing on environment, music, art, and features a planetarium and puppet theater. Families can spend quality time together while kids engage in creative play and educational activities in this specially designed space.
12. Fullerton Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDENS AND CONSERVATION
Fullerton Arboretum is a 26-acre botanical garden located near Brea on the California State University, Fullerton campus. The arboretum features diverse plant collections from around the world, including rare and endangered species organized into distinct ecological zones. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walking paths, educational exhibits, and the historic Heritage House while experiencing a natural oasis in the midst of urban Orange County.
13. Craig Regional Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Craig Regional Park is a spacious recreational area located near Brea offering numerous amenities for outdoor enjoyment. The park features fishing lakes, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, and miles of walking trails amid lush greenery. Families appreciate the shaded areas and open spaces that provide a perfect setting for gatherings, exercise, and connecting with nature.
14. Disneyland Park
ICONIC THEME PARK EXPERIENCE
Disneyland Park is the original Disney theme park located a short drive from Brea, offering magical experiences for visitors of all ages since 1955. The park features classic attractions, beloved characters, themed lands, and spectacular entertainment that have made it known as "The Happiest Place on Earth." Many visitors to Brea make the trip to experience this iconic Southern California destination that continues to enchant generations of guests.
15. Yorba Regional Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Yorba Regional Park is a beautiful 140-acre linear park situated along the Santa Ana River, just a short drive from Brea. The park features four lakes connected by streams, offering fishing, boating, and scenic water views along with miles of paved biking and walking trails. Families enjoy the numerous picnic areas, playgrounds, and open spaces that make this park a perfect day-trip destination for Brea visitors seeking outdoor recreation.