Need a Southern California getaway with arts, shopping, and outdoor trails? Head to Brea! Located in northern Orange County, Brea offers a charming blend of suburban comfort and cultural sophistication. Whether you're hiking the hills, gallery hopping, or catching a concert under the stars, Brea delivers big experiences with a small-town feel.
Brea, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Discover Redwoods in SoCal and enjoy trails, fishing, and open space in this local favorite.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Brea Museum & Historical Society – Learn about Brea’s roots as an oil town and its transformation into a vibrant community.
- For Shoppers: Explore Brea Mall – Enjoy upscale retailers, dining, and a sleek shopping environment just off the 57 Freeway.
- For Couples: Stroll the Brea Downtown Public Art Walk – View over 180 sculptures, murals, and installations throughout the city on a romantic walk.
- For Families: Watch a show at Curtis Theatre – This intimate community theater features family-friendly plays, musicals, and performances year-round.
Best Time to Visit Brea, CA
The best time to visit Brea is spring through fall (March–October), when Southern California’s mild climate supports hiking, concerts, and festivals. Winter is also pleasant, though evenings can be cool.
How to Get to Brea, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Brea is just off CA-57, approximately 30 minutes from Los Angeles or Anaheim, and about 45 minutes from the beach cities.
- By Plane: John Wayne Airport (SNA) is about 30 minutes away, while Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is roughly an hour's drive depending on traffic.
- By Train: Metrolink stops in nearby Fullerton; from there, it’s a short drive or ride share to Brea.
Where to Stay in Brea, CA
- Recommended for Families: Embassy Suites by Hilton Brea North Orange County – Spacious suites, free breakfast, pool, and walking distance to Brea Mall.
- For Couples: Chase Suite Hotel Brea – Stylish and quiet accommodations near dining and shopping, ideal for couples.
- For Budget Travelers: Extended Stay America – Orange County – Brea – Affordable, convenient lodging with kitchenettes for longer stays.
Best Things to Do in Brea, CA
1. Go hiking in Carbon Canyon Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Carbon Canyon Park is a 124-acre regional park in Brea that was created after the Carbon Canyon Creek was dammed and links up with Chino Hills State Park on the East side. The park features an array of attractions, including large grassy areas for picnicking, four playgrounds with climbers, swings, and ride-on spring toys, a Butterfly Garden, tennis courts and other sports facilities, and a beautiful four-acre lake with two piers in which fishing and water sports can be enjoyed. There are also several hiking and biking trails that lead to three acres of majestic Coastal Redwoods, Orange County's only grove of redwoods.
4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823, Phone: 714-973-3160
2. Learn about local history at Brea Museum & Historical Society for FREE
The Brea Museum & Historical Society, founded in 1971, collects, preserves, and displays the heritage and history of the City of Brea. Through educational programs, research studies, exhibitions, and workshops, the Museum continues to document and promote Brea’s unique contribution to an ever-changing world. Located in historic City Hall Park the Museum maintains a research archive, reference library and a spectacular collection of artifacts, photographs, and manuscripts that tell the story of Brea’s unique history. Admission and parking are free.
495 S Brea Blvd, Brea, CA 92821, Phone: 714-256-2283
3. Stroll through the rose garden at Brea City Hall Park
Designed by architect Allen Routt, Brea City Hall Park is home to the Brea City Hall, which was built in 1928 in a combination of Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival styles and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once home to the Brea Police Department and jail and a public library, today the beautifully restored building houses the Brea Lions Scout Center and is one of the city's oldest remaining structures. Located on Brea Boulevard, the park also features a 25-meter municipal pool - one of the oldest swimming pools in California, a rose garden, playground, and basketball court, as well as beautifully manicured grassy lawns and trees.
401 S Brea Blvd, Brea, CA 92821, Phone: 714-990-7103
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
4. Bike along the trails of Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills State Park is a state park located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains known as the Chino Hills. The park is a primary botanical habitat reserve for resident and migrating wildlife and a critical link in the Chino–Puente Hills wildlife corridor. The park features numerous hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails along ridge tops and through valleys of woodlands, grasslands, and sage scrub, as well as over 60 miles of fire roads, all of which offer excellent opportunities for discovering the local fauna and flora. Facilities in the park include camping sites and picnic areas, a historic barn, an equestrian staging area and corrals, drinking water fountains and restrooms.
4721 Sapphire Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709, Phone: 951-780-6222
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Do some shopping at Brea Mall
The Brea Mall is a large shopping mall in downtown Brea with over 1,310,000 square feet of space and over 100 specialty shops and boutiques, including several brand stores. Opened in 1977 and owned and operated by the Simon Property Group, the mall features a food court with a variety of fast food and casual restaurants, and department stores. Boasting Italian tile walkways, vaulted skylights, fountains and original art sculptures, the mall also features a full service day spa and several favorite restaurants. The mall is currently under development and will feature various new retail stores, an array of entertainment, and three levels of apartments.
1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821, Phone: 714-990-2733
6. See a comedy show at Improv Brea
Improv Brea is a favorite comedy club that hosts renowned traditional comedy shows with regular comedians and newcomers, as well as musical performances, plays, TV shows, and other entertainment. Located in Brea Downtown, Improv Brea, the 528-seat theater features two restaurants, an American-style restaurant and bar called Copper Blues that serves prime steaks, fresh seafood and other American fare in an upscale setting. The club can be hired for private events and functions, with full catering and bar services provided. Complimentary parking is conveniently located in the parking garage across the street, and there is valet parking behind the Yardhouse restaurant for an additional cost.
180 S Brea Blvd, Brea, CA 92821, Phone: 714-482-0700
7. See an exhibition at the Brea Art Gallery
The Brea Art Gallery is a 6,000 square foot exhibition space that celebrates artworks from around the world. Located in the Brea Civic and Cultural Center on Civic Center Circle, the contemporary area presents four significant exhibitions throughout the year of inspiring works by regional and international artists. Established in 1980, the gallery has been offering such presentations, as well as educational workshops for all ages, live art demonstrations, and artist lectures to the community for the past 38 years and continues to do so today. The Brea Art Gallery is renowned for its world-class Art in Public Places Program, which features over 163 sculptures throughout the city. The gallery has a gift shop selling artworks, souvenirs, books, and other art-related items and is open Wednesday through Sunday.
1 Civic Center Cir # 1, Brea, CA 92821, Phone: 714-990-7730
Plan Your Trip