Centuries ago, native peoples called the Tongva covered what is modern-day southern California. A tribe of the Tongva peoples, the Gabrieleno called the Los Angeles home until the Europeans came.
Spain took possession of the land while it still also controlled Mexico, until the latter’s independence in 1821. Twenty years later, Mexico lost the land to the United States.
Upon claiming the area, American referred to the town as Waterville because of the many natural wells in the area.
Then, in 1956, the town was incorporated under the name of Dairy City because of the abundance of dairy farmers. By the ‘60s, if not ‘70s, the dairy farms sold out and made way for housing developers.
The townsfolk themselves voted to finally call the town Cypress, taking its name from the elementary school that had been in town since 1895.
Where is Cypress, CA?
Cypress is located in Orange County, the third most populous county in California and the sixth most populous county in the country.
Cypress, as we mentioned, is in the Los Angeles basin. It is only 18 miles away from the center of Los Angeles which is a 30-40 minute car ride, depending on traffic. It’s much closer to Anaheim and Disneyland – both less than 20 minutes away.
While Cypress is close to the coast, it’s not on the beach. The closest beaches are Long Beach, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach, all no more than a 30 minute drive from Cypress.
As of the 2020 census, Cypress is home to 50,000 residents.
Things to do in Cypress, CA
1. Los Alamitos Race Course
(photo: Montanabw)
Looking for fast-paced excitement? Spend a day cheering on the competitors at live horse racing at Los Alamitos Race Course.
Tickets start at only $3 per person, or you can pay $5 and also get access to Burgart’s, their on-site sports bar that lets you watch all the races from 60 HDTVs.
If you prefer to watch from the General Grandstand out in the open air, access to Burgart’s is free after the races. Or, for the most luxurious experience, buy a ticket to the Vessels Club where the fine dining atmosphere and enforced dress code compliment the world-class experience of the races.
2. Don Knabe Community Regional Park
In contrast, a much more relaxed day could be spent at the Don Knabe Community Regional Park. Just on the north end of Cypress, the park is a sprawling complex of 84 acres of activity.
There is a lake to fish in, pools to swim in, basketball and tennis courts to play on, and so much more.
There are community events like Easter egg hunts, Halloween carnivals, farmers markets, movie showings, and more.
If you need a breather from all the things to do at Knabe Community Regional Park, simply have a picnic or stroll down one of the meandering paths through the park, along the lakes.
3. Navy Golf Course
Golfing is always a good way to relax with some friendly competition. The Seal Beach Golf Course lets you do that while also funding a good program.
Owned by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWF) Department at Naval Weapons Seal Beach, this PGA-rated golf course is open to active duty service members, veterans, and the general public.
Fees to play at the 27 hole complex go to support quality of life programs for the Navy. Choose between a 9- or 18-hole round of golf or practice at the driving range or on the chipping green.
4. The Gardens Casino
The Gardens Casino goes above and beyond your computer screen slots. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week you can sit at a real table with real cards and real poker chips.
Play Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Black Jack, and more. You don’t even have to abandon your game as they’ll bring food and drink to your table.
In the event of wanting some time off, visit the Triple 7 Sports Bar and Grill where they serve cross-culture foods and hand-crafted cocktails. Feeling lucky? You can compete in daily tournaments or Major Series Events.
5. El Dorado Nature Center
(photo: Demi Lucas)
The El Dorado Nature Center is an oasis tucked in between the San Gabriel River and the 605 Freeway.
It is home to 105 acres of land including two lakes and a stream throughout wooded forest land, all of which is a sanctuary to a variety of animal and plant life that call El Dorado Nature Center home.
You can wander over two miles worth of trails through this sacred reserve. Pop into the Visitor’s Center for educational displays and an art gallery.
6. El Dorado Regional Park
Right next to El Dorado Nature Center is the Regional Park with the same name. Almost four times the size of the Nature Center, El Do East is a recreational area split up by countless actives.
There are four lakes on which visitors can fish, with a license. There’s a designated dog park for unleashing your best friend and even a designated archery range.
The whole family can rent bikes or hop on a touristic train ride. The fun doesn’t have to be limited to just one day – it’s possible to camp overnight if you get a permit.
7. San Gabriel River Trail
Desperate to get to the beach? Take the San Gabriel River Trail. It’ll be an all-day walk, but the 10-mile route is paved and easy to travel.
The gradient barely changes by 5%. It’s an ideal route for walking, running, or biking, and highly accessible to users with limited mobility.
While the trail technically begins is Azusa, 25 miles north of Cypress on the edge of the Angeles National Forest, its route from Cypress to Seal Beach is about 6 to 7 hours each way.
The whole trail follows the San Gabriel River, offering beautiful sights of the river and the wildlife that lives there.
8. Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar
All of this outdoor activity making you hungry? Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar in La Palma is a great place to fill up on decadent cuisine.
Their food is inspired by the flavors of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The cooking and methods this family-owned restaurant uses are inspired by their matriarch.
The explosion of flavor doesn’t end with the food, though, as Isla offers one of the longest cocktail lists we’ve ever see, all designed for their restaurant.
9. Cerritos Sculpture Garden
(photo)
Cerritos is a city just beyond Cypress who created a sculpture garden dedicated to the residents in the city for their 50th anniversary back in 2006.
Currently home to eight sculpture, the space was planned with room to house a total of 20 sculptures in the end.
This public garden and relaxation space began with the Cerritos Air Disaster Memorial, dedicated to the 1986 deadly crash in the skies above the city.
The most recent statue is Joker, a high-gloss ruby red addition from Arizona artist Jeff Zischke. His sculpture won’t be the last, as the garden is meant to evolve with the city over time.
10. Sandwich House
For a quick, casual bite, it’s universally agreed that Sandwich House in Cypress is THE place to go. With a full five stars on Yelp, this Vietnamese Banh Mi house is California’s version of the beloved small-town east coast deli.
The menu is relatively simple: choose between French roll or croissant sandwiches and their range of mains.
Every banh mi comes with pickled daikon and carrots, cucumber, onion, jalapeƱo, cilantro, and soy sauce.
The American-style croissant sandwiches come with lettuce, mayo, and cheese. They do also offer rice noodle or rice vermicelli dishes.
11. The Rinks
Cool off from the hot California sun by staying inside on the ice. The Rinks offers ice skating opportunities to people of all ages and all levels.
They offer your usual public skating sessions 3:30-5pm on weekdays and 12:30-2pm on Saturday. If you’re not so confident on the ice, or want to hone your skills, they have a range of lessons available to children, adults, and “parent & me” pairs.
They even have group freestyle lessons for aspiring figure skaters and offer private one-on-one lessons as well. Without a doubt, the Rinks is also home to hockey – for both youth and adults.
12. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden calls the California State University at Long Beach home.
It is considered to be a living museum through which you can stroll through the wild pathways, feed the koi fish in the ponds, and view the Tea House.
The purpose of the gardens was is to convey the university’s devotion to international education.
The gardens are open Tuesday through Friday, during which you can spend time reflecting in the Zen Garden.
It’s free to enter the garden, but becoming a member gives you extra access special, members-only events and free parking.
13. Frostbites Crepes & Frozen Delights
Frostbites Crepes & Frozen Delights currently have five locations across the greater Los Angeles Area. Since 2002, they have been serving delicious sorbet Italian ices, frozen custards, and crepes.
They have a range of flavors to choose from which change seasonally, such as mint chip, horchata, raspberry, and lychee.
It’s a veritable haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. Just in case you’re not in the mood for ice cream, though, they do offer savory crepes – choose one meat, one cheese, and your toppings.
Once you’ve had lunch, maybe a sorbet cream sundae to top it all off?
14. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
(photo: Monacat)
Rancho Los Alamitos is also known as the “Ranch of the Little Cottonwoods.” It’s a site of great historical value, having been home to Tongva-Gabrielino peoples before Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers came through the land.
The ranch house was first built in the 18th century and became a museum in 1968.
Surrounding the historic house are extraordinary gardens spread over four acres of land.
They also have a barnyard that’s home to horses, sheep, and goats.
Visitors can tour the house and gardens Wednesday though Sunday. Keep an eye on special events hosted at the site.
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