A Guide to Fullerton CA Parks

Fullerton offers a strong network of public parks that highlight the city’s natural landscape and recreational culture. With trails, sports facilities, shaded picnic areas, and green open space, each park provides a distinct way to experience the outdoors. Many Fullerton CA parks are located within minutes of each other, yet each offers something unique, ranging from botanical gardens to equestrian trails.

This guide outlines the key features of parks in Fullerton so you can plan your visit or explore more of the area's offerings.

Hillcrest Park sits north of downtown Fullerton, spread across rolling hills with established landscaping and long-distance views. The park includes a formal fountain plaza at its entrance, a large lawn area, and multiple trailheads. Visitors can access a well-maintained staircase with over 400 steps leading to the park's upper elevation, offering a steady workout and panoramic views of Fullerton and surrounding areas.

The hilltop pavilion is popular for events and group gatherings. A recently renovated playground, shaded picnic spots, and historic stonework give the park a distinctive feel. The elevation changes, open green space, and well-connected paths make Hillcrest Park a local favorite for morning walks, fitness routines, and casual outdoor time.

Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is a unique and expansive natural haven near the foot of the Coyote Hills on the border of Fullerton and Buena Park. This 104-acre property offers a diverse landscape, from large open grassy areas and gently rolling hills covered with native plants to dramatic sandstone cliffs. The park's most distinctive feature is its Interpretive Center, which houses a paleontology collection offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Orange County.

Beyond its scientific appeal, the park provides large shaded picnic areas, hiking and biking trails (including a 1.2-mile perimeter trail), children's playground areas, two sand volleyball courts, three softball fields, a baseball diamond, and four tennis courts. A three-acre lake is stocked for fishing (catch and release for bass), and an amphitheater overlooking the lake is ideal for outdoor programs.

The Fullerton Sports Complex is the largest park in the city specifically designed for sports use. Spanning 17.6 acres, this complex is meticulously equipped to host a variety of team sports. The complex features three baseball fields complete with backstops, lighting for evening play, and bleacher seating. Additionally, two soccer fields are seasonally available to accommodate different sports programs.

The Fullerton Sports Complex provides ample on-site parking, a large, completely covered playground that is especially beneficial on hot sunny days, and a snack bar. It also serves as an access point to the Lost Trail, which runs through the Brea Dam Recreational Area and connects with other city trails, allowing for longer walks or bike rides beyond the immediate complex.

Located near the border of Fullerton and Brea, Craig Regional Park spans over 120 acres and is managed by Orange County Parks. The layout includes multiple picnic shelters, open lawns, and a pond with waterfowl. The landscape is characterized by mature trees, a central lake, and paved paths throughout the park.

Craig Park also has multiple baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and basketball courts. It's one of the few parks in Fullerton with fishing access and broad recreational fields suitable for large group sports or gatherings. Parking is ample, and its size allows for a more spacious experience than smaller neighborhood parks.

Laguna Lake Park is located off Euclid Street and is best known for its horse trails, equestrian center, and fishing access. The lake sits at the park's center and is stocked periodically, attracting local anglers. There are dirt paths around the lake used by joggers, walkers, and horseback riders. The park also includes staging areas for equestrian use, with trailer parking and nearby corrals.

The landscape around the lake features small bridges, shaded picnic spots, and benches for sitting along the water. It's one of the few Fullerton CA parks designed to accommodate equestrian activity, making it especially unique for visitors with horses or those who enjoy watching riders pass through.

The Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the northeast edge of the Cal State Fullerton campus and serves as a public botanical garden. It covers 26 acres and features themed sections representing different ecological zones such as desert, Mediterranean, and tropical gardens. The walking paths are quiet and well-marked, making it a place for casual strolls and plant education.

In addition to its extensive plant collections, the Arboretum hosts community events and seasonal plant sales. The grounds include a heritage house, citrus grove, and benches scattered through shaded areas. It functions more as a cultivated landscape than a traditional park, but remains one of the city's most detailed and maintained green spaces.

Adjacent to Hillcrest Park, Lions Field is a sports-centered park on Brea Boulevard. It features a turf baseball field with stadium seating, field lighting, and a scoreboard. The facility is maintained to a high standard and is often used for tournaments, high school games, and regional athletic events.

Aside from the field, the park includes walking trails, benches, and public restrooms. An upper-level plaza provides an overhead view of the baseball diamond and distant hills. Lions Field is designed around scheduled use but works well for casual visitors looking for a well-kept space to walk or watch a game.

Emery Park is near Bastanchury Road and includes multiple tennis courts, a skate spot, and open grass areas. The park’s layout supports active recreation, with space for casual sports, lessons, or one-on-one play. The tennis courts are frequently used by local programs, but open time is also available.

The skate spot, though modest in size, is one of the few in Fullerton and offers a location for skateboarding without interference from pedestrian traffic. The rest of the park includes standard picnic tables and a small playground, with a compact footprint that’s easy to navigate.

Rolling Hills Park is a residential green space located off Rolling Hills Drive. It includes a loop walking path, a central playground, and an open grassy slope popular for free play and casual gatherings. The park is a neighborhood hub, with steady foot traffic throughout the day.

Although small, the park's layout encourages continuous use. Mature trees provide consistent shade, and benches line the perimeter path. Rolling Hills Park doesn’t offer courts or athletic fields but is a quiet space for exercise and informal activity.

If you're considering moving to Fullerton, CA, partnering with the Home Ready Team can make your real estate journey seamless and successful. Our dedicated team of experienced real estate professionals is committed to helping you find the perfect home that suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading to a larger property, or investing in real estate, we offer expert guidance throughout the entire process.

Contact Home Ready Team today to get started and make Fullerton your new home.