The glamorous city of Cypress, California, is one of the most coveted addresses in Orange County.
Surrounded by theme parks, dotted by community parks, and set near the beach, this community is the perfect place to visit for those who want a taste of what SoCal has in store.
It’s also home to the famous Los Alamitos Race Course—a must-see for horse lovers, equestrians, and racing enthusiasts.
There’s also Cypress College, which has helped foster a young and diverse community in the city.
As of the 2020 census, the city has a population of 50,151, which heavily fluctuates because of the number of people visiting regularly.
So if you want to see for yourself the charm and wonders of Cypress, make it a top choice for your next weekend getaway!
Here are the 15 best things to do in Cypress, California:
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The famous Los Alamitos Race Course is among the top attractions in this part of Orange County.
It’s an equestrian racing track that hosts events for both thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing, attracting thousands of enthusiasts every game.
It also holds the distinction as the only track in the US to hold quarter-horse stakes races that resulted in more than a $1 million purse.
That’s how you know it’s a big deal.
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This 435-acre ranch has a 5/8-mile race course that surrounds three large ponds, creating magnificent views.
But the real thrill is hearing the thundering hooves and seeing the racing horses as they stir up the dust.
Every weekend, you can join the crowds and watch the events on the stands with the family.
Check out the Los Alamitos Race Course schedule while planning your trip!
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Gorgeous Arnold Cypress Park is the oldest park in the city, built in 1949.
Over the years, the attraction has become a local institution, serving as home to the Cypress Girls Softball team.
There are plenty of things to do and places to visit on the 14.55-acre attraction for families and friend groups.
The basketball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, pickleball courts, and volleyball courts are great places to work up a sweat.
But if you prefer to just chill, the park has picnic groves and shelters where you can just hang out with your family.
The scenic greenery, towering trees, and quiet atmosphere make for a relaxing stay, even during the hot summer months.
The immense Cypress College Swap Meet is a flea market with almost 500 vendors at any given time.
So if you like bargains and heavily discounted items, visit this bustling attraction.
Viewed from above, the Cypress College Swap Meet looks like a town in itself, with rows upon rows of stalls offering every kind of product available.
You’ll find goods sold 50% to 70% less than their retail price.
From artwork to home decor, from second-hand clothing to handmade jewelry, you’ll find so many hidden treasures here.
There are also perishables like local produce, bouquets, baked goods, and other food items sold by local businesses.
Anything you can imagine is sold here.
Just be ready for a whole lot of walking and exploring.
On the same street as the Cypress Civic Center, you’ll find another serene community attraction: Oak Knoll Park.
It’s one of the larger parks in the city, spanning 22 acres and dotted with trees, benches, and sports facilities.
You’ll also find the Cypress Community Center, which functions similarly to the Cypress Civic Center.
If you want to try something more active while in the park, visit the softball and baseball fields, volleyball courts, and basketball court.
There’s even a dedicated exercise course—perfect for an afternoon’s workout.
But if you just want to chill with your family or friend group, the park has picnic areas, BBQ pits, and shelters.
The kids will also enjoy the well-equipped playgrounds!
Running parallel to the channelized bank of the eponymous waterway, the Coyote Creek Bikeway is one of the favorite paths for locals and visitors alike.
This attraction starts from Sante Fe Springs before joining the longer San Gabriel River Trail, with a section passing through Cypress.
Overall, this entire bikeway spans 12 miles.
And as the name implies, the main activity on the trail is biking.
So if you want to give your calves a workout, this place is a great option.
You’re still welcome to walk, run, and jog.
In fact, having a leisurely stroll is a great way to appreciate the scenic beauty of Coyote Creek and spot the wildlife.
It also passes through the Don Knabe Community Regional Park, which is another famous natural attraction near Cypress.
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As one of the venues for community gatherings and activities, the Cypress Civic Center has a lot happening in it all the time.
Along Orange Avenue, you’ll find the rectangular building surrounded by lush green lawns.
Several times a year, this location becomes the venue for outdoor concerts, community get-togethers, and holiday events.
There’s also a library inside if you want to read or wish to learn about Cypress.
If you cannot catch any of the events, the place still has a lot to offer.
Chief of these is the tennis courts—a great place to work up a sweat or practice your strokes.
Otherwise, you can simply tour the beautiful building and the spacious lawns all around.
If you want a break from all the outdoor adventures, then head over to the city’s premier shopping center, Cypress Plaza.
It’s one of locals’ favorite hangouts, packed with plenty of stalls, shops, and businesses for every need and preference.
There is something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a place to eat, relax, or shop!
Some restaurants you’ll enjoy are The Habit Burger Grill, Yogurtland, Joe’s Gourmet Sandwiches, and Olive Garden.
If you want additions to your vacation OOTD, check out Ross Dress for Less or Califonia-born Tillys.
There are also jewelry shops, juice bars, salons and spas, and specialty liquor stores.
Cypress Plaza is located on busy Katella Avenue, so it will be hard to miss!
The last community park on the list is Evergreen Park, which certainly lives up to its name!
Upon arrival, you’ll see the sprawling green lawns shaded by groups of trees—the perfect shade from the sweltering California sun.
While not as big as Oak Knoll or Arnold Cypress parks, it has a charming and neighborly appeal to it.
There’s a single playground with well-maintained equipment—ideal for those bringing the kids!
In addition, Evergreen Park is packed with sports facilities, including a grassy athletic field, a multi-use court, and jogging trails that go around most of the park.
For those who prefer the more mellow activities, the park has a picnic area and barbeque spots—great for afternoon cookouts and small get-togethers!
If you want to feel the energy of the youth and the SoCal nightlife, then head over to the popular Campus Billiards Craft Beer & Sports Bar.
This establishment sits across the Cypress College campus, hence the name.
So you can expect a fun and bombastic crowd, especially on Friday nights and weekends.
As a sports bar, this attraction offers plenty of activities like live showings of sports events.
This is shown on a huge projector, allowing everyone to enjoy the latest matches and make their bets.
While catching the latest sporting events, you can enjoy specialty craft beer on tap and in cans.
They also offer a wide menu consisting of tasty dishes and snacks—perfect to munch on while watching the latest UFC match or football game.
If you don’t like huge crowds but would still love to try the craft beer, visit them during the weekdays!
If you want to bring home fresh California produce, then make sure to stop by the city’s Certified Farmers Market.
Unlike other farmers’ markets, this one is open all year long, rain or shine.
So you can drop by any day at the Cottonwood Church parking lot to find and purchase seasonal veggies, fresh fruits, and other high-quality agricultural products.
These are all organically grown and farm fresh, so you’ll know you’re only getting the best from local farmers and growers.
You’ll also find other products like freshly baked breads, tasty hummus, award-winning tamales, and fruity jams and jellies!
This part of SoCal has plenty of other attractions in store.
So if you have spare time, check out these other places nearby!
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Ah, the happiest place on Earth!
While Disney California Adventure Park, or simply Disneyland, deserves an entire weekend on its own, it’s still a great place to visit if you have a day to spare.
It’s one of the best places to feel the magic of the Disney franchise and relieve childhood fairy tales.
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So come check out themed rides, watch performances of beloved characters, and catch other jaw-dropping events.
The kids will love it, and so will your inner child!
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Even though it’s one of the smallest theme parks in California, Adventure City offers tons of fun and exhilarating experiences for the whole family.
It’s located in Anaheim and is only five minutes from Cypress, so you can quickly drive to the attraction if you have a few hours to spare.
Adventure City lives up to its name, with many rides and attractions that make the entire visit a constant adventure.
From thrilling roller coasters to drop towers, from Ferris wheels to arcades, there are plenty of opportunities for excitement here.
If you’re hesitant about the fast drives or heights, you’ll still enjoy the bombastic live shows and the sumptuous snacks at the food stalls.
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The majestic Pacific is just a drive away from Cypress; 17 minutes if you head over to the gorgeous Bolsa Chica State Beach.
This public ocean beach is one the most-visited locations in Orange County, attracting thousands of people who want to cool off in the waters or enjoy the California sun.
You’ll find plenty of quiet spots where you can sunbathe, play on the sand, or have a picnic with the family.
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If you’re the adventurous type, numerous establishments along the coast offer surfing lessons, wakeboarding opportunities, and fishing charters.
It’s also a great place to see wildlife, including local and migrating birds, sea turtles, and small mammals.
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The magnificent Don Knabe Community Regional Park sits on the edge of Cypress, right where Coyote Creek creates the city’s borders.
While its official address is in Cerritos, it’s literally just a stone’s throw away from the city, so reaching it shouldn’t be a problem.
This 50-acre attraction is one of the favorite green spaces of Los Angeles and Orange County locals.
Some people come here for the modern amenities like sporting facilities, wading and swimming pools, amphitheaters, and community centers.
But the real attractions are the glistening lakes, the lush lawns, and shaded areas where you can take a break from the city noise and enjoy peace with nature.
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Ten minutes away from Cypress is another world-famous attraction located in Buena Park, thrilling Knott’s Berry Farm.
What started as a humble strawberry field in the 1920s has transformed into a theme park that rivals even nearby Disneyland, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Knott’s Berry Farm has all the thrilling rides and attractions complemented by an old-school charm.
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So visit the four themed areas–Camp Snoopy, Ghost Town, The Boardwalk, and Fiesta Village– if you have a day to spare.
You’ll make many memories riding the rollercoasters, towering drop rides, theaters, and other rides.
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Cypress remains one of the favorite Orange County cities, with plenty of attractions and experiences for the whole family.
From exhilarating horse racing to relaxing community parks, from festive city events to bustling commercial establishments, the city has everything for every preference.
So if you’re planning to visit the city on your next getaway, use this list as a guide!
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