Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Yorba Linda, CA

  • Published 2022/11/15

Whether you want to experience the small-town atmosphere for a quick getaway or you’re looking for a place to settle in, the city of Yorba Linda in California could be the one you’re searching for.

Located in the northeast part of Orange County, the city is one of the state’s suburban communities, with a population of 67,989 as of the 2021 census.

The city is known as the birthplace of Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States.

It is also dubbed the “Land of Gracious Living” for being a great residential area with the perfect mix of commercial areas and open spaces.

In fact, it was named one of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the country.

So if you’re planning on heading north of Orange County, check out this list of the best things to do in Yorba Linda, California!

Go to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Front view of Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

While in Yorba Linda, be sure to visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.

The museum holds so much history, as it houses an extensive collection of documents from former President Richard Nixon’s administration.

Front view of Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

The museum’s presidential materials collection alone has an estimated 46 million pages of documents and thousands of hours of recorded presidential conversations known as the “White House Tapes.”

It also contains thousands of broadcast video recordings, audio recordings, still photographs, and state and public gifts.

Take the opportunity to learn about the significance of the Nixon administration and its impact around the world when you visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.

Front view of Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

Skate and Play at The Rinks – Yorba Linda Ice

Enjoy skating at The Rinks – Yorba Linda Ice when you are in the city.

Whether you already love being on ice or you’re still learning how to skate, this ice rink is perfect for you.

You may bring friends and family here and spend quality time having fun on the ice, an activity that will always be exciting!

The place even offers skate classes for all ages and skill levels.

Local competitions of winter sports are also held at Yorba Linda Ice, so be sure to check the schedule on their website if you want to catch a game or two.

Taste Local Food and Drinks at TAPS Brewery + Kitchen

If you’re looking for a great place to eat and drink, give Yorba Linda’s TAPS Brewery + Kitchen a chance.

The place offers a wide range of menus, including a breakfast menu, a happy hour menu, a sushi menu, and cocktails and wine menu.

There’s always something for every occasion and person.

To complete your experience, make sure that you try your very own craft beer!

You can choose from their wide selection of beer, which you can learn more about from their website and menu.

Be sure to add TAPS Brewery + Kitchen to your list of places to try in Yorba Linda!

See the Birthplace of Richard Nixon

Birthplace of Richard Nixon 1

Pamela Brick / Shutterstock.com

While in the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, you should get a ticket to check out the house where Nixon was born.

The Richard Nixon Birthplace, located on the grounds of the library, is still the original farmhouse from the 1910s built by Nixon’s father.

View Birthplace of Richard Nixon 1

Pamela Brick / Shutterstock.com

The house still even has its original furnishings, giving you the whole experience of Nixon’s life in Yorba Linda.

The library and museum offers tours all day during visitor hours, so feel free to schedule your own visit in advance!

Admission to the Richard Nixon Birthplace generally includes a tour of the gardens, the birthplace home, and the galleries.

Birthplace of Richard Nixon View 1

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Explore and Learn From the Susanna Bixby Bryant Ranch Museum and Botanic Gardens

One of the most interesting places you can visit in Yorba Linda is the Susanna Bixby Bryant Ranch Museum and Botanic Gardens.

Managed by the Yorba Linda Historical Society and owned by the city government, it is located along Susanna Bryant Drive.

Here, you’ll find 2,500 square feet of vintage room furnishings from the 1800s, including five museum rooms.

You’ll learn in the museum the history of Yorba Linda, the botanic garden, ranching, citrus, and water wars, among others.

It also houses artifacts and mementos of the Yorba Linda family, including Native American artifacts, textiles, and more.

You may explore the entire place and book a tour in advance when you go to the Susanna Bixby Bryant Ranch Museum and Botanic Gardens.

Get Your Own Butterfly Garden Starting Kit at Emma’s Butterfly Ranch

If you love butterflies and nature, drop by Emma’s Butterfly Ranch and learn about the necessary tools to build your own butterfly garden.

The ranch specializes in butterfly releases that are usually done in events.

The place also offers caterpillar life cycle kits and host plans you will need when you build a butterfly garden.

You’ll also find adult butterflies and larvae, with the availability of different species varying per season.

If you want to make an event extra special by including butterflies or you want to grow a garden that will attract these special creatures, you should definitely visit Emma’s Butterfly Ranch.

Spend a Fun and Relaxing Time at Hurless Barton Park

If you want a more laid-back activity, visit Hurless Barton Park and see what the Yorba Linda neighborhood is all about.

If you have kids, you may bring them here so they can go to the playground and have fun with other children.

You may also have a picnic with your date or your family!

Plenty of trees in the park provide shade while all the pleasant greeneries give rest to tired eyes.

If you want a wholesome bonding time with your loved ones, just bring them along to Hurless Barton Park!

Explore the Historic Yorba Cemetery

View of Historic Yorba Cemetery

Bluesnote, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience a one-of-a-kind tour when you visit Historic Yorba Cemetery.

Drop by Orange County’s oldest cemetery if you want to learn about its significance in the community.

The cemetery is no longer open for burials; its last burial was done in 1939.

Its existence today is part of the community’s efforts to preserve Yorba Linda’s historical sites.

It serves as a reminder of Orange County’s pioneer families from the rancho era.

Tours of the Historic Yorba Cemetery are available, so you may contact the staff in advance if you’re planning a visit.

Bring Your Kids to Box Canyon Park

For those traveling with kids, check out the neighborhood’s Box Canyon Park.

This is a must-visit for parents looking for a place where their children can spend a particular playtime.

With its different play structures, it is definitely a unique playground that kids will enjoy.

The park also has a basketball court for those who want to play a ball game.

After doing some fun physical activities, take your kids to one of Box Canyon Park’s picnic shelters and enjoy a meal together!

Just don’t forget to reserve a picnic shelter so you can secure your spot!

Plan Your Tee Time at Black Gold Golf Club

Black Gold Golf Club is known as a favorite of golfers in Orange County, with its par 72 layouts that stretch up to 6,756 yards and incorporate several water features.

It has challenging features that appeal to professional players but can also be friendly to beginners.

One of the Black Gold Golf Club’s most stunning features is a waterfall off its 18th green, so be sure to check that out!

It also has slight elevation changes, rolling hills, and magnificent vistas overlooking the coasts of Newport Beach and Catalina Island.

Don’t pass up on this golfers’ heaven when you reach the area!

Other Things to Do Nearby

After spending some time at Yorba Linda, why not visit nearby destinations, only a few minutes’ drive away from the city?

Get Active at Carbon Canyon Regional Park

View of Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Arne Beruldsen / Shutterstock.com

Drive to Carbon Canyon Regional Park in the city of Brea after visiting Yorba Linda.

The 124-acre park is located upstream of the Carbon Canyon Dam.

Part of the park has a developed area with grass perfect for picnics and other sports activities.

View of Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Arne Beruldsen / Shutterstock.com

It has tennis and volleyball courts, ball fields, bike, equestrian trails, and playgrounds!

You may even go fishing in the four-acre lake with two piers.

View of Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

The park offers tours and group talks by appointment for naturalists, which you may book through the office.

You may also hike a trail to the park’s Redwood Grove and go bird-watching in the process.

Visit Carbon Canyon Regional Park for a fun time outdoors!

Learn about Wildlife Conservation at Fullerton Arboretum

View of Fullerton Arboretum

Orange Grove / Shutterstock.com

While in the area, don’t forget to visit the Fullerton Arboretum, located in the northeast corner of the California State University, Fullerton campus in the city of Fullerton.

The 26-acre botanical garden carries different plant species from around the world, a waterfall, streams, a lake, and a pond with visiting waterfowl.

View of Fullerton Arboretum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

In this arboretum, you’ll enjoy learning about nature and appreciating wildlife.

You may also do nature photography here, but only for personal use.

For sure, after your visit to Fullerton Arboretum, you’ll have a better appreciation for nature and environmental conservation.

View of Fullerton Arboretum

The Image Party / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Yorba Regional Park for a Fun Family Time

There’s so much you can do in Yorba Regional Park, so add it to your list of parks to visit in Orange County!

Located in the mouth of Santa Ana Canyon in Anaheim, it’s just a few minute’s drive from Yorba Linda.

It is the perfect place for families because of the variety of amenities available, with the relaxing view of the bodies of water nearby.

You may want to spend some time playing horseshoes and volleyball or fishing, hiking, and biking.

If you just want to relax in nature, find the perfect spot under the shades of trees and bring out your book or sketchpad.

The park also features picnic shelters that you may even reserve for a huge group of people!

Yorba Regional Park has everything you could want for a fun leisure time.

Book a Tour at the Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens

View of Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens

MaraLight18, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens are one of Orange County’s national historical landmarks in the community of Silverado.

You should visit this place and learn about the life of one of America’s most beloved actresses, Madame Helena Modjeska.

View of Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens

Coolsheep2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Modjeska’s century-old house was named Arden because the grounds resembled the Forest of Arden in the Shakespearean play “As You Like It.”

Arden hosted prominent visitors through the years, including actress Maud Durbin and famed pianist Ignace Jan Paderewski, among many others.

To secure your schedule, you may book a tour of the Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens.

Have Fun Bouncing at Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Whether you want to do a cardio workout or a fun activity, bouncing like a kid at an indoor trampoline park will always be a good time.

Before leaving the area, go to the Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Anaheim and enjoy every jump!

Remember that trampoline parks aren’t just for kids but also for adults.

You may even rent the place if you want to host a party or any event!

You’ll discover different facilities for all types of trampoline activities when you visit Sky Zone, Trampoline Park.

Final Thoughts

To experience the balance of living and playing in a suburban community, you should visit the city of Yorba Linda.

Beyond its beautiful residential areas, the city boasts fun activities and historical sites that lure visitors in.

When planning your visit to the area, feel free to go back to this list of the best things to do in Yorba Linda, California.

© All rights reserved.