If you’re planning a trip to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, don’t stop there. Yorba Linda and the surrounding area are full of activities worth exploring—whether you’re into California history, relaxing parks, great coffee, or a good old-fashioned burger. In this guide, we’ll highlight 20 things to do near the Nixon Library, from educational stops to scenic strolls and places to grab a bite. Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or on a family outing, there’s something nearby to round out your day.
Jessamyn West Park
📍 Address: 19115 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA
🚶 Walking distance from Richard Nixon Library: 8 minutes
💸 Budget: Free
Just a short stroll from the Nixon Library, Jessamyn West Park offers a peaceful break in your day with a side of local charm. Named after the American author and Nixon’s cousin, this shady neighborhood park feels like an easy extension of your museum visit—less history, more fresh air.
The space is compact but thoughtfully laid out. You’ll find well-kept walking paths, picnic tables, open grassy areas, and a small but lively playground—ideal if you're traveling with kids who need to burn off energy. There’s even a modest basketball half-court for a casual game if you’re up for it.
It’s the kind of place where locals come to walk their dogs, sip coffee under the trees, or read a book on a bench. If you’ve just finished touring the Nixon Library, it’s a great place to relax, reflect, and chat before diving into your next activity.
The park is surrounded by quiet residential streets, and the walk there takes you past charming homes and local landscaping. Bring a drink or snack from one of the nearby cafés (like Stefano’s Golden Baked Hams, just around the corner), and enjoy some downtime under the Southern California sun.
Black Gold Golf Club
📍 Address: 1 Black Gold Dr, Yorba Linda, CA
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 6 minutes by car
💸 Budget: $$–$$$
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just in it for the views, Black Gold Golf Club is one of Yorba Linda’s top destinations for both. Set on rolling hills just north of the Nixon Library, this public 18-hole championship course is surrounded by lush fairways, native wildflowers, and panoramic vistas of Orange County.
Even if golf isn’t on your itinerary, the club is worth a visit for its relaxing atmosphere and inviting spaces. The clubhouse terrace and grill are open to the public and make a scenic spot for lunch or sunset drinks. The food leans upscale casual—think grilled salmon, Angus burgers, and fresh salads, all served with sweeping views of the course and distant hills.
Golfers can take advantage of the full practice area, on-site pro shop, and helpful staff, while non-golfers might just want to linger in the clubhouse lounge, which is popular for everything from lazy weekend brunches to casual business meetings.
Yorba Linda Heritage Museum and Historic Main Street
📍 Address: 5700 Susanna Bryant Dr, Yorba Linda, CA
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 4 minutes by car
💸 Budget: Free
If the Nixon Library sparked your interest in American history, the Yorba Linda Heritage Museum offers a smaller, more intimate look at the local roots behind the national story. This quaint museum, tucked behind the Susanna Bixby Bryant Ranch House, focuses on early ranch life and the pioneering families that helped shape the region.
The building itself is a restored ranch home dating back to the early 1900s, set amid a peaceful garden with citrus trees, native plants, and shaded pathways. Inside, you’ll find artifacts ranging from antique tools and farm equipment to vintage clothing, photographs, and furniture. It’s a great spot to get a feel for what life looked like in Orange County before the suburbs took hold.
The staff and docents are volunteers from the local historical society, and they’re full of stories—many handed down through generations. On select weekends, the museum also hosts special events, like craft fairs, antique appraisals, or old-fashioned games and demonstrations, making it an especially fun stop for families.
While you’re there, take a stroll down Historic Main Street, just a few blocks away. It’s a short stretch, but it packs in plenty of character with charming storefronts, local cafes, a wine bar, and the old post office, giving you a feel for Yorba Linda’s small-town heart.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
📍 Address: 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 15 minutes by car
💸 Budget: $–$$ (small parking fee)
Tucked into the foothills of Brea, Carbon Canyon Regional Park offers a peaceful, 124-acre escape that feels worlds away from city life. Known for its unexpected grove of coastal redwoods—yes, actual redwoods in SoCal—it’s a beautiful blend of traditional park amenities and surprisingly tranquil trails.
Visitors can hike, picnic, fish, or simply wander. The 1.1-mile Redwood Grove Trail is the park’s standout: an easy, mostly flat loop that winds through dry brush and wildflowers before revealing a shaded mini-forest of 100-foot-tall redwoods. It’s one of the only places in Orange County where you can stand beneath these towering trees without heading up north.
Families will love the playgrounds, tennis courts, and fishing lake, while photographers and nature lovers can spend time spotting birds, lizards, and the occasional deer. There are also wide open lawns perfect for frisbee, soccer, or sprawling out with a picnic blanket and book.
It’s a great pick if you want to recharge in nature between cultural stops—especially if you’re visiting the Nixon Library as part of a full-day itinerary. The park is dog-friendly (on a leash), and there’s ample parking for just a few dollars, making it a low-stress outing for all kinds of travelers.
Stefano’s Golden Baked Hams
📍 Address: 18220 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA
🚶 Walking distance from Nixon Library: 5 minutes
💸 Budget: $–$$
Just down the street from the Nixon Library, Stefano’s Golden Baked Hams is the kind of place you stumble into once and then return to every time you're in town. It’s a warm, welcoming deli-style eatery known for its namesake honey-glazed hams—but the menu is far more versatile than the name suggests.
You’ll find stacked hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet salads, breakfast burritos, and comforting daily specials. Local regulars swear by the Stefano’s Signature Sandwich, loaded with ham, turkey, Swiss, and a house-made honey mustard sauce on a soft roll. The mac and cheese is creamy and rich, often ordered as a side—or as a full meal.
The interior has a cozy, retro feel with family photos and awards lining the walls. It’s casual and quick, but full of character. There’s indoor and shaded patio seating, and the vibe is relaxed—think business casual lunches, families grabbing a bite after school, and museumgoers recapping their visit over iced tea and a warm cookie.
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
📍 Address: 270 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA (closest major location)
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 30 minutes by car
💸 Budget: $–$$
If you’re down for a quick detour that hits your sweet tooth in all the right ways, Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is the place. Known across Southern California for its fresh-out-the-fryer doughnuts and high-quality brews, it’s not exactly around the corner—but it is a worthy pilgrimage for anyone who considers dessert a major food group.
These are not your average doughnuts. Sidecar prides itself on small-batch, made-daily creations with gourmet ingredients and rotating seasonal flavors. Popular picks include the Butter & Salt, which is rich, savory-sweet, and perfectly golden, and the Maple Bacon, which balances smoky crunch with sticky maple glaze. There’s also a Huckleberry doughnut that’s become something of a legend—bright, tart, and not too sweet.
Everything is made on-site throughout the day, so your doughnut is often still warm when you bite into it. Pair it with a bold, house-roasted coffee or a creamy nitro cold brew for the full experience.
The storefront itself is bright, minimal, and always bustling. You’ll usually find a line, but it moves fast—and there’s plenty of outdoor seating, so it’s a great place to take a beat, people-watch, or scroll through your Nixon Library photos.
Craig Regional Park
📍 Address: 3300 State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 15 minutes by car
💸 Budget: $ (small parking fee)
Set on over 120 acres in neighboring Fullerton, Craig Regional Park is one of the best spots to unwind if you're craving open space and shady corners after a day of indoor sightseeing. It’s spacious, well-maintained, and full of options whether you want to picnic, walk, jog, or just watch the ducks paddle by.
The park features a large central lake, complete with fountains and small bridges—great for scenic strolls or a quiet moment with a coffee. You’ll also find rolling hills, large grassy areas, and shaded groves that give the park a more varied, natural feel than some of its flatter urban counterparts.
Families will love the two playgrounds, which are thoughtfully spaced apart for different age groups, and there are tennis courts, baseball fields, and walking trails if you’re feeling active. The vibe is calm, not too crowded, and easygoing—perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking to break up a museum-heavy day.
It’s also a bit of a hidden gem for birdwatchers. If you bring binoculars, you might spot great egrets, herons, and even turtles sunning themselves near the water.
Fullerton Arboretum
Fullerton Arboretum
📍 Address: 1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, CA
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 20 minutes by car
💸 Budget: Free (donations encouraged)
Need a breather after exploring presidential archives and bustling cafes? The Fullerton Arboretum offers a lush retreat filled with curated gardens, rare plant species, and winding paths perfect for a quiet wander. Located on the northeast corner of the Cal State Fullerton campus, it spans 26 acres of botanical bliss and is one of the largest botanical gardens in Orange County.
The grounds are divided into regions, showcasing everything from desert succulents and native California flora to tropical plant life and a serene Japanese garden. It’s easy to spend an hour or two here, camera in hand, marveling at how well the space transitions from dry chaparral to ferny forest.
There’s also a small museum and historic house on-site—the 19th-century Heritage House, which gives a glimpse into the medical practices and domestic life of early Orange County. Depending on when you visit, you might catch a garden workshop, nature tour, or plant sale.
The vibe is hushed and contemplative. You’ll see solo walkers, student sketchers, and couples on low-key dates meandering through the foliage. Benches and shady nooks make it ideal for reflecting or just enjoying a rare moment of stillness.
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
📍 Address: 1201 W Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 18 minutes by car
💸 Budget: $–$$ (Free to explore grounds; fees for select exhibits and events)
Housed in a stunning 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival mansion, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center—affectionately known as “The Muck”—combines local history with a vibrant arts scene. It’s one of those hidden gems that locals adore and visitors are delighted to discover, offering a unique way to round out a culture-heavy day.
The center hosts a rotating lineup of art exhibits, concerts, film nights, and live performances, covering everything from jazz and flamenco to contemporary art installations and international photography. Inside, you’ll find a mix of gallery space, classroom studios, and performance areas, while outside, the gardens and tiled fountains give the space a charming, old-world feel.
If you’re into architecture or design, you’ll appreciate the intricate woodwork, wrought-iron balconies, and period furniture that speak to its original role as a private home. It’s a photogenic place—inside and out—especially during golden hour when the light spills across the manicured lawns.
Many of the events are free or low-cost, and you don’t have to be an art buff to enjoy them. Just wandering the grounds or popping into a local artisan workshop or community gallery show can be a relaxing way to unwind.
Pro tip: Check their calendar before your visit. Seasonal events—like outdoor movie nights, art festivals, or garden concerts—add a fun twist that turns a casual stop into an experience.
Children’s Museum at La Habra
📍 Address: 301 S Euclid St, La Habra, CA
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 20 minutes by car
💸 Budget: $$
Traveling with kids or feeling young at heart? The Children’s Museum at La Habra is a playful and hands-on destination that blends education with entertainment in all the right ways. Set inside a charming 1923 Union Pacific Depot building, this museum is packed with exhibits that invite you to touch, build, climb, and explore.
The space is thoughtfully designed for children aged 2 to 10, but adults will find plenty to enjoy too—especially if you’re into interactive learning and nostalgic play. Inside, there’s a mini market, train exhibit, science station, and a full-size carousel horse to climb aboard. You’ll also find rotating themed areas, which have previously included ocean adventures, space travel, and animal habitats.
One of the most popular features is the dinosaur garden outside, complete with dig pits where little ones can play paleontologist and uncover “fossils.” There’s also a hands-on bubble room, where visitors can step inside a giant soap film—yes, really.
What makes this museum especially delightful is its focus on creativity, movement, and real-world themes, all scaled down to kid-size. The staff is friendly and engaged, and there’s always something seasonal going on, from craft sessions to themed scavenger hunts.
Pro tip: Parking is free, and your ticket includes access to all indoor and outdoor areas. Weekdays tend to be quieter, so it’s worth planning your visit around school hours if you want extra space to roam.
Packing House District, Anaheim
📍 Address: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA
🚗 Distance from Nixon Library: 25 minutes by car
💸 Budget: $–$$$
Just a short drive from Yorba Linda, the Packing House District in Anaheim brings together food, history, and local charm in one stylish space. The anchor of the district is the Anaheim Packing House, a beautifully restored citrus packing facility from the 1910s that’s now home to a curated collection of food vendors, coffee stands, craft cocktail bars, and dessert counters.
Wander through the bustling central hall and you’ll find everything from Korean fried chicken and ramen burgers to Vietnamese iced coffee, fresh poke bowls, and handmade gelato. The vibe is cozy but energetic, with hanging plants, Edison bulbs, and tucked-away corners perfect for sipping a drink or sharing snacks.
One of the highlights is Hammer Bar, a tucked-away lounge pouring expertly made cocktails and offering a mellow, intimate escape from the daytime crowd. Or, if you’re in a grazing mood, grab bites from a few different stalls and make your own foodie sampler.
Outside, the district includes boutique shops, craft breweries, and the small but charming Farmers Park, often buzzing with live music, markets, or art shows depending on the day. It’s a great area for souvenir shopping, people-watching, or kicking back on a shaded bench with an iced drink.
Whether you're exploring Yorba Linda for the first time or tagging on a few extra stops after your visit to the Nixon Library, this area has more to offer than you might expect. From redwood trails and botanical gardens to foodie gems and interactive museums, there's a mix of culture, history, nature, and fun all within easy reach. So whether you’ve got a couple of hours or an entire day to spare, you’re in a great spot to keep the adventure going.
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