Downtown Fullerton Has a Little Something for Everyone
- Laila Freeman
- Aug 29, 2025
- 7 min read
Downtown Fullerton is the great place to explore in Orange County if you want free public parking and walkable fun.
North Orange County has much more fun to offer than simply Disneyland in Anaheim. Just a city over, there’s an area with something for everyone with a small-town feel.
Looking for lots to do and explore in a walkable area? Love supporting local businesses? Be sure to head over to downtown Fullerton. You’ll have a good time day or night, whether you love thrifting, escape rooms or even the blooming view of jacaranda trees.
There’s free public parking located at 114 E Wilshire Ave., in the Wilshire Parking Structure, but costs $5 per vehicle from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
If you want to take the train, the Fullerton Metrolink station is located at 120 E. Santa Fe Ave., which is about a 10-minute walk from all the fun.
Second Hand Shops
Downtown Fullerton’s creativity is in its secondhand and vintage shops. Each store has its own personality, offering everything from retro fashion to home décor with history.
At Vangsworld. PHOTO 1: Sign at the entrance. PHOTO 2: A women's clothing rack right outside the Vangsworld store entrance. PHOTO 3: Betty Boop towers above other collectibles. PHOTO 4: Vangsworld's video game, DVD and CD selection. PHOTO 5: Vangsworld has play station and Nintendo DS games for sale. PHOTO 6: Vangsworld's trading cards on display. Photos by Laila Freeman, Culture OC
Vangsworld
At Vangsworld, you can find old Nintendo DS games, Funko Pops, binders filled with baseball cards or other collectables. It’s the kind of vintage store where you’ll find a Mary Poppins soundtrack vinyl tucked right behind an Agnostic Front album. There’s really something here for everyone.
Vangsworld sells action figures like Firestar, an assortment of Disney pins, and various Hot Wheels and Pokemon cards. For those who value physical music, you can have your pick of CDs, vinyls and cassette tapes of new releases as well as groups you may have forgotten about such as Another Bad Creation.
Clothing is also for sale with a wide range of prices and styles. You may just find your new favorite pair of jeans here as Vangsworld carries the brands Carhartt, Levi’s, Calvin Klein and more. There’s more men’s wear than women’s apparel, however, the women’s section does have a $5 bin.
Aside from the variety of items at Vangsworld, what truly makes it worth popping into is the staff who will take the time to chat with you about the collectibles and media you enjoy. If you’re developing or revamping your own merchandise, feel free to ask them about their graphic design and screen printing services.
112 W Wilshire Ave., Fullerton. Hours: Noon-7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, noon-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Mondays
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange began in 1974, in a 400-square foot store in Tucson, Arizona, and now has about 40 locations nationwide including Fullerton.
For those who are always looking for their next best thrift find, Buffalo Exchange has a bunch of everything – tank tops, heavy coats, purses, tee shirts, you name it. There are even walls of shoes in the back of the store next to the fitting rooms.
The typical price for merchandise is around $20. If you have the time, slide over every hangar to discover the next gem for your closet.
The staff members here have killer style of their own and are friendly, ready to help you with your fashion needs.
Want to give your clothes a second life? To learn more about selling your clothes to Buffalo Exchange, click on the store’s “How to Sell” page.
215 N Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays
And more
Not ready to stop shopping yet? Walk on over to The Collective Vintage at 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 105, Fullerton, and Retropolis at 206 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton.
Places to Eat
Food is at the heart of downtown Fullerton’s vibrant mix of shopping, art, music and nightlife. While there are too many restaurants to list them all, here’s a taste of a few dining options that help make this neighborhood a destination.
PHOTO 1: The Night Owl's ambiance seen from outside in the evening. PHOTO 2: The Night Owl's owl decor inside.
Photos by Laila Freeman, Culture OC
The Night Owl
One of the coolest coffee and tea shops in Orange County since 2011, The Night Owl can both energize and entertain you, either under the sun or under the moon.
The baristas make customers feel welcome and may even crack a joke with you. If your beverage needs an adjustment, they’ll be happy to perfect it to your liking. Their beverages are on the pricier side at about $8, but they provide fun flavors. Their banana bread latte actually tastes like banana bread.
The Night Owl provides a cozy atmosphere with owl art throughout the cafe and bewitching blue lights in the window. If you stop and listen, you’ll probably hear some jazz from the speakers like Zoot Sims & Joe Castro Trio’s “A Night In Tunisia.”
There’s ample seating on their patio outside, which is where you can watch local bands perform. Come early to snag a seat or bring a lawn chair. The Night Owl is always hosting different events such as Monday Karaoke nights at 7 p.m.
Stay up to date on upcoming performances and events like open mics and jazz nights by following their Instagram. Learn more about performing at The Night Owl on the cafe’s Events Details page.
200 N Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, closes at 9 p.m. on Mondays
Indoor, top, and outdoor seating at Jaxon's Chicken. Photos by Laila Freeman, Culture OC
Jaxon’s Chicken
Right next door to The Night Owl is Jaxon’s Chicken, known for its scratch-made jumbo chicken tenders. Why go to Raising Cane’s when just a five minute drive away is Jaxon’s? Both the crinkle-cut french fries and tenders are larger than the ones you’d get at Cane’s.
The tenders have different spiciness levels to choose from, but regardless of the kind of heat you can handle, their chicken has a crispy outside and juicy inside that can be dipped in a variety of their sauces. I highly recommend their Bacon Ranch and Jaxon’s Cajun sauces, but encourage you to try them all.
Other than tenders, their menu also features chicken taquitos, a mac and cheese bowl, smash burger, etc. If you’re overwhelmed by the options and don’t know where to start, Jaxon’s staff members will point you in the right direction.
It’s a great spot to meet up with some friends and watch a sporting event or to take advantage of Jaxon’s patio outside. Either way, there’s a good amount of seating. Order some chicken and watch the live performances across the way at The Night Owl.
Jaxon’s is award-winning Chef Joseph Mahon’s third restaurant concept born from the previously acclaimed Burger Parlor. Mahon helped shape Jaxon’s menu by utilizing French techniques to enhance the showcased Southern American cuisine.
204 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, closed Mondays
The Cellar Restaurant
Speaking of French, if you feel like splurging, head on down to The Cellar in the evening. Making reservations is easy on their website.
The staircase entrance has been tucked into the corner of the historic Villa del Sol’s courtyard since 1969. Once you open the wooden door at the bottom of the steps, you’ll hear old French music that matches the moody, almost gothic atmosphere of the restaurant. My personal favorite tune they play is the Josephine Baker song, “La Conga Blicoti.”
There’s dark paintings and even stained glass on the walls along with black, cushioned booths. Depending on the size of your party, you may just find yourself ushered past the wine bottles to the private back table that makes you feel as if you’re hosting a mafia meeting.
If aspects of the restaurant remind you of elements in Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride, that’s because both were designed by craftsman Gene White.
Be sure to browse the delicious cocktail menu while you’re there. A more refreshing beverage for pickle-lovers is their Summer Dillight, though if you want something fruitier, opt for the Rockaway Beach.
While you wait for your main course, you can eat their assortment of bread, or order an appetizer. I recommend trying their bone marrow, served with seasonal jam and crostinis. It may appear daunting at first, especially that first scoop out of the bone itself. It’ll look like gravy gelatin on your spoon, but as soon as it hits your tongue, it melts in your mouth.
According to WebMD, consuming bone marrow has a range of health benefits. For example, the ample amounts of collagen in bone marrow help maintain skin, bone and joint health. It’s also high in nutrients such as vitamins E, A and B12 as well as iron, riboflavin and thiamine.
When you’ve eaten the last of the marrow, you may ask your server to clean the bones to bring home to your dogs.
The Cellar’s dinner menu is a delicious feat, which includes the best lobster bisque you’ll most likely ever have. Their meals feature various meats – tenderloin, lamb chops, braised short rib and more. Perfect for hitting your daily protein goal.
For all the sweet tooths, be sure to order the creme brulée. Maybe you’re not hungry, and want to stop by for a drink. Take a seat at The Cellar’s bar.
305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. Dinner hours: 5-8:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 4:30-9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Sundays. Bar hours: 4-10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 4-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Escape Rooms
If you want to put you and your group of friends or family to the test, there’s not one, but two escape room options within walking distance of each other.
Wild Goose Escape Rooms at 123 W. Amerige Ave., Fullerton has different themes to choose from that are sure to get your blood pumping. You may decide to find a cure for the zombie apocalypse or try to defeat the evil artificial intelligence that took over your Smart Home. Check out other room themes on their website.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
If none of those options fit the escape room vibe you’re looking for, Infinity Escape at 108 E Amerige Ave. has The Magic Cottage and Dr. Jorg’s Zombie Lab to endeavor into.
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays, 2-11 p.m. Tuesdays, 2:30-11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-midnight Fridays-Sundays.
But Wait … There’s More
These spots don’t even scratch the surface of the great community that is downtown Fullerton.
Looking for a high-tea experience? Walk over to Spring Tea Garden.
Wanting to test your green thumb? Find some foliage at The Green Place.
Or maybe you need to boost your adrenaline. Check out The Axe Lair.
There’s a lot of things that make these Fullerton establishments worth checking out, but it’s really the people behind them that bring the heart to this area.
