Cerritos is a city with a population of about 50,000 situated in Los Angeles County. It’s part of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area and is considered a suburb of that city.
Cerritos has great weather which allows for outdoor recreation all year round. It’s known for its very central location with easy access to many other cities and the coast where the popular beaches are.
In Cerritos, there are many parks, restaurants, and shopping areas, such as Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos Promenade, and Plaza 183.
Many events and festivals take place in Cerritos throughout the year, including the Tournament of Roses Parade and the City of Cerritos Concerts Under the Stars.
Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Cerritos, California.
1. Get Some Fresh Air and Exercise at Don Knabe Community Park
Source: RaWCash / shutterstockDon Knabe Community Park is a large, beautiful green space in Cerritos with many things to see and do. The lakes, rolling hills, and big trees make you feel you’re in a remote area, rather than in the middle of a city.
The park has many facilities, including a swimming pool, playgrounds, fitness zones, picnic areas with barbecue facilities. There are also basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts.
Fishing is a popular activity at the two lakes that are situated in the park. Restrooms and concession stands are also on-site.
2. Enjoy a Live Show at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Source: 18percentgrey / shutterstockSince 1987, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts has been showcasing world-class live entertainment.
This large, state-of-the-art venue features over 150 live performances each season, including concerts, dance shows, and theater performances.
Some of the world-class entertainers who’ve performed at this venue in the past, include Frank Sinatra, Jay Leno, and Johnny Mathis.
3. Take the Kids to Adventure City
Source: Adventure City / FacebookAdventure City is an amusem*nt park situated in nearby Anaheim with two acres of attractions and rides, including a Ferris wheel, tower drop, a shuttle coaster, and spinning balloons.
Several historic rides are also on-site including a carousel from the mid-1940s and mini-railroad from the late 1930s.
Other fun attractions at this park include a petting zoo, a rock-climbing tower, and an arcade with games suitable for all ages.
4. Dine on Quality Seafood at Pier 76 Fish Grill
Source: Pier 76 Fish Grill (Pier 76 Cerritos Plaza 183) / FacebookIf you’re looking for affordable, delicious, top-quality seafood, look no further than Pier 76 Fish Grill.
This friendly and lively seafood eatery serves traditional seafood dishes with a modern, West Coast twist. Everything is prepared fresh daily using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week and you’ll find a range of items on the menu, including appetizers, soups, salads, grilled options, tacos, burritos, and entrees such as beer-battered fish & chips, warm lobster roll, and salmon gumbo bowl.
5. Check out the Cerritos Sculpture Garden
Source: ninjasun - Hung Tran / shutterstockWhen the city of Cerritos turned 50, the anniversary was celebrated with the instalment of a beautiful sculpture garden.
Today, the Cerritos Sculpture Garden features a variety of sculptures, including one that serves as a memorial to the victims of the 1986 Cerritos air disaster.
Benches are located around the park and its beauty is magnified by the many trees and stately courtyard walls that surround it.
There’s room for 20 sculptures in total and the garden is continuously growing. Throughout the year, several temporary, rotating sculptures are featured among the permanent ones.
6. Sample Local Craft Beer at Bruery Terreux
Source: Bruery Terreux / FacebookBruery Terreux is a craft brewery situated in nearby Anaheim which has been creating traditional brews with a modern touch since 2008. Their focus is on sour and wild ales, and are highly influenced by the brewing traditions of Belgium and France.
The on-site tasting room is stylish and comfortable and, at any given time, there are close to 50 beers on tap. Seating is also available outside on the patio and food trucks offering a variety of food options are usually parked outside.
7. Find Unique, Handcrafted treasures at Native Visions
Source: Native Visions / FacebookSince the early 90s, Native Visions has been showcasing and selling unique Native American Jewelry for men and women.
This family-run gallery and shop seeks out indigenous artists from all around the Southwestern United States. The artists are predominantly of Cherokee, Zuni, Hopi, Navajo, and Santo Domingo ancestry.
Many of the beautiful pieces available for sale feature crystals and precious stones, such as turquoise and coral.
8. Enjoy Dinner and a Show at Medieval Times Buena Park Dinner Theater
Source: TonelsonProductions / shutterstockThe Medieval Times Buena Park Dinner Theater is a unique and exciting experience, unlike any other dinner theater.
The experience is suitable for the whole family and starts with a walk-through of the castle where you’ll meet various members of the court.
When everyone takes their seat, the jousting and medieval weaponry begins. After the impressive display, you’ll dine on a lavish four-course meal with Queen Maria Isabella.
9. Cool Off on Hot Days at Knott’s Soak City U.S.A.
Source: Knott's Soak City Water Park / FacebookSituated in nearby Buena Park, Knott’s Soak City U.S.A. is the biggest waterpark in the county. There are thrilling water-based attractions for all ages, including waterslides, water tunnels, a lazy river and a huge wave pool.
You have the option to upgrade to a VIP pass that allows access to even more attractions, including the luxurious cabanas.
There’s also a kid’s area with toddler-friendly activities and Longboard’s Grill is where you’ll find a wide variety of food and beverage options for the whole family.
10. Browse the Cerritos Farmers’ Market
Source: Javani LLC / shutterstockThe Cerritos Farmers’ Market takes place every week throughout the year come rain or shine.
The highlight of this market are the fresh, local fruits and vegetables that are offered. As you browse the many vendors, you’ll also find a wide variety of other products, including honey, flowers, homemade bread, and other baked treats.
11. Ride in the co*ckpit at Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center
Source: View Apart / shutterstockIf you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to fly a plane, you won’t have to wonder anymore after a visit to the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center in nearby Anaheim.
You can choose from a variety of flying experiences, including a Boeing 737 commercial airplane and an F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Whichever experience you choose, you’ll be in control of the aircraft and it’ll feel like you are actually flying it.
12. Play a Quick Round of Golf at Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course
Source: Mikael Damkier / shutterstockIf you’re looking for a top-quality golf experience but don’t have a whole lot of time, head to Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course.
This 9-hole, par-29 executive course is well-maintained and surrounded by beautiful scenery. The driving range is lit up after dark so you can get some practice rounds in after a long day of exploring the city.
Golf lessons are also offered, and clubs and other equipment are available for rent.
13. Go Sport Fishing with Dan Hernandez
Source: project1photography / shutterstockDan Hernandez is a local fishing expert who runs chartered fishing excursions. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn about the sport or an old pro looking for new tips, he has over 30 years of experience instructing anglers of all ages and skill levels.
He is also a local celebrity and host of a popular reality television show about sport fishing called ‘Sport Fishing with Dan Hernandez’.
All excursions are led by Dan Hernandez himself and it’s possible to book a televised excursion where you have a chance to be a guest on his popular television show.
14. Awaken your Inner Speed Demon at the Buena Park Raceway
Source: Buena Park Raceway / FacebookThe Buena Park Raceway is a world-class facility for anyone interested in slot car racing.
The main King Track is 155 feet and is suitable for all levels. Also on-site is the flat track and Kingleman track which offer different experiences depending on your skill levels.
