You know that feeling when you drive through a town and think, "Yeah, just another suburb," only to find out later you missed a 1920s train depot turned into a world-class museum? That’s basically La Habra. It sits right on the edge of Orange County, often overshadowed by the flashy lights of Anaheim or the coastal cool of Newport. But honestly? If you’re looking for things to do in La Habra, you’re going to find a weirdly perfect mix of old-school California history and surprisingly modern local hangouts.
I’ve seen people blow through here on the way to Whittier or Brea without stopping. Huge mistake.
The Museum That Isn’t Just for Kids
Let’s talk about The Children’s Museum at La Habra. People hear "children's museum" and assume it's just a room full of sticky plastic blocks. It’s not. This place is literally built into a 1923 Union Pacific Train Depot.
Right now, in early 2026, they have this massive exhibit called "Art Inspired" running through August. It’s wild. They’ve actually recreated Monet’s water lily pond with a Japanese bridge that kids (and, let’s be real, parents who want the photo) can walk through. You can even "climb" scaffolding to sketch the Sistine Chapel ceiling like Michelangelo.
It’s one of the first of its kind west of the Mississippi. Even if you don't have kids, the architecture of the depot itself is worth a look. The historic 1942 caboose parked outside is a local icon.
Where the Locals Actually Eat
If you want to eat like someone who lives here, skip the chains on Imperial Highway. Head over to The Crab Shack. It’s been getting a ton of buzz lately for being better than the big-name boiling spots in the San Gabriel Valley.
Then there’s the Westridge Golf Club. Now, wait. I know what you’re thinking. "I don't golf." Neither do I, usually. But they have this Korean BBQ restaurant inside the clubhouse that is legit. Imagine grilling short ribs while looking out over the rolling greens. It’s one of those "if you know, you know" spots.
- Gidley’s Donuts: Classic. Get there early or you're getting crumbs.
- The Tamale Festival: If you happen to be here in the winter, this is non-negotiable. It’s basically the city’s biggest party.
- Insignia La Habra: A newer cultural pocket where you’ll find local murals and small cafés that feel way more "Silver Lake" than "North OC."
Golf, Bowling, and Old School Vibes
Speaking of the golf course, Westridge is a "shot-maker's" course. It’s got these crazy elevation changes. The 3rd hole has a tee box perched so high you feel like you're launching the ball into another zip code.
But if you’d rather stay indoors, La Habra 300 Bowl is a time capsule in the best way. It opened in 1960 and still has that classic "Big Lebowski" energy. They have leagues every single day of the week.
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- Pro Tip: They have a youth program that’s actually serious—coaches there have been teaching kids since the Eisenhower administration.
- Saturday Mornings: It gets loud. It’s when the "Junior All Stars" take over.
Hidden History on the Boulevard of the Bells
You might notice these 1906 replica bells along La Habra Boulevard. This is the Boulevard of the Bells. It marks the original El Camino Real route.
One of the coolest pieces of trivia? Richard Nixon opened his very first law office right here in La Habra. The site is now where the Community Center stands. Most people think of him in terms of Yorba Linda (where his library is), but his career actually kicked off in this little valley.
Getting Outdoors Without the Crowds
If you want to hike but don't want to fight for parking at Topanga or Runyon, go to Vista del Valle Park.
It’s 30 acres of natural space. It’s got Japanese cherry trees that look incredible when they bloom. For something a bit more rugged, the Bud Turner Trail nearby is a 1.8-mile loop. You’ll see equestrians there all the time. Just watch your step—horses don't use restrooms.
Parks for the Kids (and the Tired)
- Oeste Park: Great splash zone for the summer.
- Brio Park: Right next to the museum, perfect for a post-museum decompression session.
- La Bonita Park: This is where the local skate park is. It’s 22 acres of pure energy.
The Verdict on La Habra
La Habra isn't trying to be fancy. It's a place where you can find a world-class interactive art exhibit in a train station and then go eat some of the best seafood boil in the county at a strip mall. It’s authentic.
If you're planning a visit, start at the Museum in the morning to beat the crowd, grab K-BBQ at Westridge for lunch, and finish the day with a few frames at the 300 Bowl.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the city's recreation calendar for the Corn Festival dates if you're visiting in August—it's the biggest event of the year and draws thousands for a reason. Also, book your museum tickets online in advance; since the 2026 renovations, weekend slots for the "Art Inspired" exhibit have been filling up by Thursday.