Situated between Los Angeles and Anaheim, La Habra stands as an inland Orange County city known for its leafy suburban landscape and rolling hills. Distinct from more tourist-oriented areas of Orange County, La Habra's character is shaped by its local culture and community, which is celebrated through various annual events and local finds.
For outdoor enjoyment, Vista Del Valle Park provides green space with aerial city views. Visitors can take in the scenery from paved walking paths or enjoy a picnic on lush grassy fields. Depending on the time of year, snowcapped mountains may be visible in the distance. Reviewers on Google report frequent bunny sightings within the park.
La Habra's diverse culinary scene is a point of local pride, featuring a variety of establishments from Mexican to Korean. Taco Nazo, a fast-casual eatery known for Baja-style battered fish tacos, is frequently mentioned by locals on Reddit within Orange County subreddits; one of its six Southern California locations is in La Habra. Arthur's Coffee Shop, a country-style diner, is another favored spot among Reddit users, particularly for breakfast items like sizable pancakes and fluffy biscuits. Google reviewers note ample parking availability for guests.
Gastronomy is also a central theme for two major family-friendly celebrations held annually in La Habra.
The La Habra Corn Festival, a tradition since 1949, transforms El Centro-Lions Park for one summer weekend in August. The festival features carnival rides, music, and an abundance of corn on the cob served with melted butter and other toppings. A parade includes local marching bands, color guard teams, and has in the past featured celebrity guests, including actor Edward James Olmos. Admission to the festival is free, with proceeds benefiting the community. A 2015 article reported the corn theme's origin in the grain's popularity among La Habra's Midwestern and Mexican populations during that period. Additional information and dates are available via the La Habra Host Lions Club's Instagram.
Later in the year, the holiday season is marked by the La Habra Tamale Festival, a free, one-day event held in early December. This festival takes over Euclid Street, offering an assortment of vendors selling tamales with both sweet and savory fillings. Beyond the food, the event includes a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, traditional Mexican dancing, and a petting zoo. Yelp reviewers recommend arriving early to secure a parking spot and avoid crowds, though a shuttle service is also provided.
Beyond festivals, La Habra offers various kid-friendly attractions. The Children's Museum at La Habra, housed in a former train depot, provides educational entertainment for younger children. Activities include exploring a farm-themed indoor play area and interacting with taxidermied animals. Reviewers on Google suggest spending a few hours at the museum, noting that outside food is not permitted.
Conveniently located directly across from The Children's Museum is Brio Park, which features a playground, a seasonal splash zone with flower-shaped misters, and a train play structure. Next to the museum, The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot periodically hosts shows tailored for families, with past performances including "The SpongeBob Musical" and "A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail."
La Habra is approximately a 20-minute drive from Anaheim, making it an option for those seeking an overnight stay to avoid crowds associated with Anaheim's major attractions. For example, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham La Habra offers beach-themed rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and nightly rates starting at around $154.
