Brea-Olinda - Brea, CA

The Brea-Olinda community lies nestled in the foothills of Orange County. The area has been known for the tar that seeped from the hills — in fact, “brea” means “tar” in Spanish. This natural resource was used by both the Native Americans and also the pioneers who inhabited the land for centuries. Like many other communities in Orange County, the Brea-Olinda area experienced much growth in population and economic expansion in the early 1900’s with the introduction of the railways. Step back in time as you delve into the areas rich history at Olinda Oil Museum and Trail.

The Brea-Olinda community gets together for annual events such as Concerts in the Park and Brea Fest, which features world-class art exhibitions and food sampling. Visit Brea Art gallery to view world-class exhibitions and live art demonstrations, or attend its workshops for adults and kids.

Dining in the Brea-Olinda area presents an array of tantalizing flavors with a local touch at affordable prices. From soft Belgian waffles to juicy lamb kebabs, this area features a variety of dining options to satisfy just about any craving.

Experience the elegance of fine Italian dining when you head to Bruno’s Italian Kitchen. Taste the fresh flavors of the sea when you order up some linguini alle vongole, which features pasta with manila clams sautéed in garlic, red chilies and white wine. Be sure to try the branzino Mediterranean sea bass served with roasted potatoes, fresh spinach and capers. Happy hour features $4 beers, $5 wines and $6 well drinks. Relax and enjoy your meal as you take in the calm, clean ambiance and high-quality service from the friendly staff.

There’s no better place to enjoy Sunday brunch than at Bruxie. Chose from a selection of savory sandwiches built on light, fluffy waffles, such as the bacon, egg and cheddar or the smoked salmon and dill cream cheese. Accompany your sandwich with some crunchy waffle-cut fries or Irish nachos. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try waffle combinations such as banana and nutella, PB and J or lemon cream and berries. Sip on a Belgian hot chocolate or a pure sugarcane soda.

Olive Pit Mediterranean Grill dishes out a unique combination of Mediterranean dishes with a touch of California spice. Be sure to try one of the restaurants healthier options such as the grilled salmon with a side of grilled veggies and hummus. Grab a glass of wine and head out on the patio to enjoy some fresh air while you dine. Order up one of the signature dishes such as the gyro, or try the kebabs, which feature chicken, shrimp or lamb. Keep it fresh when you order the Greek salad, which features olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese drizzled in olive oil.

Brea-Olinda offers up a hip and lively nightlife scene featuring bars with karaoke, hookah lounges, pool halls and sports bars.

The Shady Nook stand out as a local favorite for its cool vibe, nightly entertainment and drink specials. Sit back with a $2 domestic bottle of beer, or shoot some pool with the neighbors. Enjoy live music from local artists or sing your heart out during karaoke night.

Conveniently located off Highway-57 in the Northwest corner of Orange County, Brea-Olinda provides easy access to surrounding areas of Orange County. It only takes around 38 minutes to drive from Brea-Olinda to Los Angeles via CA-60 W. Public parking lots and on-street parking are available throughout the city.

The Orange County transit service provides several routes that run through Brea-Olinda and connect to the rest of the county and surrounding areas.

Bike lanes can be found on most major roads throughout the Brea-Olinda area. The dense concentration of shops and attractions also makes the area easily accessible on foot.

If you’re in need of a cab, use your smartphone to connect with the Uber rideshare service, which provides regular drivers to the area.

The Brea-Olinda area houses numerous parks and recreational facilities to accommodate any type of activity. Head to Brea Sports Park for premiere soccer fields, playgrounds, baseball fields, football fields and more.

Get in shape when you head to Brea Fitness Center, where all ages and fitness levels are welcome. The center offers classes such as Zumba, yoga, circuit sport and cardio kick.

Locals enjoy the natural beauty of Carbon Canyon Regional Park for a peaceful hike through the woods. The park also features many wide open spaces for jogging, soccer or sprawling out on the grass to catch some rays. This park is dog-friendly, so you can bring the pups out for stroll as long as you keep them on a leash.

The average monthly rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,433, which is slightly higher than the average rate for Orange County. Gas prices hover around 11 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at a local bar usually costs around $3 to $5. A one-way ticket on the Orange County transit bus costs $2 and a day pass costs $5. Living costs in the Brea-Olinda area are a bit higher than the average living costs for Orange County, but residents claim the comfortable lifestyle and entertainment variety make it worthwhile.

Stroll along the boulevard of Downtown Brea and browse an array of unique shops, such as White House Black Market, Kaitlyn Clothing and Suo boutique. Update your wardrobe with the latest fashion trends from Kaitlyn Clothing boutique. Find a new skirt for a night on the town or pick up some vintage diamond earrings to accessorize your favorite outfit.

Brea Mall stand as a favorite hang out spot for locals. Stop in to your favorite brand name stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, JC Penny’s and M.A.C.

Stock your pantry with groceries from Ralph’s, Trader Joe’s or Albertson’s, or grab some fresh food for the family at Sprout’s Farmer's Market, where you can pick up items such as freshly picked oranges, grass-fed beef, organic squash and almond butter. If all that shopping got you hungry, be sure to pick up a freshly prepared sandwich or salad from the deli.