Cypress: Nature Park, Art and College Culture

Cypress can be explored through several specific interests: wildlife watching at Cypress Nature Park, art and performances at Cypress College, and the history of Los Alamitos Race Course. When choosing a hotel for your stay, these different highlights can help guide you: nature, campus culture, sports facilities or sports history. Each place offers its own way to experience Cypress.

Wildlife Watching at Cypress Nature Park

Created by the city, Cypress Nature Park gives visitors the opportunity to observe and connect with native wildlife and plants. The park is located in a flood control basin built in 1965–1966. Here, wildlife watching and the history of a flood control basin come together.

Wildlife sightings also have different highlights: Western fence lizards are often seen basking in the sun along the paths. At night, Western toads and Pacific tree frogs can typically be heard near the pump house. Both visible sightings along the paths and nighttime calls near the pump house are part of the park’s natural character.

Local History and the Name

The history of Cypress is also reflected in the area’s name. Rows of cypress trees were planted around the schoolyard to protect it from strong winds, inspiring the name. In the 1940s, dairy farming was Cypress’s leading industry; at the time, the area was known as “Moo Valley.” The cypress trees explain the origin of the name, while “Moo Valley” recalls the area’s earlier economic character.

Art and Performances at Cypress College

The Cypress College Art Gallery presents exhibitions by professional and student artists. Its program also includes workshops, lectures and projects by visiting artists. The Edouard de Merlier Photography Gallery features ongoing exhibitions by students, faculty and professional artists. The Holocaust Survivor’s Gallery houses photographic portraits by Clifford Lester, Professor Emeritus of Photography.

The galleries each have a different focus: alongside exhibitions, the Cypress College Art Gallery’s program includes workshops and lectures; the Edouard de Merlier Photography Gallery offers an ongoing series of exhibitions. The Holocaust Survivor’s Gallery, in turn, features photographic portraits. The Cypress College Art Gallery is accessible via Valley View Street, which connects to the 405, 91 and 5 freeways.

The Cypress College theater also adds to the cultural offerings. It has 580 seats and presents several college productions in theater, dance and music each semester. Since the program is organized by semester, check the current schedule before your visit.

Sports and Horse Racing History

The sports facilities at Cypress College vary by activity and conditions of use. The track has a rubberized surface and is suitable for walking or running. The tennis center has eight regulation-size tennis courts. When the center is not reserved for campus use, it is open to the public. Check availability in advance when planning your visit.

Another point of interest for sports enthusiasts is Los Alamitos Race Course. It is located in Cypress on a site of about 125 acres. Its significance stems from its connection to the emergence and success of organized quarter horse racing in California. So, in addition to nature and campus-related attractions, Cypress offers a specific link to the history of horse racing.

Discover more destinations: Tustin, Placentia, La Habra, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach, Anaheim, Laguna Woods

For the broader travel overview: Orange.