Cypress. California

About Cypress, California

Like much of Orange County, the history of the area around Cypress includes its use for raising livestock and growing important agricultural crops like potatoes, sugar beets and sorghum. Cypress took its current form and name in the 1950s, following its growth as a desirable residential area near Los Angeles. Inside its borders, you'll find several corporations including Mitsubishi Motors North America and Siemens as well as the Los Alamitos Race Course.

The Community of Cypress

Cypress sits in the midst of several other Orange County cities, including Anaheim to the east, and Garden Grove and Los Alamitos to the south. Long Beach and the rest of Los Angeles County lies to the west. Its downtown area is in the central north section of the city, bordering the city of La Palma. Housing prices are relatively high in Cypress and the residential areas surrounding downtown are all relatively upscale.

What to Do in Cypress

Despite taking the name of a neighboring community, Los Alamitos Race Course is located in Cypress city limits and features as many as 10 races on weekends. The 1-mile, dirt track hosts thoroughbred and quarter horse racing and has been a fixture of the community since the 1940s.

Oak Knoll Park in the city's center holds picnic areas, baseball fields, basketball courts, two playgrounds and BBQs. You can also get an outdoor workout in between the park's exercise course and 1-mile paved jogging trail.

Select your fresh produce and other delicious food items at Cypress' Saturday Farmer's Market, held in the Cottonwood Church parking lot each week. This growing market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a variety of organic fruits, vegetables, eggs and meats as well as several specialty vendors.

One Place You Shouldn't Miss in Cypress

If you're trying to find a treasure or just enjoy looking through a variety of things for sale, the Cypress Swap Meet is a huge collection of vendors in the Cypress College parking lot with free parking and free entry. Negotiating for a fair sale price is generally encouraged, and you can certainly get some good exercise by walking around the multitude of tables with their diverse products. On the weekends, grab lunch from one of the food carts that dot the premises.

Dining in Cypress

Homestyle Mexican food has been served at family-owned El Zarape since 1990, making it a comfortable favorite for locals and visitors alike. Renowned chips and salsa let you nibble while you wait for your meal. Huge portions mean you may have to take half home with you. Get a cup of albondigas soup to accompany your burrito or enchilada.

Fish in a Bottle is a fun little sushi bar with inexpensive sampler plates and some original creations like Kiss on the Beach with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura or Pompeii with salmon, snapper, cream cheese and avocado. Get the spicy garlic edamame as a side, and don't skip the green tea ice cream for dessert.