Ok, so maybe when you think of California, Lakewood isn’t the first city that comes to mind. Or even the fourth. Or the eighth. But you know what, that’s part of what makes it so charming! When you travel to Lakewood, you get all of the sunshine and beaches of California without the crowds. Lakewood might be a small town, but there’s way more to do here than you might think! So buckle, in and look at this list of things to do in Lakewood, California.
1. Have a picnic in Rynerson Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
What better way to relax outdoors on a sunny day than with a picnic? Go for a stroll in Rynerson Park, bring a blanket, a few snacks, and a drink or two, and enjoy a relaxing picnic in the sun. The park is located on the San Gabriel River’s east banks and spreads on over 40 acres (16 hectares) of land. It features walking and biking trails, a concrete picnic shelter and a picnic pad with barbecue, a beautiful flower meadow, and a playground for kids to play and have fun.
Rynerson Park
Address: 20711 Studebaker Rd, Lakewood, CA 90715
Website: Rynerson Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
2. Taste local brews at Timeless Pints Brewing Company, Inc.
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A trip to Lakewood, CA, no matter how short, should definitely include a stop at Timeless Pints Brewing Company, Lakewood’s only microbrewery, located just behind Long Beach Airport. Here, you can relax with a pint of craft beer in your hand or sample their wide variety of beers available on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. You can sit outside and order something to eat too, to go with your drink.
Timeless Pints Brewing Company, Inc.
Address: 3671 Industry Ave c1, Lakewood, CA 90712
Website: Timeless Pints Brewing Company, Inc.
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 3pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
3. Go skating at The Rinks - Lakewood ICE
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If your idea of relaxation involves being active but in a fun, pleasant way, then you should check out Lakewood’s ice rink. The Rinks - Lakewood ICE is open for public skating and organizes camps for different levels and ages. Still, it is also home to hockey matches and figure skating competitions in town. If you want to make the most of your time on ice, you can even book a private lesson, no matter your age or skating experience.
The Rinks - Lakewood ICE
Address: 3975 Pixie Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712
Website: The Rinks - Lakewood ICE
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
4. Enjoy a pony ride at Lakewood Equestrian Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Lakewood Equestrian Center on Saturday, July 18, 2020
When in town with the kids, Lakewood Equestrian Center is always a good idea for family time and outdoor fun. The horseback riding center is a training facility that offers pony rides, a petting zoo, and a variety of equestrian activities, including riding lessons and horse training. Pony Time, a private company located on the center’s grounds, offers different kid-friendly activities and events, including camps and birthday parties. Through Shoestring City Ranch, a non-profit organization, the center also helps rescue horses.
Lakewood Equestrian Center
Address: 11369 E Carson St, Lakewood, CA 90715
Website: Lakewood Equestrian Center
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
5. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage at Finely Kneaded Day Spa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
It doesn’t have to be a special day for you to pamper yourself with a spa package. Lakewood’s Finely Kneaded Day Spa can be an excellent choice for relaxation and unwinding. Their list of services includes a variety of massages, from hot stone to basic Swedish massage. If you want the full treatment, book one of their spa packages, add a facial, a full body waxing, or a chiropractic service that will perfectly complete your massage. If you want to surprise someone special, be it your partner or best friend, book the Spa-Cation package for two.
Finely Kneaded Day Spa
Address: 3203 E Carson St Unit 1, Lakewood, CA 90712
Website: Finely Kneaded Day Spa
Opening hours: Mon & Fri: 10am - 6pm; Tue & Thu: 10am - 8pm; Wed: 3pm - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm
6. Wine and dine at Outback Steakhouse
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Make no bones about it, our bone-in steaks are so good you’re going to have a hard time deciding which one to get.
Posted by Outback Steakhouse on Saturday, January 16, 2021
If you’re thinking of dining in town, crave a hearty meal, or would like to opt for a well-known restaurant where the service and food are top quality, check out Outback Steakhouse. Their menu includes gluten-free items, and they also serve a kids’ menu. Their classic menu includes their signature cocktails, appetizers, steak, fish, burgers, wine, and dessert. Order a Sauza Gold Coast ‘Rita, the house margarita, while you wait for your meal, and save room for their Chocolate Thunder From Down Under for dessert.
Outback Steakhouse
Address: 5305 Clark Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712
Website: Outback Steakhouse
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
7. Perfect your skills at Lakewood Golf Course
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Part of Lakewood Country Club, Lakewood Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course with a history spanning over almost a century. Designed and open since 1933, the golf course is one of the best in south Los Angeles, and it hosts tournaments and different events, even weddings. If you’re a golf rookie, you can meet the club’s professionals at the practice facility and work on improving your skills. If you travel to Lakewood often or live nearby, consider becoming a part of the membership program to enjoy different benefits, including free cart fees and free range balls.
Lakewood Golf Course
Address: 3101 E Carson St, Lakewood, CA 90712
Website: Lakewood Golf Course
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
8. Go for a walk along West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail
There’s no better way to relax than by reconnecting with nature, breathing fresh air, and taking the time to look around to witness its glory. When in Lakewood, one of the best places for taking walks is West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail, a tree-lined trail that stretches along the San Gabriel River, offering beautiful vistas, bird watching, and biking and jogging options. Your dog is welcome to join you on your walk, as long as it’s kept on a leash.
West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail
Address: 4626 Shadeway Rd, Lakewood, CA 90713
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
9. Create your own masterpiece at Painting with a Twist
Without a doubt, not your usual painting studio, but definitely an experience to check out. At Painting with a Twist, art goes hand in hand with wine, socializing, and fun. The studio hosts private events, classes and even offers the option of taking at-home paint kits. Check out their calendar to see what in-studio events are happening when you’re in Lakewood, and check one out. Go prepared to mingle, share a laugh or two, sip wine, and get creative.
Painting with a Twist
Address: 4008 Hardwick St, Lakewood, CA 90712
Website: Painting with a Twist
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 2pm - 7:30pm; Wed - Fri: 2pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 9pm
10. Get a taste of history at the Dominguez Rancho Adobe
This historic landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places! Sponsored and maintained by the Friends of Rancho San Pedro, the ranch goes through the history of the Dominguez family in their homestead adobe and the Rancho San Pedro, which was the first Spanish land grant in California. The Dominguez Rancho also sponsors living history programs, like the Battle of the Old Woman’s Gun reenactment, a Living History night, and a Meet Father Serra event.
Dominguez Rancho Adobe
Phone: (310) 603-0088
Address: 18127 Alameda St, Compton, CA 90220
Website: Dominguez Rancho Adobe
11. Kick back and relax at the beautiful Mayfair Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Mayfair Park is another gem of Lakewood, located centrally on the corner of Clark Ave and South Street. This facility is famous for being Lakewood’s flagship recreation facility, and has been around for over 50 years–since 1951! And if you’re visiting Lakewood in May, this 18-acre (7.28 hectare) park is where you’ll find the annual Pan American Fiesta. Definitely something not to miss!
2. Mayfair Park
Address: 5720 Clark Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712
Hours: 7AM–8PM
Phone: (562) 866-4776
Website: Mayfair Park
12. Relax in Don Knabe Community Regional Park
So, we’re not saying Lakewood has some pretty cool parks–but it has some pretty cool parks. This place is the perfect place to go with friends or family, and if you’re there for multiple days, check out a few of the things the park has to offer each day. Fish on the lake for a relaxing morning, or get some exercise in the 164-ft (50-meter) outdoor swimming pool. If it’s too hot outside, check out the gym or play some tennis or basketball on the community courts. Then shower off and head over to the picnic tables with your lunch to spend the rest of the afternoon lounging about in the sun.
Don Knabe Community Regional Park
Address: 19700 Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: (562) 924-5144
Website: Don Knabe Community Regional Park
13. Hit up the Gardens Casino for a night out in town (only for those over 21)
For those adventurers over 21, there’s more to check out in Lakewood than the parks and historical landmarks! When you’re done fishing, picnicking, and learning about California’s past, escape to The Gardens Casino. Grab a snack and hang out with friends, or have a cocktail from the bar. If you’re in the mood for a more hearty meal, grab something from the Garden’s international menu. Play some games, hang out with old friends, and make new ones!
The Gardens Casino
Address: 11871 E Carson St, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: (562) 860-5887
Website: The Gardens Casino
14. Grab some sunscreen and check out Del Valle Park
This is yet another beautiful and community oriented park for those outdoors lovers! Del Valle Park is used every summer for various events. Grab a picnic blanket and some sparkling apple cider and sit back on the lawn to listen to some local bands perform concerts. Be sure to get there on Memorial Day or Patriot’s Day for an extra special concert. Del Valle is also the home of the Lakewood Youth Center, a recreational center that is open to the public. The park may be a thriving and modern community center now, but it has quite a history as well. In 1957, it was dedicated to Jose del Valle, the park’s namesake, who was a liberator and statesman of Honduras. And if that’s not enough, there’s a giant Douglas F3D “Skyknight” jet fighter in the corner of the park that’s perfect for pictures, so go get that Instagram!
Del Valle Park
Address: 5939 Henrilee St, Lakewood, CA 90713
Phone: (562) 429-0545
Hours: 9AM–6PM
Website: Del Valle Park
15. Take a stroll around Lakewood Center Mall
The outdoors is great and all, especially during the summer, but sometimes you just need to walk around the mall with a lemonade in hand and window shop for things you can’t really afford. So, if you’re going to pine over that new Tesla or the Nordstrom anniversary sale, you might as well do it in the comfort of the Lakewood Center Mall. Check out the Lakewood Center Farmer’s Market in the morning, or eat lunch with friends after shopping at over 50 stores. Then, when you’re tired of walking, or your bags start to get too heavy, check out one of the courtesy free strollers and keep going! Plus, if you ever get lost in the mall, connect to the free Wi-Fi and let your friends know where to find you.
Lakewood Center Mall
Address: 500 Lakewood Center Mall, 90712 Lakewood, California
Phone: (562) 531-6707
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sun: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Website: Lakewood Center Mall
Lakewood here we come
There’s nothing like a laid-back summer vacation lounging around in the park, watching concerts, and sipping Jamba Juice in the mall. So what are you waiting for? Prepare yourself for a vacation that isn’t going to break the bank, but will give you and your family the picture perfect summer vacation you all deserve. And now you know how to enjoy Lakewood as a local. So get going! Summer concerts and airplane parks here we come!
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