Located south of Los Angeles, Gardena, California is one of those cities that can easily be overlooked because of Hollywood’s high-profile image. Gardena may not provide the bright lights of a movie premiere, but that doesn’t mean there are not fun and interesting things to do. Whether it’s a day trip or an extended stay, here are 6 of the best things to do in Gardena, California.
1. Love all things Japanese? Then Tokyo Central & Main is a must-see!
Gardena has a large Japanese-American population, so it’s no surprise to find Tokyo Central & Main. If Hello Kitty, green tea and bento box is what you live for, this supermarket and novelty shop is the place to visit. Actually, you don’t have to be a die-hard Japanese lover to enjoy what Tokyo Central & Main has to offer.
You’ll be entertained just browsing the aisles and exploring the wide range of imports, from groceries and electronic devices to toys and anime goods; there’s even a Hawaiian section of foods and novelty items. The staff is friendly and go above and beyond to provide excellent service. They’ll even help you with your grocery list. If, after all that shopping, you’re ready to eat, there’s a food court with many Asian dishes, like ramen bowls; and for dessert, their cream puffs can’t be beaten.
Tokyo Central & Main
Address: 1620 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247
Opening Hours: 9 am - 10 pm daily
Contact: +1 3104648888
Website: Tokyo Central & Main
2. Calling all thrill seekers; Sky Zone Trampoline Park is your go-to destination
Exercise takes on a new and exciting dimension at the wall-to-wall aerial action spot Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Sky Zone is lined with gigantic trampolines on the floors and angled trampolines on adjacent walls for a safe, yet exhilarating, physical experience. Get a great cardio workout Skyjousting, or a massive adrenaline rush playing Ultimate Dodgeball. Along with organized sporting events, there’s also freestyle bouncing and a foam pit for the young children.
Different days provide different sports. The hours also vary, so give Sky Zone a call or check the website before venturing over. All organized activities are set up by age group, so a seven-year-old will never compete against a 17-year-old. And don’t forget to stop by Fuel Zone, Sky Zone’s place to re-hydrate and re-energize before another round of Dodgeball, or Skyslam, or whatever you choose to do next.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Address: 1625 W. 190th Street, Gardena, CA 90248
Contact: +1 3103234500
Website: Sky Zone Trampoline Park
3. Feel lucky? Roll the dice at Hustler Casino
Hustler Casino offers a Monte Carlo-style world. The luxury casino’s 60,000 square foot (5574 square meter) gaming space features ninety-one tables and poker games. With its focus on card games and tournaments, don’t expect to play any slot machines. However, Hustler Casino provides many promotional items and special attractions to keep you at the tables, including the Blackjack Lounge. This glitzy club room features sexy card dealers and a disc jockey. It should be noted that Hustler Casino is strictly an adult affair. No one under 21 is admitted.
For food, check out Larry Flynt’s Bar & Grill and try their signature Kabobs. Other great menu items, plus daily specials, will keep you fed and focused for the high-stakes action. Whether you hold ‘em or fold 'em, you’ll have a winning time at Hustler Casino.
Hustler Casino
Address: 1000 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Contact: +1 3107199800
Website: Hustler Casino
4. Unleash your inner Picasso and create a souvenir to take home from Joyful Expressions
We love our customers ❤ #joyfulexpressions2017🎨🍷
Posted by Joyful Expressions Paint and Taste LLC on Saturday, 11 March 2017
Joyful Expressions Paint and Taste Studio invites you to sip wine and learn from local artists how to create your own personal masterpiece. This unique adventure features private parties at the Joyful Expressions studio, or in your home. An instructor will lead you step-by-step through the paint session. The staff is friendly, engaging, and committed to creating a stress-free environment to help the artist in you emerge. Check the website calendar for public events, like the ‘Bottomless Mimosas, 2 Wings and a Waffle Paint and Sip Brunch’. Prices vary depending on a particular event.
Joyful Expressions Paint and Taste Studio
Address: 14800 S. Western Ave., #104, Gardena, CA
Contact: +1 3106926999
Duration: 3 hours required
5. Treat your taste buds; sample the Mexican food at El Antojito
El Antojito’s taco truck and paleta shop offers a fine selection of delicious Mexican foods and sweet treats. El Antojito boasts a “killer, spicy barbacoa”, with the added attraction of a paletas and aguas frescas shop next door. You can purchase one of seven rotating aguas frescas to accompany your plate of 1 USD tacos, torta Cubana or shrimp ceviche tostada. A great deal! And because they’re open late, El Antojito can satisfy any late night cravings.
El Antojito
Address: 16717 S. Figueroa Street, Gardena, CA 90248
Opening Hours: Sun-Mon 7 am-12 am, Fri-Sat 7 am - 2 am
Contact: +1 3107696951
Price: under 10 USD
6. Unwind with a stroll through Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve
One of the last remaining wetlands in the Los Angeles area, the Gardena Willows and Wetland Preserve connects visitors with 13.6 acres (5.5 hectares) of upland which surrounds the wetlands, located in the center. The preserve is home to water features and a large array of native plants and animals. The Perimeter Trail allows generous views of the upland, wetlands and wildlife. From this trail, the public can access the Overlook Deck and ZigZag Bridge, both providing closer views.
Rustic benches are placed throughout the preserve to provide shaded resting areas to relax and take in the sights. As you walk the garden trails, be on the lookout for monarch butterflies fluttering around a blooming sage bush, or a Yellow Warbler – the signature bird of the Gardena Willows – calling from a willow branch. The preserve is open to the public on the second Sunday (docent-led) and fourth Saturday (self-guided) of every month, with hours from 1 pm to 4 pm. Group tours can also be arranged. When you go, don’t forget a pair of binoculars and some bug spray!
Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve
Address: 1200 West 170th Street, Gardena, CA 90247
Contact +1 3102170681
Website: Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve
Overlooked cities can be rewarding
Gardena, California is a diverse city that offers many activities that reflect its distinct and lively character. It may lack the sparkle of Hollywood, but there are some unexpected gems to be found. So next time you’re planning a travel destination, why not take a trip off the beaten path to Gardena, California. It could lead you in surprising directions.
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