16 Best Things To Do In Hawthorne, California

1. Enjoy some fun family time at Hollyglen Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Boasting a wading pool and lovely picnic areas, this spacious community park is an ideal destination for those traveling with kids. If you are a sports enthusiast, you can take advantage of the sports courts available on site—specifically, basketball and tennis. Cooking outdoors can be enjoyable as the park features barbecue facilities that visitors can use. You can let your little ones play in the sandy playground area while you sit and relax with a refreshing beverage and take in the calming views of lush trees surrounding the place.

Hollyglen Park

Address: 5255 137th St, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Hollyglen Park

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

2. Have a fun picnic at Bodger Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bodger Park spans 12 acres (5 hectares) and features a playground where kids can have some fun. The area boasts a lush garden, allowing visitors to relax and commune with nature which is perfect after a fun-filled day of exploring some of the city’s top attractions. You can enjoy your meals together as a family, with cozy picnic areas on the premises. You can also play sports while you are here, such as baseball, basketball, and softball. Restrooms are available for the convenience of visitors.

Bodger Park

Address: 14900 Yukon Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Bodger Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 3pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 9pm

3. Reconnect with nature at Del Aire Public Fruit Park

Del Aire Public Fruit Park is the first public fruit park in California. This urban fruit orchard offers a wide range of fitness programs, recreational activities, and kid-friendly facilities. While here, spend most of your time engaging in boating, swimming, golfing, and martial arts training. It has a nature center and garden to bring you close to nature. You can explore the wildlife sanctuary as well.

Del Aire Public Fruit Park

Address: 12601 S. Isis Avenue, Hawthorne, CA 90250

Website: Del Aire Public Fruit Park

Opening hours: 5:30am - 7pm (daily)

4. Pay a visit to Beach Boys Historic Landmark

Located in Hawthorne, California, this place is famous for its own reason. Named after the Beach Boys, this place commemorates the site of the American rock band’s childhood home. To remember their impact on the state’s music recording industry in the latter half of the 20th century, the State of California registered the Site of the Childhood Home of the Beach Boys as a California Historical Landmark. One can buy personalized monument bricks from the monument’s caretaker.

Beach Boys Historic Landmark

Address: 3701 W 119th St, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Play sports at Jim Thorpe Park

It is heaven for sports lovers. The park features areas where you can play baseball, basketball, handball, and tennis. Jim Thorpe Park has picnic tables as well. The charges to play the game are very nominal and the participants are expected to abide by the organizers’ terms and conditions. Kids can also be part of various sports activities. If interested, you need to contact the concerned office for the schedule and timing.

Jim Thorpe Park

Address: 14100 Prairie Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Jim Thorpe Park

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

6. Sample an ice-cold beer at Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room

California is known for a wide range of activities—one of which includes a visit to Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room. Located on W El Segundo Blvd, this place is a must-visit for beer lovers. While chilling out here with friends, you can sample local food paired with craft beer. Serving a great selection of beers, you have the liberty to dine in, pick them up from the taproom, or have them delivered to your door. Aside from beer packs, they also offer “crowler specials” and limited-edition merch.

Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room

Address: 3411 W El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room

Opening hours: 12pm - 7pm (daily)

7. Learn more about the city's past at Hawthorne Historical Museum

Located at Jim Thorpe Park, this museum lets people get a glimpse of Hawthorne’s diverse past. It also aims to inspire and empower people to incorporate the city’s past into their modern lives. Aside from that, the purpose of the museum is to progress constantly without forgetting its rich cultural heritage. It is a museum run by a non-profit organization.

Hawthorne Museum Historical

Address: 14100 Prairie Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Hawthorne Historical Museum

8. Join a wine-tasting tour of Los Angeles Ale Works - Brewery & Tasting Room

Another major place of attraction for the beer and wine lovers is Los Angeles Ale Works - Brewery & Tasting Room. Located on Cerise Ave, the brewery is famous for excellent craft beer and service. Open all year round, it allows people to opt for “beer to go” or dine-in at a specific time. With a spacious patio and an array of options to choose from, a visit to this place is going to be one for the books.

Los Angeles Ale Works - Brewery & Tasting Room

Address: 12918 Cerise Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Los Angeles Ale Works - Brewery & Tasting Room

Opening hours: 12pm - 8pm (daily)

9. Satisfy your cravings at Chips Restaurant

After exploring different tourist attractions in California, it is time to stop by Chips Restaurant to have something to eat. With decent pricing, the restaurant has been heaven for coffee lovers. The place is famous for its great service and mouthwatering dishes. You can visit the place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes a scrumptious omelet, pancakes, bacon, and toast. Satisfy your cravings and fill your tummy with good food at Chips Restaurant.

Chips Restaurant

Address: 11908 Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 2pm; Fri - Sun: 6:30am - 8pm

10. Go for a picnic at Hawthorne Memorial Park

This 13.5-acre (5.4-hectare) park is situated in Hawthorne and has a special part to play for the locals and the tourists. It has been considered a haven for nature lovers. Rich in flora and fauna, the spot has turned out to be the hub for various recreational activities. People can be seen walking and playing various games. During the summer season, a picnic can be organized with the available picnic tables.

Hawthorne Memorial Park

Address: 3901 W El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Hawthorne Memorial Park

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

11. Try your hand behind the steering wheel at Base51

While in Hawthorne, here’s another activity waiting for you. It’s the place where you can experience driving a car on a race track. It is LA’s first premium simulation racing venue that has grown in popularity in the last few years. Apart from trying your hand behind the steering wheel, you can also book a table to eat. You have the option to choose from their list of international cuisine and the best craft beers in town.

Base51

Address: 12831 Cerise Ave #B, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Base51

12. Have some tacos at Flights Beer Bar

If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy sports, sample the best craft beer, and munch on delicious snacks, this can be the place for you. Here, you can attend various events such as private parties, social and special events, or comedy nights. If you are visiting on a Tuesday, don’t forget to try their delicious tacos. You need to book in advance if going there in a group. This place serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even midnight snacks.

Flights Beer Bar

Address: 5119 W El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States

Website: Flights Beer Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 10am - 10pm

Nearby options

13. Discover the history of automobiles at Automobile Driving Museum

Learn all about vintage cars when you visit Automobile Driving Museum. This indoor museum features more than 130 displays of automobiles. It also hosts special events, such as Corvette Car Show and Cruise-In Car Meets. If you are visiting with your little ones, this attraction also offers events specifically for kids. Celebrating a special occasion? You can rent a vintage car for photoshoots and other private events. After exploring the place, you can head to the on-site ice cream parlor for some refreshing treats.

Automobile Driving Museum

Address: 610 Lairport St, El Segundo, CA 90245, United States

Website: Automobile Driving Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 15 USD

14. Admire the light shows at Candy Cane Lane

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are fond of light shows, then Candy Cane Lane is definitely a must-see when you are in California during Christmastime. The houses in the neighborhood are creatively decorated and well-lit, perfect for visiting with your family. The attraction is a great way to get you in the holiday spirit, with each home uniquely themed. You can choose to drive or enjoy a leisurely walk while you admire the colorful exhibits. Do not forget to bring your cameras so you can capture some memories.

Candy Cane Lane

Address: 5966 Lubao Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, United States

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 6:45pm - 9pm

15. Enjoy the scenic views from Manhattan Beach Pier

Built in the 1920s and situated on the magnificent coast of the Pacific Ocean, Manhattan Beach Pier spans 928 feet (283 meters). By the entrance, you can find volleyball courts, where you can have some fun with your loved ones. At the end of the beautiful pier is Roundhouse Aquarium which is open to the public. Here, you can find several exhibits of different marine species, such as brine shrimp, goldfish, swell sharks, and California spiny lobster.

Manhattan Beach Pier

Address: 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, United States

Website: Manhattan Beach Pier

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

16. Go birdwatching at Polliwog Park

Featuring a 5,900-square-foot (548-square-meter) dog run, Polliwog Park is perfect for visitors who want to let their furry friends play. The park’s picnic area comes with barbecue facilities, so you can enjoy bonding with your loved ones while grilling your favorite meat. There are also eight picnic tables in the area for enjoying your meals together. If you are here for a gathering, you can reserve the central gazebo with 2 tables that can accommodate up to 25 people. Polliwog Park is also a great place to enjoy birdwatching, where you can spot more than 150 bird species.

Polliwog Park

Address: 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, United States

Website: Polliwog Park

Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily)

Enjoy a getaway to Hawthorne

The availability of so many recreational activities in Hawthorne is never going to make your visit a boring one. You are always going to have a jam-packed itinerary exploring one place to another during your next visit here.