Neighborhood Guidebook
Your Lakewood Neighborhood
"Tomorrow's City Today" is one of the mottos for Lakewood, as well as "Times Change - Values Don't." "Park City USA" is another tagline. Take a 5-minute walk from your airbnb to nearby Del Valle Park to play on the modern play equipment, and check out the authentic Marine Corps jet fighter! There are athletic fields, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, a wading pool, and lots of shady areas. In the summer plan on going to the Thursday night "Concerts In The Park" from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Overall, this is an established, peaceful, safe, friendly neighborhood filled with young families and retired couples. As you are walking around you will see evidence of "pride of ownership" from our neighbors.
Nearby Mayfair Park has a community pool, tennis courts and great play equipment for the kiddos.
Lakewood
"Tomorrow's City Today" is one of the mottos for Lakewood, as well as "Times Change - Values Don't." "Park City USA" is another tagline. Take a 5-minute walk from your airbnb to nearby Del Valle Park to play on the modern play equipment, and check out the authentic Marine Corps jet fighter! There are athletic fields, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, a wading pool, and lots of shady areas. In the summer plan on going to the Thursday night "Concerts In The Park" from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Overall, this is an established, peaceful, safe, friendly neighborhood filled with young families and retired couples. As you are walking around you will see evidence of "pride of ownership" from our neighbors.
Nearby Mayfair Park has a community pool, tennis courts and great play equipment for the kiddos.
Where are the nearest parks?
Del Valle Park (the locals call it “Airplane Park”) is less than a mile away. Go right out the front door, then left onto Centralia, then right at the next intersection. You’ll see the park after you pass the elementary school. Don’t forget to bring a few park toys (see basket in the backyard). Oh! If you are here in the summer go online for info on the Thursday night “concerts in the park” series. 6:30 start time.
San Martin Park (the locals call it “Pumpkin Park”) is just a short drive away. It has a renovated playground complete with a castle and Cinderella's pumpkin coach, basketball courts, a wading pool, baseball fields, and lots of hilly green grass areas.
Mayfair Park is just a short drive away. If it’s summertime, they have a community pool (call or look online for open swim hours). This park also has tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and lots of shade.
Other parks in Lakewood you may want to check out are Rynerson Park, Mae Boyer Park, & Bolivar Park.
My favorite park is Liberty Park in nearby Cerritos. Less than a 5 minute drive, this park has pickleball courts, a walking/running track, great playground equipment, sand volleyball courts, and a frisbee golf course. See blue basket in backyard for frisbee golf discs (3), a volleyball, and pickleball equipment.
Lakewood
Where are the nearest parks?
Del Valle Park (the locals call it “Airplane Park”) is less than a mile away. Go right out the front door, then left onto Centralia, then right at the next intersection. You’ll see the park after you pass the elementary school. Don’t forget to bring a few park toys (see basket in the backyard). Oh! If you are here in the summer go online for info on the Thursday night “concerts in the park” series. 6:30 start time.
San Martin Park (the locals call it “Pumpkin Park”) is just a short drive away. It has a renovated playground complete with a castle and Cinderella's pumpkin coach, basketball courts, a wading pool, baseball fields, and lots of hilly green grass areas.
Mayfair Park is just a short drive away. If it’s summertime, they have a community pool (call or look online for open swim hours). This park also has tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and lots of shade.
Other parks in Lakewood you may want to check out are Rynerson Park, Mae Boyer Park, & Bolivar Park.
My favorite park is Liberty Park in nearby Cerritos. Less than a 5 minute drive, this park has pickleball courts, a walking/running track, great playground equipment, sand volleyball courts, and a frisbee golf course. See blue basket in backyard for frisbee golf discs (3), a volleyball, and pickleball equipment.
Places to Visit
The El Dorado Nature Center (5 minute drive) offers two miles of dirt trails and a ¼-mile paved trail that winds around 2 lakes, a stream and forested areas. There is also a visitor center containing interesting educational displays.
Take a short drive to beautiful Long Beach. Here are some of our favorite places to visit. Check them out via the internet for more information, hours, etc.
* Aquarium of the Pacific (see cute otters, sharks, and lots of cool marine exhibits)
* Shoreline Village (lots of shops and food, right on the water)
* Granada Beach (lots of volleyball courts, Rosie's Dog beach, children's water park area, 5 minute walk to the Long Beach pier)
* Long Beach Grand Prix is April 14-16, 2023
* The Pike (Ferris wheel, lots of dining options, walk along the water, great outlet mall. See thepikeoutlets.com/events to check out what is happening the week of your stay).
* Queen Mary (temporarily closed for tours as of July, 2022, but I hope it will open back up again soon!)
* Harbor Cruises/Whale Watching (the 45-minute harbor cruise is about $6 and 2-hour whale watching is about $30)
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Long Beach
Take a short drive to beautiful Long Beach. Here are some of our favorite places to visit. Check them out via the internet for more information, hours, etc.
* Aquarium of the Pacific (see cute otters, sharks, and lots of cool marine exhibits)
* Shoreline Village (lots of shops and food, right on the water)
* Granada Beach (lots of volleyball courts, Rosie's Dog beach, children's water park area, 5 minute walk to the Long Beach pier)
* Long Beach Grand Prix is April 14-16, 2023
* The Pike (Ferris wheel, lots of dining options, walk along the water, great outlet mall. See thepikeoutlets.com/events to check out what is happening the week of your stay).
* Queen Mary (temporarily closed for tours as of July, 2022, but I hope it will open back up again soon!)
* Harbor Cruises/Whale Watching (the 45-minute harbor cruise is about $6 and 2-hour whale watching is about $30)
"The happiest place on Earth" is just 16 miles away!
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Parc Disneyland
1313 Disneyland Dr"The happiest place on Earth" is just 16 miles away!
For many years we had passes to Knott's. Our favorite ride is the Log Ride. Plan to stay all day. Just 11 miles from your airbnb home.
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Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach BlvdFor many years we had passes to Knott's. Our favorite ride is the Log Ride. Plan to stay all day. Just 11 miles from your airbnb home.
Come see how movies are made and experience some thrilling rides. Universal Studios is 30 miles away. Try to time your arrival and departure times to avoid rush hour traffic.
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Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaCome see how movies are made and experience some thrilling rides. Universal Studios is 30 miles away. Try to time your arrival and departure times to avoid rush hour traffic.
California Science Center (30 minute drive, but don’t go at rush hour) - In LA, FREE. See the Endeavor space shuttle, TONS of hands on exhibits for all ages, kids love this place!! It’s next door to the Natural History Museum (about $15 admission) and USC, and a beautiful garden you can walk through (it’s huge). You can spend an entire day here.
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California Science Center
700 Exposition Park DrCalifornia Science Center (30 minute drive, but don’t go at rush hour) - In LA, FREE. See the Endeavor space shuttle, TONS of hands on exhibits for all ages, kids love this place!! It’s next door to the Natural History Museum (about $15 admission) and USC, and a beautiful garden you can walk through (it’s huge). You can spend an entire day here.
Local Food Scene
Some of favorite places to eat in Lakewood or nearby:
* The Hanger (a food court near Long Beach airport (a very short drive) with 14 small, artisanal food vendors and boutique retailers. Unique and trendy. More than your typical food court, for sure! Website: thelongbeachexchange.com Address: 4150 McGowen St., Long Beach
* Restaurant Row in Lakewood on Candlewood St: Outback, Chilis, 5 Guys, Chipotle, Dave's Hot Chicken, Black Angus, Chick-fil-A, Corner Bakery, etc. SO MANY OPTIONS. On Google Maps put in Candlewood and Clark.
* Lakewood Center Mall Food Court: located in the Lakewood Center - 500 Lakewood Center Mall
Lakewood
Some of favorite places to eat in Lakewood or nearby:
* The Hanger (a food court near Long Beach airport (a very short drive) with 14 small, artisanal food vendors and boutique retailers. Unique and trendy. More than your typical food court, for sure! Website: thelongbeachexchange.com Address: 4150 McGowen St., Long Beach
* Restaurant Row in Lakewood on Candlewood St: Outback, Chilis, 5 Guys, Chipotle, Dave's Hot Chicken, Black Angus, Chick-fil-A, Corner Bakery, etc. SO MANY OPTIONS. On Google Maps put in Candlewood and Clark.
* Lakewood Center Mall Food Court: located in the Lakewood Center - 500 Lakewood Center Mall
Seal Beach Highlights
This is Christie's favorite beach to visit. Super close, easy parking, not too crowded, enough waves to boogie board, cute "Main Street" with a shell shop (GREAT prices), lots of dining options, pier to walk on, etc. A great family beach!
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Seal Beach
This is Christie's favorite beach to visit. Super close, easy parking, not too crowded, enough waves to boogie board, cute "Main Street" with a shell shop (GREAT prices), lots of dining options, pier to walk on, etc. A great family beach!
San Diego (2 hour drive) and Palm Springs (2 hour drive) are fun day trips, but traffic can be tricky. There is so much to do in both cities!
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Palm Springs
57096 Twentynine Palms HighwaySan Diego (2 hour drive) and Palm Springs (2 hour drive) are fun day trips, but traffic can be tricky. There is so much to do in both cities!
Los Angeles/Hollywood! We are about 25 miles from the LA/Hollywood/Beverly Hills area. There is so much to do there! Just be careful that you follow your phone’s directions so you don’t end up in a dangerous area by mistake. You can even take the Metrolink Train if you’d like. The nearest station is a few miles away in Norwalk. See internet for details/schedules/pricing. The Museum of Tolerance is one of my all-time favorite museums in LA (open Thursday, Friday and Sunday). Lots of multimedia displays. Definitely not your typical museum.
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Los Angeles
Los Angeles/Hollywood! We are about 25 miles from the LA/Hollywood/Beverly Hills area. There is so much to do there! Just be careful that you follow your phone’s directions so you don’t end up in a dangerous area by mistake. You can even take the Metrolink Train if you’d like. The nearest station is a few miles away in Norwalk. See internet for details/schedules/pricing. The Museum of Tolerance is one of my all-time favorite museums in LA (open Thursday, Friday and Sunday). Lots of multimedia displays. Definitely not your typical museum.
Things to do
Kidz Town
5925 E Carson StThis is right down the street from our house, and perfect for toddlers and young children.
The Cerritos Library is a fun place to visit, especially if you have littles. They have a wall-sized aquarium, a whole room dedicated to the children’s library (with lots of computers), fun reading nooks, etc. Outside is a “splash pad” with dolphin sculptures, so wear your suit under your clothes. There is also a sculpture garden to stroll through and some cool fountains. Maybe pack a lunch and have a picnic!
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Cerritos Library
18025 Bloomfield AveThe Cerritos Library is a fun place to visit, especially if you have littles. They have a wall-sized aquarium, a whole room dedicated to the children’s library (with lots of computers), fun reading nooks, etc. Outside is a “splash pad” with dolphin sculptures, so wear your suit under your clothes. There is also a sculpture garden to stroll through and some cool fountains. Maybe pack a lunch and have a picnic!
Adventure City (Stanton - 20 minute drive) - a great “mini amusement park” for toddlers and elementary school-aged children. Check website for admission prices, ride info, etc. They have cute shows for the kiddos.
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Adventure City
1238 S Beach BlvdAdventure City (Stanton - 20 minute drive) - a great “mini amusement park” for toddlers and elementary school-aged children. Check website for admission prices, ride info, etc. They have cute shows for the kiddos.
Soak City - (Buena Park - 15 minutes drive) - this is part of Knott’s, but you pay a separate price for admission. Fun water park! I love the Lazy River!
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Knott's Soak City
8200 Beach BlvdSoak City - (Buena Park - 15 minutes drive) - this is part of Knott’s, but you pay a separate price for admission. Fun water park! I love the Lazy River!
Lakewood Equestrian Center (5 minute drive) - Pony rides open Wednesday through Sunday from 10-5. Cute (small) Petting Zoo. Horse riding lessons available - see website.
Pony Time at Lakewood Equestrian Center
11369 E Carson StLakewood Equestrian Center (5 minute drive) - Pony rides open Wednesday through Sunday from 10-5. Cute (small) Petting Zoo. Horse riding lessons available - see website.
Movie Theaters: Closest good ones are at the Long Beach Town Center (Regal) (3 minutes away) and Harkins Theater at the Cerritos Center (reclining seats - 5 minutes away).
Harkins Theatres Cerritos 16
600 Los Cerritos CenterMovie Theaters: Closest good ones are at the Long Beach Town Center (Regal) (3 minutes away) and Harkins Theater at the Cerritos Center (reclining seats - 5 minutes away).
Long Beach Art Museum: (20 minute drive). Open Thursday through Sunday from 11-5. See website for current displays, ticket prices, etc.
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Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 E Ocean BlvdLong Beach Art Museum: (20 minute drive). Open Thursday through Sunday from 11-5. See website for current displays, ticket prices, etc.
Excellent Beaches
Where are some great nearby beaches?
Seal Beach (15 minute drive) - easy parking, good waves for kids, pier to walk on, cute “Main Street” with stores and eateries, playground.
Huntington Beach (25 minute drive) - “Surf City USA”, great beach, pier, lots of shopping and hotels, sand volleyball courts.
Crystal Cove/Laguna Beach (45 minute drive) - a little farther drive, but definitely worth it! Tidepools! Beautiful beach, some hiking nearby.
Newport Beach (40 minute drive) - can be lots of traffic, but great shopping and cool beaches.
Balboa Peninsula (45 minutes) - a wonderful pier with shopping, food, a fun vibe.
Long Beach - Granada (15 minute drive) - great walking strip and separate biking path parallel to the water, pier, volleyball, Rosie’s Dog Beach. You can rent bikes or scooters at the “Granada Parking Lot”.
If you don’t want waves try “Mother’s Beach” and “The Bay” in Long Beach. The Queen Mary is located in Long Beach, and “The Scorpion Submarine” is there also. Long Beach is HUGE, and there are different sections. 2nd Street is a fun local hangout/place to walk/shop/eat/be seen.
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Laguna Beach
Where are some great nearby beaches?
Seal Beach (15 minute drive) - easy parking, good waves for kids, pier to walk on, cute “Main Street” with stores and eateries, playground.
Huntington Beach (25 minute drive) - “Surf City USA”, great beach, pier, lots of shopping and hotels, sand volleyball courts.
Crystal Cove/Laguna Beach (45 minute drive) - a little farther drive, but definitely worth it! Tidepools! Beautiful beach, some hiking nearby.
Newport Beach (40 minute drive) - can be lots of traffic, but great shopping and cool beaches.
Balboa Peninsula (45 minutes) - a wonderful pier with shopping, food, a fun vibe.
Long Beach - Granada (15 minute drive) - great walking strip and separate biking path parallel to the water, pier, volleyball, Rosie’s Dog Beach. You can rent bikes or scooters at the “Granada Parking Lot”.
If you don’t want waves try “Mother’s Beach” and “The Bay” in Long Beach. The Queen Mary is located in Long Beach, and “The Scorpion Submarine” is there also. Long Beach is HUGE, and there are different sections. 2nd Street is a fun local hangout/place to walk/shop/eat/be seen.
Conseils aux voyageurs
Se déplacer dans les environs
Use the Long Beach Airport if possible, rather than LAX.
Long Beach Airport is just minutes away from your airbnb home in Lakewood. No traffic, no lines, no hassle. Worth paying a little extra if needed.