15 Best Things to Do in Huntington Park (CA)

Huntington Park is a city with a population of around 60,000 situated in Los Angeles County. The city is a suburb of Los Angeles, which is six miles away.

Huntington Park is known for its year-round beautiful weather and central location. It provides easy access to many nearby cities, including Bell, South Gate and Vernon.

Huntington Park is home to many restaurants, cafes and shopping areas, such as Real Del Fresno, Vestidos, Margarita Plaza and Plaza Mexico. The city also has over 30 acres of parks and green space.

Many events take place in Huntington Park throughout the year, including the Huntington Park Spring Fair and the Carnaval Primavera Downtown Festival.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Huntington Park, California.

1. Get Some Fresh Air and Exercise at Salt Lake Park

With 23 acres of green space and leisure facilities, Salt Lake Park is a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing, taking in the fresh air, and catching up on your fitness routine.

On-site, you’ll find two playgrounds, batting cages, a soccer field, a baseball field, as well as tennis and basketball courts. Picnic areas with grilling facilities and a concession stand are also on-site.

2. Visit the International Police Museum of Southern California

The International Police Museum of Southern California is an interesting place to visit if you’re interested in learning about policing and military history.

On-site is a vast collection of memorabilia collected over the years. As you make your way through the exhibits, you’ll see hundreds of police batons, uniforms, patches, badges and police hats, including an assortment of German Police Tschakos. Military memorabilia is also included in the displays.

3. Learn About Space Exploration at the Columbia Memorial Space Center

The nearby city of Downey has a vibrant history, particularly when it comes to the space shuttle program. The Columbia Memorial Space Center is where much of this history is on display for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

This interactive science museum features a wide variety of exhibits, including a replica of an astronaut suit, Apollo boilerplate 12, a robotics lab, a rocket launcher and a gravity well.

Many events take place at the museum throughout the year, including educational programs and lectures.

4. Satisfy a Craving at Yum Yum Bionicos Dessert Shop

When you’re in the mood to skip lunch and get right to dessert, Yum Yum Bionicos is the place to go for quality, delicious sweet treats in Huntington Beach.

This dessert shop features a wide range of unique ice cream flavours, smoothies, natural juices, and milkshakes.

Although it’s mostly known for its dessert offerings, Yum Yum Bionicos also serves a variety of lunch options, including ceviche, sandwiches, tostadas and tortas.

5. Catch a Flick at the Paramount Drive-in Theatre

Drive-in theatres certainly aren’t as popular as they once were, but there are still a few around. Visitors to Huntington Park can head to nearby Paramount and catch a flick on one of the two big outdoor screens at the Paramount Drive-in Theatre.

If you’ve never experienced a drive-in movie, all you have to do is park the car, tune into the correct FM radio station, kick-back and enjoy the film.

A concession stand is also on-site; this is where you’ll find all kinds of snacks and beverages, like popcorn, cotton candy and French fries.

6. Enjoy a Round of Golf at the Monterey Park Golf Club

Monterey Park Golf Club is a 9-hole, par-36 golf course perfect for golfers looking for a quick but challenging and rewarding game. This beautifully-maintained course features a laid-back setting with a driving range and a pro-golf shop. Lessons are also available.

The on-site cafe serves gourmet coffee, speciality cocktails, and a variety of snacks and light meals. Outdoor seating is available on the patio.

7. Get a Hands-on Experience at The California Science Centre

The exhibits at the California Science Centre are mainly intended to entertain and educate children, but visitors of all ages can appreciate the engaging hands-on experiences and interesting display.

As you make your way through the museum, you’ll see a variety of displays showcasing many science-related topics, but exhibits dedicated to technology and nature are also showcased.

The most popular exhibit at the museum is Mission 26: The Big Endeavour, featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour. You can also learn about various ecosystems at the exhibit, which houses a tank filled with a variety of sea creatures and plant life.

Most of the museum’s exhibits are permanent, but from time-to-time, temporary ones are showcased as well.

8. Admire Beautiful Art at The Broad

Situated in Downtown Los Angeles, only seven miles away from Huntington Park, The Broad is a modern art museum featuring over 2,000 artworks spanning the last 70 years. This collection is one of the world’s foremost collections of postwar art.

More than 200 artists are showcased in the exhibits, including Mark Bradford, Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman and Jasper Johns.

9. Enjoy Some Live Entertainment at The Downey Theatre

For many years, The Downey Theatre in nearby Downey has been a very popular art and culture venue showcasing live entertainment throughout each season.

Classic theatrical works, comedy acts, musicals and children’s plays are just some of the shows that fill the theatre’s schedule.

10. Browse the Huntington Park Certified Farmers’ Market

No trip to Southern California is complete without a visit to a local farmers’ market.

Not only will you find a wide array of quality, local items to purchase, but you’ll also support local farmers and vendors. The market has a lively atmosphere and is a place for social gathering, where residents and visitors alike can mingle.

The Huntington Park Certified Farmers’ Market is where you’ll find the freshest local produce, including vegetables, fruits and berries.

As you wander the market, you’ll also come across vendors selling homemade baked treats, honey, coffee, flowers, nuts, tamales and much more. Live music is showcased at the market as well.

11. Dine on Mexican Cuisine at Restaurante El Chamizal

Mexican cuisine is quite popular in the region, and El Chamizal serves a wide variety of traditional and modern Mexican dishes in a relaxing and friendly environment.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. On the menu, you’ll find many items, including omelettes, salads, appetizers, burritos, tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, fajitas, and seafood dishes.

12. Get a History Lesson at Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum

At Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, visitors of any age find the interactive exhibits interesting. Whether you’re an aviation buff or someone interested in learning more about local aviation history, the displays are inspirational.

At the museum, you can take a fascinating journey in an F-16 cockpit simulator. You’ll be able to admire various aircraft, such as a UH-1 Huey helicopter and a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis.

13. Visit the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a must-see for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the intriguing history of the region.

As you make your way through the exhibits, you’ll get a glimpse of the past across billions of years. The primary focus is California, but you’ll see exhibits showcasing the natural history of other locations around the world as well.

Some of the exhibits you’ll see include Becoming Los Angeles, The Spider Pavilion, The Dinosaur Hall, The North American Mammal Halls and the Discovery Centre.

14. Check out the South Gate Civic Centre Museum

Nearby South Gate is another Los Angeles County city with a long history, and visitors to the area can learn about it at the South Gate Civic Centre Museum.

The main goal of this museum is to acquire, preserve and showcase artefacts and many other items related to the city’s history and culture.

15. Enjoy a Healthy Meal at Thirty5 Degrees Restaurant

Thirty5 Degrees Restaurant serves delicious, healthy options for breakfast and lunch. This eatery is a popular grab-and-go spot for busy diners seeking a healthy meal during their busy day.

Visitors to the area can take their meal to a nearby green space and enjoy a healthy picnic outside in the fresh air.

Some of the items available on the menu include smoothies, raw juices, bagels, paninis, burritos, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Vegetarian options are also available.