15 Best Things to Do in Paramount (CA)

Paramount is a city with a population of around 54,000 situated in Los Angeles County. Although it’s considered a suburb of Los Angeles, which is only 17 miles away. Paramount has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a large city centre.

Paramount is known for its fabulous year-round weather and central location that allows easy access to the coast. You can also quickly reach many nearby towns and cities, including Compton, Lynwood, South Gate, Downey, and Long Beach. It’s known for the public art that can be found at many of the city’s intersections and parks.

In Paramount, there are many restaurants, parks, entertainment venues, and shopping areas, including Rosecrans Plaza and Paramount Plaza. The Paramount Heritage Festival takes place in the city each year.

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

1. Get Some Fresh Air and Exercise in Paramount Park

Whether you want a patch of grass to sit in the sun with a good book, or to catch up on your fitness routine, Paramount Park is the perfect place to spend a nice afternoon.

Here you’ll find two playgrounds, baseball fields, a basketball court, a swimming pool, and a walking trail. Picnic areas with barbecue facilities are located around the park, and washroom facilities are available.

2. Spend a Day at Disneyland California Adventure Park

A trip to Paramount isn’t complete without a trip to Disneyland California Adventure Park, in nearby Anaheim.

This family-friendly amusement park is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Across the park’s 70 acres, you’ll find a wide variety of attractions and services, including shops, restaurants, and exciting rides.

The park is divided into themed areas, including Hollywood Land and Paradise Pier. Some of the rides you’ll come across as you explore the park, include the Golden Zephyr and the Incredicoaster. There’s also plenty of live entertainment to keep guests of all ages entertained throughout the day.

3. Learn About Local History at the South Gate Civic Center Museum

At the South Gate Civic Center Museum, you’ll learn about the area’s long and colourful past. The museum displays items of interest about the history and culture of South Gate and its surrounding communities.

On display in the museum’s exhibits are many artefacts, including a collection of items related to the region’s aeronautics history.

4. Dine on Gourmet Cuisine at Cafe Corleone Italian Restaurant

At Cafe Corleone Italian Restaurant you can expect friendly service, a cozy atmosphere and delicious Italian food.

On the menu, there are a wide variety of classic Italian items, including appetizers, pizzas, salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and seafood dishes.

Outdoor seating is available and, during certain times throughout the week, live music.

5. Play a Round of Golf at Los Amigos Golf Course

Since the mid-60s, Los Amigos Golf Course in Downey has been popular with golfers of all skill levels.

This 18-hole, par-71 championship course is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and has many challenging features, including two lakes and several bunkers. Lessons are available and the practice facility features a driving range that is lit up at night, two putting greens and a chipping area.

When hunger strikes, The Hazard Bar & Grill is where you’ll find a wide variety of snacks, meals, and beverages.

6. Visit the Columbia Memorial Space Center

The nearby city of Downey is known for its ties to the shuttle program, which includes the designing and building of the Apollo and Columbia Shuttle.

The fascinating exhibits feature a range of artefacts and items related to the city’s space history, including an astronaut suit, Apollo Boilerplate 12, a rocket launcher, a drop tower and a gravity well.

A robotics’ lab is also on-site, as well as a memorial to the crew that was lost in the Columbia Space shuttle disaster.

7. Enjoy Some Nostalgia at the Paramount Drive-in Theater

Why watch a movie in a stuffy, air-conditioned movie theater? At a drive-in you can catch a flick outdoors in the comfort of your vehicle, as the sun sets below the horizon.

While drive-in theatres are gone from many parts of North America, there are still quite a few left in California, including the Paramount Drive-in Theater. If you’re seeking a fun activity for the whole family, watching a movie under the stars on a warm evening is about as good as it gets. There’s even a canteen that sells classic movie theatre snacks, such as fries and cotton candy.

8. Learn About Life Beneath the Sea at The Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is situated in nearby Long Beach, where you’ll be able to experience what it’s like to live in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

The large on-site aquarium is home to many of the marine animals who live in the ocean’s unique ecosystems. The aquarium offers 32 exhibits showcasing 19 Pacific Ocean habitats. Within these habitats, you’ll see over 11,000 sea creatures from 500 species.

During your visit, you’ll also be able to view several 3D films, visit the Shark Lagoon and see how things work behind scenes.

9. Learn About Firefighting History at The Los Angeles County Fire Museum

Situated in nearby Bellflower, The Los Angeles County Fire Museum showcases the long history of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

On display are artefacts related to the department and it’s past, including several old fire engines from the mid-1800s.

10. Check out the Paramount Certified Farmers’ Market

The Paramount Certified Farmers’ Market takes place once a week year-round. While fresh fruits and vegetables are the most coveted item at the market, you’ll find other items for sale as you make your way through the many vendors.

Dairy products, meat, eggs, freshly-prepared meals, and homemade crafts are just some of the items on offer. Entertainment, including kids’ activities, takes place during the market.

11. Escape the Midday Heat at Knott’s Soak City

When temperatures soar in the Los Angeles area, Knott’s Soak City becomes a popular escape from the heat. Situated in nearby Buena Park, this water park features a variety of water amusements, including a series of water slides, a lazy river and a children’s splash area.

Other popular attractions include the Pacific Spin, featuring a 75-foot drop down a tunnel, and the Toyota Beach house, which features 200 water guns.

12. Try Your Luck at The Gardens Casino

Located in the neighbouring community of Hawaiian Gardens, Gardens Casino is an exciting place to spend an evening out.

There are many table games available, including Texas Hold ’em, and while you play, you can enjoy delicious cocktails and craft beers from the bar.

An array of local and ethnic dishes made with fresh and local ingredients are served at the Triple 7 Sports Bar and Grill.

13. Get Outdoors Near the San Gabriel River

Paramount and the surrounding area are part of a sprawling urban landscape that can become a bit overwhelming at times. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to escape the noise and crowds of the city. The San Gabriel River area is one of those places.

At this riverside park are a series of walking trails, including the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail. As you make your way along the 2.5 miles of trails, you’ll enjoy a beautiful natural landscape with lush plant life.

The trails are suitable for hikers and bikers, and there’s a separate trail for horseback riders.

14. Enjoy Live Entertainment at The Downey Theater

The Downey Theater is a popular, long-standing art venue situated in the downtown area of nearby Downey.

Throughout each season, a wide variety of performances are scheduled and many feature local talent. Musicals, plays, comedy acts, and children’s events, are some of the live shows that take place at the theatre.

15. Visit the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a popular, must-see attraction in the Paramount area.

Billions of years of natural history are showcased through the many exhibits, galleries and hands-on displays. The main focus is the natural history of California, but there’s also a focus on the natural history of many places around the world.

Some of the on-site exhibits include Becoming Los Angeles, the Insect Zoo and the Spider Pavilion.

The Dinosaur Hall has on display 300 fossils and 20 dinosaur skeletons, while the North American Mammal Hall showcases reproductions of several ecosystems.