15 Best Things to Do in Florence-Graham (CA)

Florence-Graham is a city of about 64,000 people situated in the South Los Angeles area of Los Angeles County. The city is mostly known for its central location that allows easy access to the city of Los Angeles and the beaches of the nearby coastline.

In Florence Graham, which is sometimes referred to as Florence-Firestone, there are many restaurants, parks and shopping areas, such as Plaza La Alameda and Real Del Fresno.

Various festivals and events take place in and around the city, including the Orange County Food and Wine Celebration.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Florence-Graham, California.

1. Get Some Fresh air and Exercise in Mary M. Bethune Park

If fresh air, green space and exercise are what you’re looking for on a nice sunny day in Florence-Graham, Mary M. Bethune Park is the place to head to.

There are many facilities, including sporting fields, a basketball court, a gym and a skateboard park. Playgrounds and a swimming pool are also situated in the park, and there are plenty of picnic tables with barbecue facilities.

2. Tee off at Rio Hondo Golf Club

Rio Hondo Golf Course is a scenic and well-maintained 18-hole, par-71 course situated in nearby Downey.

The on-site practice area features a driving range, a large putting green and a chipping area with a bunker. Lessons are available, and a golf pro shop is on-site.

3. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific

Located in nearby Long Beach, The Aquarium of the Pacific features more than 11,000 marine creatures native to the Pacific Ocean.

Inside this large complex, many exhibits display various habitats. The Baja Gallery, Explorer’s Cave, Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest and the Penguin Habitat are just some of the fascinating exhibits to explore.

4. Feast on Seafood and Mexican Cuisine at Mi Lindo Nayarit Mariscos

If you love seafood and Mexican food, you don’t need to choose between the two at Mi Lindo Nayarit Mariscos. This lively, family-friendly restaurant specializes in both; they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of options, including appetizers, tacos, empanadas, fajitas, sandwiches, ceviche, tortillas and salads.

5. Admire Beautiful Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

As the biggest art museum in the western part of the country, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and it’s only a short drive away from Florence-Graham.

As you make your way around the various exhibits, you’ll see a wide array of art, including artworks from Asia, South America and the local area.

Outside the museum, you’ll discover the famed Urban Lightinstallation, which features 202 cast iron antique street lamps restored to their original condition and set up to light up Wilshire Boulevard.

6. Check Out the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame is a popular attraction in the city, and the lively area where it’s located on Hollywood Boulevard is just as much of an attraction in itself.

Currently, there are more than 2,600 stars on the Walk of Fame, with more being added all the time. With that many names of famed movie stars, you’re bound to recognize at least a few.

As you walk along the route, you’ll see many historic buildings, including the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the TLC Chinese Theater, where film premieres often take place. You’ll also see a variety of street performers.

7. Discover the World of Aviation at Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum

At Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, you’ll learn about the history of aviation through exhibits and interactive experiences.

The museum’s objective is to motivate people to take an interest in aviation as a career and inspire them to follow their dreams of soaring high above the clouds.

As you explore the museum, you’ll also see the section where they showcase the Top Gun Flight Simulators. You’ll even be given the chance to embark on a 30-minute adventure in an F-16-type cockpit. You can choose from several simulator settings, including airfield and carrier landings.

There are also various aircraft to check out, including a T-33 Talon, UH-1 Huey helicopter and military vehicles and a duplication of the Spirit of St. Louis.

8. Head to the Coast and Watch the Sun Set over the Santa Monica Pier

While watching the sun set is a popular activity at the Santa Monica Pier, there are so many other things to see and do that you could spend an entire day there.

This iconic and picturesque attraction has been entertaining residents and visitors alike for over one hundred years. Here you’ll find an amusement park, boutique shops, restaurants, an aquarium, an arcade and a historic merry-go-round.

9. Learn About Science and Space and The California Science Center

Visitors of all ages find the hands-on exhibits at The California Science Center fascinating.

As you explore the on-site exhibits, you’ll see a variety of displays about technology, nature and remarkable inventions. One exhibit that showcases ecosystems has live sea creatures and plants in a large tank.

A popular exhibit at the museum is Mission 26: The Big Endeavour, which tells the story of the space shuttle Endeavour. Another popular one is the biggest display of LEGO art in the world.

10. Drive Along the Pacific Coast Highway to Point Dume

While there are quite a few scenic drives around the greater Los Angeles area, the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway leading to Point Dume is a good one for anyone who wants to see coastal scenery without travelling too far.

The trip from Florence-Graham to Point Dume takes a little over an hour. Along the way, you’ll pass through Malibu and see stunning scenery consisting of mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.

Point Dume is a beautiful area with towering cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches, and the opportunity to spot sea lions sunbathing on the rocks. Sometimes, whales can be spotted offshore.

11. Observe the Night Sky at the Griffith Observatory

One of the first things you’ll notice upon arrival at the Griffith Observatory is the fantastic views of the city of Los Angeles.

If you arrive early enough while the sun is still up, you can venture forth on one of the hiking trails in the area. However, most people come to the observatory to see the night sky as they’ve never seen it before.

Inside the observatory, you can look through a telescope and explore a variety of exhibits. You can also visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Once a month, the observatory hosts star parties that provide visitors with a chance to look through different telescopes.

12. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits is a fascinating place to explore and learn about the many archaeological discoveries being made in the area.

As you browse the museum, you’ll see the remains of mighty creatures that once roamed the region, including a woolly mammoth, sabre-toothed tiger, and giant sloth. You’ll also get to watch scientists arrange specimens in the Fossil Lab and see them and millions of others displayed in the museum exhibits.

Also on-site is a 3D theatre, and guided tours are available. Outside the museum, you can watch the team of archaeologists excavate fossils.

13. Visit The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Another popular attraction in the greater Los Angeles area is The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. At this museum, you’ll learn about the natural history of the region through many exhibits and galleries displaying billions of years of this history.

The natural history of California is the central focus, but there are also exhibits devoted to the natural history of other locations around the world.

As you explore the museum, you’ll delight in looking at a vast range of ancient artefacts, gemstones, minerals and gardens. The on-site exhibits include Becoming Los Angeles, The discovery Center, the Insect Zoo and the Spider Pavilion.

One of the more popular exhibits is the Dinosaur Hall, which features dinosaur fossils and skeletons. The North American Mammal Halls highlight various ecosystems such as redwood forests. Throughout the year, many temporary exhibits are featured.

14. Pay a Visit to the Magnificent Queen Mary

RMS Queen Mary, Los Angeles — RMS Queen Mary

In her prime, the majestic Queen Mary was one of the top luxury ships sailing the seas. In 1967, she was retired and has been docked in Long Beach ever since.

Currently, the Queen Mary is one of the most popular attractions in the area. During your tour of the ship, you’ll experience the luxury and amenities of this beautiful ocean liner first hand.

Today, the ship is also home to a floating hotel, several top-notch restaurants, and a luxurious spa.

If you’re interested in hearing more about how the ship was constructed, her royal launch, and her years sailing the ocean, guided tours are available. A fascinating tour of The Scorpion Submarine is also offered.

15. Spend a Day in Nature at the El Dorado Nature Center

While the El Dorado Nature Center in nearby Long Beach is surrounded by an urban environment, it certainly doesn’t feel like you’re anywhere near the city when you visit.

The best way to start your exploration of this beautiful natural area is with a stop at the visitor’s centre, where you’ll learn everything there is to know about the park and view a variety of exhibits.

As you explore the park, you’ll find several hiking trails and see wildlife, stunning views and natural features, including the San Gabriel River and sprawling forest.