Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bellflower, CA

Bellflower is a city of approximately 78,000 residents located in Los Angeles County, about 20 miles from Los Angeles, providing easy access to the attractions of a major urban center.

The city is recognized for its strategic location and proximity to renowned attractions, including Universal Studios and Disneyland. Other significant cities, such as Long Beach and Anaheim, are also nearby.

Bellflower offers numerous parks, museums, dining establishments, and shopping areas, such as Bellflower Plaza. The city hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Liberty Day Parade and Summer Streetfest.

Below are 15 excellent activities to consider in and around Bellflower, California.

1. Unwind and Stay Fit at Thompson Park

Take a leisurely walk in a beautiful green space or catch up on your workout at Thompson Park in Bellflower.

This spacious municipal park features several baseball and softball fields, a fitness area, an indoor basketball court, and a children’s playground. Additionally, there is an outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool, enabling swimming year-round.

2. Sit Down to a Hearty Meal at Chris’ & Pitt’s BBQ Restaurant

Considered one of the finest BBQ establishments in the area, Chris’ & Pitt’s BBQ Restaurant is a family-owned enterprise, beloved by both residents and visitors in Bellflower. For over 70 years, the restaurant has been offering distinctive and delectable Texan-style dishes.

The extensive menu includes a variety of appetizers and main courses, featuring baby back ribs, boneless chicken breast, Hawaiian-style chicken, chicken-fried steak, and home-style meatloaf.

Additionally, it is well-regarded for its signature homemade sauces, such as Hawaiian chicken sauce and ranch and blue cheese dressings.

3. Hit the Greens at Lakewood Golf Course

Reserve a tee time and enjoy an afternoon on the greens at Lakewood Golf Course. This 18-hole, 7,033-yard championship course is regarded as one of the premier courses in the region.

Lakewood Golf Course features various challenging elements, including sand bunkers and par 3’s. A practice area with two putting greens and a pitching green is also available. Moreover, lessons are provided for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

4. Learn About the Ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific

At the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, guests can explore the depths of the Pacific Ocean without entering the water.

As you navigate through this expansive aquarium, you will gain insight into what it’s like beneath the ocean and discover the species that inhabit these waters.

The facility includes 32 exhibits across 19 different habitats, showcasing the Pacific Ocean’s unique environment. These habitats are home to over 11,000 marine animals representing 500 species, designed to represent their natural settings as closely as possible.

Throughout your visit, you will have the opportunity to experience 3D and 4D films, observe sharks in the Shark Lagoon, learn about the inner workings behind the scenes, and even touch some marine creatures.

5. Cool off at Knotts Soak City

The ideal destination for a warm, sunny day is near a body of water, and Knotts Soak City in nearby Buena Park serves as a perfect retreat for individuals of all ages.

This exciting water park features an array of options for water-based enjoyment, including diverse water slides, a lengthy lazy river, and the Pacific Spin—a tunnel that plunges 75 feet.

A children’s area is also featured, equipped with interactive water attractions and the Toyota Beach House, which boasts 200 water guns and a 500-gallon tipping bucket.

6. Get a History Lesson at The Los Angeles County Fire Museum

The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s extensive history can be explored at The Los Angeles County Fire Museum. The facility showcases numerous exhibits, including various antique fire engines dating back to the mid-1800s.

7. Enjoy a Night Out on the Town at The Gardens Casino

The Gardens Casino in nearby Hawaiian Gardens is an excellent venue for enjoying an evening out. It features an array of table games, such as Texas Hold’em, numerous flat-screen televisions, and a cocktail bar.

The Triple 7 Sports Bar and Grill presents a variety of dishes from around the globe, crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers are also available.

8. Spend a Day at Hollywood Sports Paintball & Airsoft Park

Renowned as the world’s premier paintball and airsoft facility, Hollywood Sports Paintball and Airsoft Park promises an exhilarating day for its visitors.

This high-tech, 28-acre venue features playing fields situated on authentic movie sets. Notable films such as Starship Troopers, Godzilla, and Saving Private Ryan provide the backdrop for your gameplay experience.

9. Get Inspired at the Long Beach Museum of Art

The Long Beach Museum of Art offers art enthusiasts the chance to appreciate, understand, and be inspired by both regional and international art.

While some exhibits are permanent, others rotate periodically, ensuring there is always something new to admire. This museum showcases not only exquisite paintings but also artworks in diverse formats, including textiles, glasswork, and sculpture.

Throughout the year, various workshops take place, and weekly museum tours provide deeper insights into the featured pieces.

10. Have a Unique Dining Experience at Pirates Dinner Adventure

Elevate your dining experience with a pirate-themed feast at Pirates Dinner Adventure located in nearby Buena Park.

This distinctive dinner and show event is appropriate for patrons of all ages and presents various entertainment options. Guests can savor their delightful meal while witnessing pirates confront the Loch Ness Monster or pursue vampires. Either scenario guarantees exciting stunts, captivating music, and outstanding performances.

11. Explore the San Gabriel River Area

Escape from the bustling urban environment and immerse yourself in nature by visiting the San Gabriel River area.

This site features the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail, which spans alongside the scenic San Gabriel River. The trail offers a total of 2.5 miles, showcasing native plants, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural scenery.

These trails accommodate both bikers and runners, while also providing a skate park and horseback riding trail on-site.

12. Learn about Science and Technology at the Columbia Memorial Space Center

Located in nearby Downey, the Columbia Memorial Space Center serves as both a museum and a national memorial dedicated to the crew lost in the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster.

The museum consists of 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits that cover various topics related to science, technology, engineering, and space exploration.

Among the highlights of your visit are a robotics lab and an HD computer lab, along with numerous workshops and events scheduled throughout the year.

13. Catch Some Thrills at Knotts Berry Farm

Knotts Berry Farm, the oldest amusement park in the United States, has extensive experience in providing entertainment for all age groups over many decades.

The park features numerous exhilarating rides, including Pony Express and Supreme Scream. For families with younger children, attractions such as Iron Reef, the Timber Mountain Log Ride, and classic favorites like bumper cars and a Ferris wheel are available.

For visitors seeking a panoramic view of the entire park, a tower rises 180 feet into the air. Throughout the day, a variety of performances—including stunts, musical shows, theater, and dance—occur for guests to enjoy.

14. Get Outdoors at the Norwalk Nature Center

The Norwalk Nature Center provides an ideal location to escape from the urban environment and enjoy a peaceful afternoon amidst a natural setting.

As you explore the grounds, you will have the opportunity to interact with domesticated animals. Take a stroll through beautiful nature before unwinding in a tranquil garden adorned with fruit trees and a serene pond.

15. Sample Delicious Ethnic Dishes at Jazz Melody Thai BBQ

Jazz Melody Thai BBQ is a well-regarded establishment in Bellflower, recognized for its exceptional service and contemporary Thai cuisine inspired by traditional dishes.

Its menu presents an extensive array of options, crafted from the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. Selections include appetizers, soups, salads, fried rice dishes, noodles, and main courses such as orange chicken, chicken teriyaki, eggplant lover, and spicy basil.