Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Inglewood, CA

When it was established over a century ago, the city of Inglewood in south-central Los Angeles had a population that barely surpassed a few hundred residents.

At that time, the area was primarily rural despite its proximity to downtown Los Angeles, but Inglewood’s population has progressively increased to nearly 120,000 inhabitants over the years.

Strategically situated near many of the city’s prominent attractions, Inglewood benefits from close proximity to various major highways and LAX, facilitating efficient travel.

For those preferring not to navigate traffic, Inglewood and LA boast extensive public transportation networks. Some of California’s most picturesque beaches and entertainment venues are merely a few kilometers away.

1. The Forum

During the summer months, the heat in Inglewood can be extremely intense.

While outdoor attractions are plentiful in the LA area, it is advisable to have several indoor alternatives accessible.

The Forum serves as one of the area’s foremost live entertainment venues, located on West Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood.

This facility accommodates nearly 20,000 patrons and hosts renowned artists across a variety of genres throughout the year.

Tickets for the most popular performances tend to sell quickly; therefore, it is prudent to visit their website and secure tickets early to prevent disappointment from sold-out events.

2. Randy’s Donuts

Although they typically do not feature prominently on most visitors’ itineraries, donuts are a significant attraction in Inglewood, primarily due to Randy’s Donuts located on West Manchester Boulevard.

It is reputed that Randy’s is among the most renowned donut shops globally, easily recognizable by the large fiberglass donut situated on the roof of its picturesque downtown venue.

Randy’s has appeared notably in numerous movies, television programs, and music videos, making cameo appearances in popular films including Iron Man and the music video for ‘I Love LA’ by local artist Randy Newman.

The donuts at Randy’s are prepared fresh each day utilizing a closely guarded recipe.

3. California Science Center

Science centers are invaluable resources for family vacations, especially for those traveling with young children who require constant stimulation and engagement.

The California Science Center, situated on Exposition Park Drive in LA, is just a 15-minute drive northeast of Inglewood via Interstate 110.

While the center has undergone several name changes over its history, it has been operational since the early 1950s. Its exhibits encompass a variety of topics, including art, culture, nature, space, engineering, and technology.

Covering nearly 500,000 square feet, it is segmented into four distinct areas, typically occupying guests for around two to three hours.

4. Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen

It appears that Southern Californians are among the most heavily caffeinated individuals in the nation, as coffee establishments of various types are found on nearly every corner.

For those seeking a superior cup of coffee in an inviting atmosphere, Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen on La Brea Avenue in Inglewood stands out.

Previous patrons have remarked that the beverages served here significantly surpass those available at large national coffee chains. The menu also features a selection of delectable food items, including freshly baked goods and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

In addition to coffee options, non-coffee beverages and alternative sweeteners like agave nectar syrup are also accessible.

5. Loyola Marymount University

Whether you are interested in attending a men’s basketball game, a women’s volleyball match, or simply strolling around a picturesque campus on a pleasant afternoon, college campuses are often overlooked community resources that deserve exploration when visiting a new region.

Loyola Marymount University was recently recognized as possessing one of the most aesthetically pleasing campuses nationwide, located just two kilometers west of downtown Inglewood.

The university boasts an on-campus student population of approximately 3,000 and features prominent bluffs offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the city.

To learn more about upcoming events during your stay, consider checking the university’s website or casually inquiring with students on campus.

6. Hawthorne Aquatic Center

For families visiting on a budget, the Los Angeles area does not represent the nation’s most affordable destination. Nevertheless, perceptive travelers can find reasonably priced activities if they know where to look.

The Hawthorne Aquatic Center, located on Inglewood Avenue, is an excellent location to spend a few hours enjoying the water and taking refuge from the Southern California sun during its peak intensity.

The center includes changing facilities and showers. For those introducing infants and toddlers to swimming, there are designated areas reserved for younger children, away from older, more boisterous kids.

7. Exposition Park

Los Angeles’ Exposition Park is unparalleled in terms of its wide array of amenities and ongoing year-round activities.

The entrance to the park is situated along State Drive, approximately ten kilometers northeast of Inglewood. One of its main attractions is the remarkable rose garden established in the late 1920s.

Owing to its strategic location and breathtaking beauty, the rose garden attracts picnickers, nature enthusiasts, amateur photographers, and couples seeking unique pre-wedding photo opportunities.

This park also hosts a weekly farmers market and is home to significant landmarks such as the LA Memorial Coliseum and the city’s Natural History Museum.

8. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen

For over four decades, Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen has ranked among the premier traditional home cooking establishments in the LA area, situated on East Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood.

Dulan’s soul food is presented in a cafeteria-style setting that harks back to the 1920s and 1930s rather than the contemporary full-service dining experience.

The owner of Dulan’s began his culinary career in the 1970s with a burger joint in nearby Marina Del Rey before recognizing the substantial demand for soul food among the local community.

Dulan’s is widely recognized for its authentic recipes, high-quality ingredients, friendly service, and generous portion sizes.

9. Westchester Golf Course

At just over 4,300 yards, Westchester Golf Course is approximately one-third shorter than the majority of traditional 18-hole courses, making it an ideal choice for golfers looking to complete a round without having to spend four or five hours on the course.

Golf enthusiasts appreciate its well-maintained greens and fairways, pre-round putting and chipping areas, and the availability of sufficient lighting for golfing sessions post-sunset when other courses have closed for the day.

Westchester is situated just north of LAX, a few kilometers west of Inglewood, and offers a distinctly more relaxed atmosphere than many of the region’s golf courses.

10. Autry Museum of the American West

In the era prior to its transformation into one of the largest cities on the West Coast, Los Angeles was part of the vast American West, which was primarily wild, rural, and untamed.

The Autry Museum of the American West is one of the region’s foremost historical attractions, founded in the late 1980s to preserve and promote the area’s rich cultural heritage.

In addition to its remarkable permanent collections of Western memorabilia and artwork, the museum offers an array of year-round programs that include live performances, guest lectures, temporary exhibitions, and family-oriented fairs and festivals.

The museum is located within Griffith Park in LA, approximately 20 minutes north of Inglewood.

11. The Original Farmer’s Market

The vicinity surrounding Inglewood boasts numerous year-round farmers markets; however, as the saying goes, there can only be one true original.

The Original Farmer’s Market is located on West 3rd Street in LA, roughly 15 kilometers north of Inglewood. Unlike many of its counterparts, this market remains open nearly every day of the week.

The market is comprised of numerous individual vendors offering a diverse range of products, from fresh meat and produce to souvenirs, second-hand books, handmade jewelry, health products, and gourmet prepared items, including cheese, wine, and local honey.

Many visitors choose to dine at the market before or after shopping, with nearly 40 eateries providing options ranging from takeaway street food to sit-down restaurants featuring Mexican, Middle Eastern, and French cuisines.

12. Burbank Aviation Museum

While Burbank is primarily recognized for its cultural attractions in show business, it is also home to one of Southern California’s most extensive aviation museums.

The Burbank Aviation Museum is located on North Ontario Street, approximately 20 minutes northeast of Inglewood, depending on traffic conditions.

This museum is operated by a non-profit organization composed of history and aviation enthusiasts. Its impressive collection of restored vintage and modern aircraft attracts a diverse audience of locals and visitors from outside the state, spanning all ages.

The exhibits delve into aviation history, engineering, aeronautics, and the stories of the individuals who have contributed to the industry over the years.

13. Venice Beach

For visitors to Inglewood interested in experiencing one of California’s most iconic beach locations, Venice Beach is located just a few kilometers west, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the scenic Marina Del Rey.

There is truly no better place to spend a morning or afternoon than walking, dining, and observing the vibrant scene along Venice Beach’s popular boardwalk.

The boardwalk at Venice Beach is bustling with trendy shops and eateries, drawing an eclectic mix of people from various backgrounds.

The town of Venice Beach also features numerous art galleries and studios, along with skate and surf shops, where visitors can find unique souvenirs such as hats and t-shirts.

14. Sony Pictures Studio Tour

For many travelers visiting Southern California, neglecting to participate in at least one studio tour would be considered a misallocation of valuable vacation time.

For guests staying in Inglewood, the most conveniently located option is the Sony Pictures Studio located on Washington Boulevard in Culver City, just a few kilometers north of Interstate 405.

Engaging in a guided Sony Pictures Studio Tour provides visitors with unique insights from industry insiders, along with an impressive collection of cinematic memorabilia dating back to the Golden Age of cinema.

The tours span a few hours and are conducted most days of the week.

15. The Wende Museum

Los Angeles boasts a multitude of museums, many of which feature world-class collections, including invaluable works of art; however, they often appear quite similar to the untrained observer.

For those in search of a museum with a unique focus that has yet to be widely explored, a visit to the Wende Museum in Culver City would provide an enriching experience.

The collection includes tens of thousands of items related to the Cold War era and the former Soviet Union, along with its satellite countries such as Poland, Romania, and Hungary.

This museum is located just a few blocks from the aforementioned Sony Pictures Studio in Culver City, making it feasible to visit both attractions in the same day.