El Segundo Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, where to stay and more in El Segundo, Southern California. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary and safety tips.


El Segundo is a coastal city in Southern California that offers a relaxing and low-key vibe despite being located within the huge LA metro area. This city may not be as famous as other Southern California destinations, but it still offers a lot of unique experiences to its visitors. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to visit, where to eat, where to stay, and how to get around this charming town.

Introduction to El Segundo

El Segundo is a small city that covers an area of just 5.5 square miles. It is located close to downtown LA, around 3 miles south of LAX airport. Despite its proximity to LA, El Segundo has retained its small-town charm and relaxed atmosphere.

List of Places to Visit in El Segundo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Automobile Driving Museum
  • Standard Oil Refinery (Now Chevron Refinery)
  • The Flight Path Museum

Natural Attractions of El Segundo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dockweiler State Beach
  • El Segundo Beach
  • The Strand bike path

Hiking/Biking Routes of El Segundo

  • The Strand bike path
  • El Segundo Nature Center Trail
  • Westchester Parkway

Best Things to Do in El Segundo: Activities and Tours

  • Manhattan Beach Pier
  • Roundhouse Aquarium
  • El Segundo Art Walk

Week-Long Itinerary for El Segundo

Day Activity
Day 1 Drive to El Segundo, check in at your hotel and relax by visiting the El Segundo beach
Day 2 Explore Downtown El Segundo, visit Automobile Driving Museum and enjoy lunch at a local cafe
Day 3 Take a scenic bike ride along The Strand bike path and grab lunch at a local food truck
Day 4 Visit the Chevron Refinery Museum and enjoy a sunset picnic at Dockweiler State Beach
Day 5 Take a day trip to Manhattan Beach and stroll down the pier
Day 6 Visit The Flight Path Museum and Roundhouse Aquarium
Day 7 Depart El Segundo

Food and Drink Scene of El Segundo

Must-Try Dishes

  • El Segundo Brewing Company’s beer
  • The Pizza Show’s pizza
  • Standard Station’s burgers

Local Beverages

  • El Segundo Brewing Company’s beer
  • Blue Butterfly Coffee Co’s coffee
  • Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen’s coffee

Where to Stay in El Segundo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • HYATT house
  • DoubleTree by Hilton El Segundo
  • Aloft El Segundo - Los Angeles Airport

What to Buy in El Segundo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Beer from El Segundo Brewing Company
  • Products made from palm trees at Palms Trading Company
  • Outdoor gear at Adventure 16

Local Culture and Customs of El Segundo

El Segundo is a relaxed and low-key city with friendly locals who are welcoming to visitors. The city’s culture is heavily influenced by its aviation and oil refinery past.

Best Time to Visit El Segundo

The best time to visit El Segundo is from March to May or from September to November when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are fewer. During the summer and winter months, it can get crowded and more expensive.

Do’s and Don’ts of El Segundo

Do:

  • Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city
  • Visit the beaches and enjoy the outdoors
  • Try local foods and drinks

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beach or streets
  • Be disrespectful to locals
  • Ignore the beautiful scenery

Safety and Health

Safety in El Segundo

El Segundo is generally a safe city, but it is still advisable to stay alert and aware when walking or biking around at night and in secluded areas.

Health in El Segundo

El Segundo has modern medical facilities with competent doctors and medical staff.

Getting to El Segundo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near El Segundo

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest airport to El Segundo, and there are various transportation options available from the airport.

Bus Stations Near El Segundo

The closest bus station to El Segundo is the Greyhound station in downtown LA. From there, you can take a metro line or taxi to El Segundo.

Other Options

El Segundo is easily accessible by car, and many people prefer to rent a car when visiting. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available.

How to Get Around in El Segundo

Although El Segundo is a small city, having a car is the best way to get around and explore the area at your own pace. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or take public transportation.

Where to Go Next from El Segundo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Manhattan Beach
  • Hermosa Beach
  • Redondo Beach
  • Santa Monica

Conclusion

El Segundo is a hidden gem in Southern California that offers an authentic local experience without the crowds and hustle of LA. With its beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, local culture, and friendly locals, it is a must-visit destination of your next trip to California.