Inglewood Travel Guide

Get to know Inglewood, Southern California's small town with a big heart. From museums and scenic views to local cuisine and culture, Inglewood has something for everyone.


Introduction to Inglewood

Inglewood is a southern Californian city nestled in the South Bay region of Los Angeles county. It is home to over 100,000 residents, and is widely known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse cuisine. Inglewood has undergone significant changes in recent years with renovations to the Forum and the construction of SoFi Stadium. This has brought positive attention to the city, making it a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Inglewood

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Inglewood is known for its significant cultural contributions, which can be traced back to its long and varied history. Here are some of the best spots to explore to get insight into the area’s culture and history:

  • The Black History Museum & Cultural Center showcases the African American experience in Los Angeles County, from pre-colonial times to present day.
  • The Centinela Adobe, located in the North Inglewood Historical Preservation area of the city, is a historic landmark and museum that displays Californian history and local artifacts from the 1800s.
  • The Flight Path Museum & Learning Center documents the history of aviation with exhibits, artifacts, and literature.

Natural Attractions of Inglewood: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Inglewood boasts several beautiful outdoor spaces to explore and enjoy:

  • Edward Vincent Jr. Park offers 55-acres of recreational opportunities, including sports fields, tennis courts, walking trails, and more.
  • Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is a 308-acre park full of hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing lakes, and scenic views of downtown L.A.
  • Hollywood Park Casino is another popular spot worth checking out for its revamped gambling floor and weekly tournaments.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Inglewood

Inglewood is perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some popular routes to explore:

  • Ballona Creek Bike Path is a 7-mile path that runs from Syd Kronenthal Park in east Culver City, west to Marina Del Rey, along Ballona Creek.
  • Sentinela Boulevard Bike Path is a 5-mile path that runs along the median of Sentinela Boulevard, from Redondo Beach Boulevard in West Athens to the border of Inglewood and Westchester, where it meets the Ballona Creek Bike Path.

Best Things to Do in Inglewood: Activities and Tours

Inglewood features a range of experiences for locals and visitors alike. Here are some top-rated activities to partake in:

  • Visit The Forum: This historical venue is home to some of the world’s most memorable and significant concerts and events.
  • SoFi Stadium: Attend an NFL game or other major sporting events at this state-of-the-art stadium.
  • Hollywood Park: This iconic horse racing track in Los Angeles is a must-visit for sport fans.

Week-Long Itinerary for Inglewood

Embed Table here:

Day Activies
Monday Visit museums and historical attractions
Tuesday Discover outdoor adventures
Wednesday Explore bike routes
Thursday Attend local cultural events
Friday Discover local eateries and go on a cuisine tour
Saturday Attend major sporting events
Sunday Visit nearby destinations

Food and Drink Scene of Inglewood

Must-Try Dishes

Inglewood offers a diverse and delicious range of cuisine, from traditional soul food to Mexican street food. Here are some of the best dishes:

  • Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles: A classic Southern cuisine that features succulent fried chicken and waffles served with syrup and butter.
  • Mariscos Jalisco: Known for its signature tacos de camaron (shrimp tacos).
  • Ruby’s Tamales: Serves scrumptious tamales stuffed with your choice of meat or vegetarian options.

Local Beverages

Inglewood has a emerging craft beer scene with several local breweries:

  • Three Weavers Brewing Company: A brewery and taproom that offers a variety of craft beers, including IPA, lager, and sour beers.
  • Tortugo Brewing: A Latin-inspired brewery that serves flavorful beers and tasty jars, including seafood cocktails and tostadas.

Where to Stay in Inglewood: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Inglewood offers a range of accommodation options for visitors of all types. Here are some top picks:

  • The Los Angeles Adventurer All-Suite Hotel at LAX: Provides comfortable and affordable accommodation with free parking and breakfast.
  • The Forum Hotel: Features chic interiors and modern amenities, and is just a stone’s throw from some of the city’s major attractions.
  • The Wexler: A stylish boutique hotel featuring spacious rooms and chic interiors.

What to Buy in Inglewood: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors looking to take a piece of Inglewood back home can explore the local shops and boutiques. Here are some items to purchase:

  • Jenkins Brothers African American Art & Gifts: Sells an array of African American art, books, and collectibles.
  • Inglewood Area Chamber of Commerce: Offers an array of Inglewood-branded souvenirs and memorabilia.
  • Inglewood Farmer’s Market: Provides an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and home decor products.

Local Culture and Customs of Inglewood

Inglewood has a rich and unique culture that is reflective of its long and diverse history. It is known for its thriving music scene, which has given rise to some of the most iconic and influential artists of our time.

Best Time to Visit Inglewood

The best time to visit Inglewood is from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. During these months, you’ll also find plenty of outdoor events and festivals taking place in the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Inglewood

Do:

  • Cheese at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles.
  • Explore the vibrant street art in Downtown Inglewood.
  • Attend a concert at The Forum.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave without trying Mariscos Jalisco’s signature shrimp tacos.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat for the sunny weather.
  • Don’t miss out on the unique cultural experience at Edward Vincent Jr. Park.

Safety and Health

Safety in Inglewood

Inglewood is generally safe for tourists. However, like any big city, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Inglewood

Inglewood has several medical centers, as well as pharmacies and clinics, for visitors who need medical attention.

Getting to Inglewood: Transportation Options and Logistics

Inglewood is easily accessible by a variety of transportation modes. Here are some common transit options:

Airports Near Inglewood

  • Los Angeles International Airport
  • Hollywood Burbank Airport

Bus Stations Near Inglewood

  • Greyhound Station
  • Inglewood Transit Center

Other Options

  • Car Rental: A popular option for visitors who want to explore the surrounding areas as well.
  • Taxi Services: A convenient option for visitors who prefer having a driver take them around.

How to Get Around in Inglewood

Inglewood is primarily a driving city, although it is also bike-friendly. Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi for optimal convenience.

Where to Go Next from Inglewood: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby cities and attractions worth visiting:

  • Los Angeles: Found within a 20-minute drive from Inglewood, Los Angeles offers a plethora of sightseeing, shopping, and cultural opportunities.
  • Santa Monica Beach: Enjoy a relaxing day at one of California’s most iconic beaches.
  • Venice Beach: Visit the vibrant and unique artistic enclave of Venice.

Conclusion

Inglewood is a small town with a big heart, offering an array of cultural experiences to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. From museums and historical landmarks to scenic outdoor spaces and culinary delights, Inglewood is a hidden gem in Southern California that will surely capture your heart and imagination.

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