Top 20 Best Things to Do in Hawthorne, CA
Hawthorne is a city located just south of Los Angeles that is very up and coming. With its excellent location to the South Bay beach cities and LA, this little city is in the perfect location. You will find many great things to do in Hawthorne, from fun breweries and restaurants to historical landmarks and more. After living in Hawthorne for a year, here is a local’s take on how to enjoy Hawthorne!
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• Best Things to Do in Hawthorne, CA
• Things to Do With Kids in Hawthorne
• Best Outdoors Things to Do in Hawthorne
• Best Places to Eat in Hawthorne
• Where to Stay in Hawthorne
Best Things to Do in Hawthorne, CA
1. Visit the Beach Boys Historic Landmark
The Beach Boys monument is truthfully not that exciting, it’s a small structure with a few inscriptions on it. However, it is Hawthorne’s claim to fame that the Beach Boys grew up there, so it’s still worth a quick visit for music lovers!
The Beach Boys Historic Landmark is a must-see for any fan of the iconic band. Erected in 2005, the marker commemorates the home of Murry and Audree Wilson, the parents of Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson. It was in this house that the brothers grew up and developed their musical skills.
In 1961, the Beach Boys gathered here to record a tape of their breakthrough song “Surfin’.” Today, the official California historical landmark is open to the public for visitors to see where the magic started.
2. Catch an Event at Common Space Brewery
Having a beer at Common Space is one of my favorite things to do in Hawthorne! They have a great indoor/outdoor space with a large patio. They serve excellent beers and are always experimenting and putting out new flavors.
Common Space has a different food truck daily (check their website for the schedule) and is frequently hosting fun events. Their recurring events include Trivia Tuesday, Wednesday Comedy Nights, and Thursday Game Nights.
Plus, they often host unique events such as the Broken Record Summer Vinyl Party, Smash Burger Competition, and Oktoberfest. It’s definitely worth heading over for a night of fun and good beer with good company at Common Space Brewery!
3. Have a Beer at Los Angeles Ale Works Brewery & Tasting Room
For another fun brewery option, head down the road to Los Angeles Ale Works. They are really similar to Common Space with a nice outdoor patio, food trucks, and a few events throughout the year.
4. Go Rock Climbing at Hangar 18
Hangar 18 is a chain rock climbing gym that is mostly found around Orange County but they have a location in Hawthorne that is a lot of fun. There is a big bouldering section in the middle, where you can even climb over the top of one section and under a cave! On the sides, they have both regular and auto-belay routes. There’s also a yoga/party deck.
This rock climbing gym is perfect for a fun activity one day, but they also offer monthly packages if you are looking for somewhere to frequent often or train.
5. Take a Tour With Star Helicopters
Looking for a unique way to experience the Pacific Coast and see the sights of Los Angeles? Why not take a helicopter tour! Star Helicopter Tours offers a wide selection of tours ranging from a short 15-minute flight to longer tours lasting almost 2 hours.
The Hollywood sightseeing tour is the perfect way to view movie studios, celebrity homes, beaches, and other local attractions. A helicopter tour over Los Angeles is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries (try out the romantic tour), or any special occasion.
Star Helicopters is located at the Hawthorne Municipal Airport, a little airport in the northeast corner of the city.
6. Visit Hawthorne Historical Society
The nonprofit Hawthorne Historical Society Museum was founded in 2011 to showcase the rich history of the city. The Society is dedicated to preserving the city’s past and present by providing exhibits and materials on local history, as well as speaker events, walking guided tours for school classes, historical reference books, photographs, personal histories (oral and written), and more.
It’s located in Jim Thorpe Park, so be sure to enjoy a sunny day with a picnic in the park to complete your time enjoying one of Hawthorne’s top attractions.
7. Enjoy One of Hawthorne’s Many Taco Trucks
Mexican food is one of the most popular cuisines in California, and there are many delicious and authentic options to choose from around Los Angeles. One great way to enjoy Mexican food and support local vendors is to stop at one of the taco trucks that pop up.
Hawthorne’s taco trucks offer fresh, made-on-the-spot food that is both delicious and affordable. Your best bet for finding one is to head down Crenshaw Boulevard, they usually set up around 4-5pm and stay open well into the night.
8. Get an Empanada From Continental Gourmet Market
This specialty market offers a variety of Latin American products, including meats and cheeses. But the best part is their deli, where you can find fresh, made-to-order empanadas. The dough is perfectly flaky, and they offer a variety of filling options, from chicken to beef to vegetarian. Plus, their French rolls are baked in-house and are nice and soft.
Fun Things to Do With Kids in Hawthorne
9. Play at Bodger Park
This 12-acre park in Hawthorne has a playground, community garden, picnic areas, and sports fields. It’s a great place to bring your kids to enjoy the sunshine, run around, and play various sports.
The park was just down the street from where we lived and we took our dog there all the time to toss the ball for her in the huge fields. There was always something fun going on from parties and BBQs in the park to sports teams and fitness groups enjoying the space.
10. Take the Kids to the Hawthorne Pool
There’s nothing better than jumping in a pool on a hot summer day! There are 2 public pools (a lap pool and a baby pool) located inside the facility and both are heated to 80°F.
Lap swimming is only for adults 17 and older.
11. Pick up a Sport at Hawthorne Memorial Park
Another large park in Hawthorne located off Prairie Avenue, this 13.5-acre park has a play area, ball fields, basketball courts and tennis courts, and a picnic area. Plus, it has a fitness zone and wading pool!
There’s a community center onsite that occasionally hosts public events such as the Halloween Carnival.
12. Treat Them to a Churro From Azucanela
Azucanela is a cute local coffee shop that is known for serving fresh-to-order churros and craft coffee. They have a colorful patio to enjoy and an inviting atmosphere. While the kids enjoy their delicious churro or ice cream, you will love some of their signature drinks and a hot cup of Latin American coffee such as the Cafe de Olla, Horchata Latte, and Abuelita’s Chocolate.
Best Outdoors Things to Do in Hawthorne
13. Spend Some Time at Eucalyptus Skate Park
If you’re looking for a great skate park to practice your skills or start learning, this is the place for you! It’s perfect for beginners with lots of smooth roll-ins. The atmosphere is also really great – it’s always very chill and welcoming. Plus, the local skate shop is just down the street if you need anything. Hands down, this is the best place to skate in the area and spend some time in the sun.
Looking for something more extreme to do in Hawthorne? Eagle Rider Rentals has a wide variety of motorcycles for rent, plus guided or self-drive tours.
14. Head up the Street to Dockweiler State Beach
Head to Dockweiler State Beach in Los Angeles for a beautiful place to enjoy the sun and the surf. Just take Rosecrans all the way up to Manhattan Beach and turn right to head towards El Segundo and reach Dockweiler Beach.
The best part is that the beach has fire pits (the only other place in the South Bay that has beach fire pits is all the way down in San Pedro at Cabrillo Beach). So if you’re looking for a fun evening activity, bring some snacks and s’mores fixings to have a beach bonfire!
Dockweiler Beach is quite expansive, so you’ll have plenty of room to spread out your towel and soak up the rays. And if you’re feeling active, the beach bike path is readily accessible, which many visitors use for roller-blading, jogging, and of course, bicycling.
Thinking About Renting a Car?
Unfortunately, you basically have to drive in California to get around. The public transportation system isn’t very reliable, everything is spread out, and Ubers add up.
My go-to car rental service in California is Discover Cars. They compare prices across the leading car rental services to find you the LOWEST prices and BEST deals.
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To top off your day at the beach, while you’re in El Segundo you should stop by and check out the Old Town Music Hall. It’s an iconic and beautiful theater (and a cultural landmark in California) featuring silent films accompanied by live organ music along with jazz and ragtime concerts.
15. Go Golfing at Alondra Park
This public golf course and driving range is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. It’s an 18-hole and par 3 golf course with great prices, excellent staff, good food, and a well-kept course.
16. Go Surfing in El Porto
Right before Dockweiler Beach is El Porto in Manhattan Beach. At all times of the day, the parking lot is full of surfers of all ages getting ready to head out into the water – it’s a very southern California experience!
El Porto is one of the most popular surf spots in the South Bay due to the consistent swell and larger wave size, and it draws some of the most experienced surfers in the area. Try your hand at surfing the waves, or just watch the surfers from the sand and enjoy the energy of this fun beach.
If you want to get some exercise and incredible views over the downtown area, head to Sand Dune Park off Rosecrans on your way back to Hawthorne.
Great Places to Eat in Hawthorne
17. Eureka!
Located right next to the Hawthorne Airport, this restaurant is great not only for the food but for the fun ambiance of being able to watch the funky planes and helicopters take off and land. Eureka! serves yummy American food, including burgers, fresh salads, and a must-try – the Bourbon Barrel Cake. It’s a great place for happy hour and to enjoy some craft beer and whiskey.
18. Urth Caffé South Bay
This is a popular European-style cafe that has a location in Hawthorne. It’s hands-down the best cafe in the area with its delicious food, incredible baked goods, wonderful energy, and lovely outdoor seating area.
Urth Caffé South Bay serves organic, locally sourced coffee and teas, plus fresh smoothies. It’s the perfect brunch spot, but it does get busy on the weekends.
19. Queen of Thai Cuisine and Bombay Curry & Pizzeria
These two great restaurants are located right across the street from each other on Crenshaw Blvd., these were hands down some of our favorite places to order food from when living in Hawthorne. Indian and Thai foods are my boyfriend and my favorites, so we of course had to find the best in town!
20. Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine Restaurant & Bakery
Bossa Nova serves up some delicious Brazilian and Italian dishes. You will find some unique dishes including Pichanha and Goat Cheese Pizza. They have a big outdoor patio that is great for enjoying a happy hour drink and appetizer. Plus, they have a great array of sweet and savory baked from flaky pastries and Brazilian rolls to scrumptious desserts.
Where to Stay in Hawthorne
It’s best to stay in the western part of Hawthorne. It’s a bit of a safer area at night, and it’s also closer to the beach and South Bay if you want to explore some of the surrounding cities.
💲Budget to Mid-Range: TownePlace Suites by Marriott LAX/Hawthorne
This is a very well-rated 3-star Marriott hotel in Hawthorne with an outdoor pool and restaurant. It’s pet friendly, includes free breakfast, and has great service.
❗CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗
💎 Mid-Range to High-End: Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach LAX
This 4-star hotel has a European flare to it and is decorated with beautiful art pieces. It’s right near the 405 freeway for easy access and is perfectly situated between Manhattan Beach and Hawthorne. It’s also pet friendly and has an outdoor pool, restaurant/bar, and fitness center.
I’ve worked with the staff for a few events here and they are always lovely and accommodating. Our guests always enjoy their stay and experience with Ayres Hotel.
❗CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗
Best Things to Do in South Bay Los Angeles
Hawthorne is conveniently located to the South Bay beach cities and makes for a perfect base for exploring all the incredible things to do. Dance the night away in Hermosa Beach, experience fine-dining with an ocean view in Manhattan Beach, shop at the Del Amo Mall in Torrance, or catch one of the many fun events that often happen around the South Bay.
One of the best places to explore pristine southern California beaches, delicious restaurants, and fun activities; for my full guide on the best things to do in the South Bay, click below:
Hawthorne California near the South Bay coastal towns is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re a first-time visitor or live in the area. There are delicious food options, beautiful parks to enjoy the outdoors, and plenty of fun things to do. Enjoy an activity such as rock climbing or skateboarding, or indulge your sweet tooth at one of the fantastic cafes. No matter what you’re looking for, Hawthorne has something great to offer its visitors.
Looking for resources to use for your next trip or move abroad?
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Related Posts on Things to Do in the South Bay:
Manhattan Beach Hermosa Beach Redondo Beach Torrance Palos Verdes Peninsula
☀️ FAQs About California ☀️
✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to California?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in the U.S.?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing. It covers some medical as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care.
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☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit California?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. Some parts of the state get “June Gloom” where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in California?
Hotels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Vrbo
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
🌴 Where Can You Find Tours?
I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in California?
I very highly recommend renting a car in California so you don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! California is fantastic for road trips – there is SO much to see up and down the coast. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option.
>>> Best car rental rates and deals
