Things To Do
in Cerritos
Cerritos is a family-friendly suburb in Los Angeles County known for its well-kept neighborhoods and abundant shopping. The city blends a diverse dining scene with modern amenities and leafy parks. It sits conveniently between the coast and the urban core, making day trips to beaches, museums, and entertainment hubs easy.
Cerritos emphasizes community events at venues like the Cerritos Library and surrounding parks, creating a welcoming, small-town vibe in a big-city region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a freshly brewed latte at a cozy coffee shop near the Civic Center. Wander through the manicured lawns and discover public art installations that celebrate Cerritos’s community spirit. Feel the early-morning calm as city hall and the community center come to life.
Head inside the Cerritos Library’s grand atrium to browse extensive collections and tech exhibits. Pause at the rooftop garden for a peaceful moment surrounded by greenery and city views. Pop into rotating gallery spaces to see local artists’ work and interactive displays.
Dine at a nearby bistro offering farm-to-table fare under softly glowing lanterns. Stroll over to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and soak up the buzz before curtain time. Let a world-class concert or Broadway production transport you to another realm under the spotlight.
Begin in the Cerritos Sculpture Garden surrounded by 16 abstract, large-scale works on display. Follow winding pathways that weave through trees and themed installations. Pause to read the artist plaques and reflect on the interplay of metal, stone, and light.
Spread out a picnic blanket in Heritage Park and savor artisanal sandwiches and fresh fruit. Listen to birdsong as you explore shaded trails that loop around a serene pond. Make time to visit the Heritage Center Museum to learn about Cerritos’s ranching and aviation roots.
Return to the Sculpture Garden for a golden-hour walk when the artworks are bathed in warm light. Enjoy food truck tacos or ramen under string lights in the park’s gathering area. End the night gazing at the stars from a hidden bench tucked behind a row of orange trees.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🚇One-way ticket on local transit | $1.75-2.75 |
| 🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment in city center | $2,000-2,600 |
| 🛒Groceries (monthly) | $250-450 |
| 💡Utilities (monthly) | $60-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse cuisines and big-city accessibility with a suburban feel
- Family-friendly attractions and well-maintained public spaces
- Strategic location for day trips to beaches, museums, and parks
- Robust shopping options and a variety of casual dining
- Limited nightlife within Cerritos itself
- Heavy traffic typical of the greater Los Angeles area
- Certain services may require short drives to neighboring cities
Places to Visit in Cerritos
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic, modern architecture with glass-and-steel lines; great for architectural photography and reflective sunlight.
Sleek lines and a prominent curb appeal ideal for night photography and dramatic, low-light outdoor shots.
Pedestrian plazas, fountains, and art installations provide opportunities for candid street photography and lifestyle imagery.
Lush greenery, playgrounds, and water features offer seasonal portrait and landscape options.
Harbor views, ferries, and colorful harbor architecture make for wide-angle coastal photography.
Food in Cerritos
Cerritos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled at many Korean BBQ spots in the Cerritos-Artesia corridor; pair with rice, kimchi, and banchan.
Must-Try!
Crispy, double-fried chicken with a choice of sauces; widely available in the Koreatown-adjacent clusters near Cerritos.
Grilled steak tacos with cilantro, onions, and salsa—popular at local taquerias around Norwalk and Lakewood.
Slow-braised meat in a corn tortilla with consommé for dipping; a growing favorite at Mexican eateries nearby.
A Mission-style burrito variant with carne asada, chimichanga bits, cheese, and avocado—a staple at local taquerias.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and street snacks; typically held weekly in Artesia, a short drive from Cerritos.
Coastal market with vendors selling produce, ready-to-eat bites, and seaside street food along the Long Beach waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Common courtesy includes saying please and thank you, addressing people with a respectful tone, and using a friendly handshake in formal situations.
Americans typically queue in an orderly fashion; maintain personal space and wait your turn in lines, especially in markets and cafes.
Public displays of anger are generally frowned upon; be mindful of local customs in eateries and during community events.
Safety
Tipping in Cerritos
Ensure a smooth experience
In the United States, it is customary to tip 15-20% at restaurants and 1-2 dollars per drink at bars. For service sectors like taxi or ridesharing, tipping is appreciated but not always expected.
Most establishments accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). ATMs are widely available in shopping centers and near major streets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days are common with sunny skies; light clothing is recommended, and afternoon shade is ideal for outdoor activities. Beach trips to nearby coastal areas are popular, and evenings remain pleasant for strolls.
Mild temperatures with blooming landscapes; a great time for outdoor hikes, park visits, and photo opportunities in parks and plazas.
Typically comfortable temperatures with less heat; ideal for city exploration and wandering through outdoor markets and neighborhoods.
Cool to mild days with limited rain; layering is practical, and indoor venues or shopping centers provide comfortable alternatives on wetter days.
Cerritos at Night
Hiking in Cerritos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Urban reservoir area with easy to moderate trails, birdwatching, and lake views.
Ridge and hillside trails offering panoramic views and natural scenery just a short drive away.
Forested trails and lake views within a recreational park setting, suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Cerritos by plane.
Major international hub about 20-25 miles west; extensive domestic and international flight options; accessible by car or rideshare.
Smaller, regional airport closer to Cerritos; easier security lines and shorter travel times for domestic flights.
Orange County airport roughly 25-40 miles south; convenient for many California and western flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Asian, Hispanic, and other communities with strong family-oriented neighborhoods.
Many households consist of families as well as working professionals who commute to broader LA/OC areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Common in schools and community leagues; local gymnasiums host youth and adult play.
Active youth and adult leagues; outdoor fields in parks and recreation centers.
Seasonal leagues and pickup games in city parks and facilities.
Public courts and clubs offer lessons and social play for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cerritos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for vegetarian-friendly options at many Asian and Mexican spots; many places offer veggie bowls, veggie tacos, or plant-based sides. When in doubt, ask for tofu, bean, or veggie substitutions.
Many restaurants can accommodate vegan diets with plant-based proteins, rice or bean bowls, and vegetable sides; emphasize dairy-free cheese and sauces where relevant.
Mexican and some Korean dishes can be prepared gluten-free; request no soy sauce where cross-contamination is a concern and opt for grilled proteins with corn tortillas or rice.