Things To Do
in Westmont

Westmont is a coastal Los Angeles County neighborhood known for its diverse community and convenient access to both city amenities and nearby beaches. The area blends residential calm with easy access to major flight routes and South Bay attractions. Visitors will find a mix of markets, casual dining, and scenic coastal views within a short drive.

Overall, Westmont offers an approachable base for exploring the broader Los Angeles region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the historic downtown area, admiring the charming architecture and unique storefronts. Stop by the Westmont Historical Society to learn about the town’s rich history and heritage.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a family-owned restaurant that serves classic American dishes, where you can experience the warmth of local hospitality. Post-lunch, visit the nearby parks for a peaceful walk or a picnic, surrounded by beautiful landscaping and vibrant flowers. Make sure to take some time to explore the local art galleries featuring works from regional artists.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, head to a popular outdoor venue for a live music performance, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant that highlights seasonal ingredients from local farms. End your day with a leisurely walk through the town square, where you can enjoy the twinkling lights and vibrant community energy.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Start your day with an energizing breakfast at a beachside café, where the sound of waves sets a relaxing tone. After your meal, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil waters, enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. Take time to relax on the sandy beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the gentle surf.

afternoon
:

After a morning of water sports, enjoy a casual lunch at a beach shack, sampling fresh seafood and tropical drinks. Spend the afternoon playing beach volleyball or building sandcastles with family and friends, enjoying the playful atmosphere. For a bit of adventure, consider trying out parasailing for breathtaking views of the coastline.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, gather for a beach bonfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories as the sky turns vibrant shades of orange and pink. Enjoy a laid-back dinner at an oceanfront restaurant, where you can watch the waves lap against the shore. Afterward, take a reflective walk along the beach, feeling the cool breeze and listening to the calming sounds of the ocean.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee or tea$3-6
🏨One night in a mid-range hotel$120-220
🛒Groceries for a week$60-120
🚗Gasoline for a week$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to beaches and the LAX corridor
  • Diverse dining and cultural options
  • Relatively affordable by LA standards compared to central LA
  • Limited standalone nightlife within Westmont
  • Traffic and parking can be challenging near the coast
  • Weather can be variable with coastal fog

Places to Visit in Westmont

Visit one of these nice places.

LAX Flight Path Vista

Photo spot near the airport approach where planes come in over the coast, especially dramatic at golden hour.

Manhattan Beach Pier Sunset

Iconic pier with silhouettes of palm trees and surfers against a dramatic Pacific sunset.

Westmont Town Center Plaza

Urban plaza with colorful storefronts and street art ideal for daytime and street photography.

Abalone Cove Overlook

Cliffside vantage with sweeping ocean views and tidepools during low tide.

Culinary Guide

Food in Westmont

Westmont and the surrounding South Bay area showcase a mosaic of flavors from Mexican, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, and classic American comfort food; you can taste the sea breeze in many seafood-focused dishes.

Westmont Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fish Tacos

Grilled or beer-battered fish tucked into warm tortillas with cabbage, salsa, and crema; widely found at casual taquerias in nearby Inglewood and Hawthorne.

Must-Try!

Korean BBQ Short Ribs

Marinated beef ribs grilled to smoky perfection, often accompanied by banchan and rice at South Bay eateries.

Carne Asada Fries

Crispy fries topped with carne asada, cheese, pico de gallo, and lime; a beloved street-food staple across the South Bay.

Chicken Adobo Bowls

Filipino-inspired dish with marinated chicken, garlic, soy, and vinegar served over rice.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

South Bay Farmers Market

Weekend market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and local street snacks; great for a quick bite.

Korean Market & Food Court (Local Koreatown Corridor)

Markets with ready-to-eat items, kimchi stalls, and quick bites on busy days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Westmont has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters; coastal fog is common in late spring and early summer; microclimates mean temperatures can vary by area and distance from the coast.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful Communication

Greet people with a friendly hello; avoid loud conversations in residential areas; ask before photographing people.

Parking and Quiet Hours

Observe posted parking rules; respect quiet hours after 10 pm in residential neighborhoods; be mindful of street cleaning schedules.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety: stay aware of your surroundings, secure valuables, and use well-lit routes at night; LA County area safety tips include staying in well-trafficked areas and having emergency numbers handy.

Tipping in Westmont

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, standard 15-20% gratuity; in casual spots you can round up or tip based on service; tip porters and valets as appropriate.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cash, credit/debit cards, and contactless payments; mobile wallets are widely used; occasional cash-only venues are rare.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry days with refreshing ocean breezes; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities and photography.

Fall

Milder temperatures and fewer foggy mornings; Beach-friendly weather and lively coastal events.

Winter

Mild to cool days with occasional rain; pack a light jacket and umbrella for coastal showers.

Spring

Longer daylight hours and blooming landscapes; great for hiking and coastal photography.

Nightlife Guide

Westmont at Night

The nightlife scene around Westmont is modest but vibrant in nearby Inglewood, Hawthorne, and Manhattan Beach, with casual bars, lounges, and live music venues. Weekend nights see more activity, with beachside venues offering sunset-to-late-night experiences.

Hiking in Westmont

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Abalone Cove Trail (Rancho Palos Verdes)

Coastal trail with ocean views and tidepools.

Top of the World Trail (Palos Verdes Estates)

Scenic hilltop hike with panoramic views of the Pacific.

White Point Trail (San Pedro)

Coastal hillside path with sea views and access to tidepools.

Airports

How to reach Westmont by plane.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Major international airport about 5-8 miles from Westmont; accessible by car or rideshare.

Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR)

Smaller nearby airport used for general aviation and private flights.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Regional airport offering domestic flights; a reasonable drive from Westmont.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is moderate in Westmont; the neighborhood is well-connected to coastal towns via major roads. Many amenities are within a short drive, and there are pedestrian-friendly streets along some commercial corridors, though longer trips often require a car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Latino/Hispanic

A diverse and large community with deep roots in the South Bay.

Asian American

Vibrant presence from Korean, Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities.

White

Mixed suburban population with long-time residents and newcomers.

Multiracial

Growing diversity with residents from a range of backgrounds.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Popular in community leagues and parks.

Soccer

Local leagues and pickups at parks; youth programs common.

Surfing

Coastal communities offer surf spots for beginners and experienced surfers.

Beach Volleyball

Casual courts along the beach; commonly played in the evenings.

Transportation

Traffic

LA County traffic can be heavy, especially during morning and evening commutes. Driving is common, with rideshare options and some bus routes; near beaches, weekend traffic can be heavy on coastal roads. Public transit exists but is less extensive than in central LA.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Westmont.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable-forward plates, avoid meat broths, and ask for dairy-free options; many places can adapt dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Access to healthcare includes nearby hospitals and clinics in the South Bay and greater LA area; major hospitals in Inglewood and Torrance offer emergency services; several urgent care centers are within a short drive.

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