Spread the love!

Whittier, California: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Almost everything worth doing in Whittier costs nothing. The Greenway Trail, Hellman Park, Turnbull Canyon and the Uptown streets are all free to walk from one end to the other. The museum and the Jonathan Bailey House ask very little of your wallet. What you pay for is dinner, a show at the Shannon Center, and Knott’s Berry Farm if you drive out to it. Budget accordingly.

Welcome to Whittier, California, a small town with a big heart and plenty to do in it. Located in Southern California, Whittier holds a small-town atmosphere that works for a weekend or a day trip. Historical highlights, outdoor escapades, art and culture, shopping, food, festivals, or the attractions nearby. Whittier covers all of them.

History buffs should not miss Pio Pico State Historical Park, where the life and times of the last governor of Mexican California are laid out. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Hellman Park Trailhead runs hiking trails with long views over the surrounding country. And for culture, the Whittier Art Gallery or the Whittier Museum, which between them carry the best of the local art and history.

Key Takeaways

• Whittier, California is a small town with a big heart and plenty of things to do.
• Whether you’re looking for historical highlights, outdoor escapades, art and culture, shopping sprees, food and beverage, festivals and events, or nearby attractions, Whittier has something for everyone.
• Don’t miss Pio Pico State Historical Park, Hellman Park Trailhead, Whittier Art Gallery, or the Whittier Museum.

Historical Highlights

Whittier carries a long history and there are plenty of sites that hold it. These are the highlights:

Jonathan Bailey House

History buffs should not miss the Jonathan Bailey House. This historic site was built in 1868 and is one of the oldest homes in Whittier. It is named after Jonathan Bailey, one of the city’s founding fathers. The house has been restored to its original condition and is open for tours, which gives you the early days of Whittier at close range.

Whittier Historical Society

The Whittier Historical Society is the stop for anyone interested in the city’s history. The society has been preserving Whittier’s past since 1975 and holds a great deal on it. You can visit the headquarters, which sits in the old train depot, and work through the exhibits. The society also runs events through the year, so check the calendar.

Whittier Museum

The Whittier Museum is the other place to learn the city’s history. The exhibits cover the first 100 years of it, from the founding through the growth and development to the people who shaped it. There is also a research library if you want to dig further into Whittier’s past.

History buff or someone simply curious about the city you are visiting, Whittier’s historical sites are worth the time. The Jonathan Bailey House, the Whittier Historical Society and the Whittier Museum between them give you the early days of this charming city.

Outdoor Escapades

Looking for fresh air and outdoor time in Whittier? You are in luck. This city runs plenty of outdoor escapades. These are a few of our favorites:

Whittier Greenway Trail

Strap on the hiking boots or get on a bike and head to the Whittier Greenway Trail. This 4.5-mile trail winds through the heart of Whittier with good scenery the whole way. You pass parks, gardens and a few historic sites. And it is paved, so it is easy going.

For something more adventurous, bring a picnic lunch and stop at one of the many tables along the way. Just pack out your trash, because nobody likes a litterbug.

Rose Hills Memorial Park

Rose Hills Memorial Park is a cemetery, and it is also open ground worth walking. The site holds gardens, fountains and a lake. Take a stroll through the grounds. It is quiet.

History readers will find many notable people buried here. Musicians and politicians among them. Rose Hills is their final resting place.

Picnic Spots

Whittier holds a lot of beautiful parks and gardens, which makes it good ground for a picnic. Pack a basket of favorite snacks and head to Parnell Park, where there are picnic tables and BBQ grills. Or the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, which has a lake and plenty of green space for a blanket.

Wherever you picnic, bring plenty of sunscreen. Nobody wants a sunburned nose.

Art and Culture

Whittier is a hub of art and culture, with galleries, theaters and cinemas across the city. Performance art, sculpture or local artists, all three are covered here.

Whittier Art Gallery

The Whittier Art Gallery is the stop for any art lover. It runs a rotating collection of exhibits from local artists across painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media. The gallery also runs workshops and events, so check the schedule before you go.

Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts

For live theater, head over to the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts. This state-of-the-art venue hosts plays and musicals through to dance and music concerts. The seating is comfortable and the acoustics are good, so whatever is on will hold up.

Starlight Whittier Village Cinemas

For a more traditional night at the movies, the Starlight Whittier Village Cinemas. This theater runs the latest blockbusters alongside special events like midnight screenings and classic movie nights. Comfortable seats and plenty of snacks, which is all anybody wants from a cinema.

High-brow art or good old-fashioned entertainment, Whittier covers both. So work through the city’s cultural side properly, because you never know what turns up.

Shopping Spree

Looking for a shopping spree in Whittier, California? Whittier has a lot to offer here, antique shops through to local markets. These are the places to check out.

Antique Shops

Fans of antiques and collectibles are in luck. Whittier runs a number of antique shops that will handle the craving for vintage. The best antique shops in Whittier include:

• Whittier Antique Mall – This antique mall has a wide variety of vintage items, including furniture, clothing, jewelry, and more. You’re sure to find something unique here.
• Antique Depot – This antique shop is located in a historic train depot and has a great selection of vintage items, including furniture, glassware, and more.
• The Ivy House – This antique shop has a great selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. You’re sure to find something stylish here.

Local Markets

For fresh produce, handmade goods or unusual gifts, Whittier’s local markets are where to go. These are the best local markets in Whittier:

• Whittier Farmers Market – This farmers market has a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade crafts and gifts.
• Uptown Whittier Farmers Market – This farmers market is held every Friday and has a great selection of fresh produce, as well as live music and other entertainment.
• Whittier Mercantile – This market has a great selection of handmade goods, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start shopping in Whittier.

Whittier is a good deal quieter than its address would suggest. It sits inside Los Angeles County with the whole metro pressing in around it. And it still has an Uptown you can walk end to end, an 1868 house standing on its original ground, and hills behind it with real trails in them. That combination is a great deal rarer than it sounds. Most of Southern California traded it away decades ago.

Food and Beverage

Local Snacks

Whittier has some of the best snacks in California. For something sweet, the churros from the local street vendors. They are crispy and sugary and worth the stop on their own. For something savory, a hot dog from the famous The Dog Haus. The hot dogs there make you want to eat straight down the menu.

Fine Dining

On fine dining in Whittier, there are plenty of options. For a classic American steakhouse, head to The Steakhouse 55, which does good cuts of meat and runs a serious wine list. And for something more adventurous, the sushi at Seta. The fish there is the freshest in town and the rolls look like work.

Rosy’s Bistro

Rosy’s Bistro is the spot for a romantic date night or an evening out with friends. The menu is deep, and the margaritas are what people actually come for. Made with premium tequila, they sit exactly between sweet and sour. And the room is cozy enough to stay in.

Festivals and Events

Whittier runs festivals and events through the year. Local or visitor, something is always on. These are the top festivals and events in Whittier not to miss.

Cherry Blossom Festival

If you like Japan’s cherry blossoms, the Cherry Blossom Festival is the event. It runs annually in April at the Whittier Community Center, with traditional Japanese music, dance performances and good food. And the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom for it.

Water Lantern Festival

The Water Lantern Festival takes place at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. It runs in August, with thousands of lanterns floating out on the water. You decorate your own and release it, which turns the whole lake into something quite strange and calm. There are food trucks, live music and other activities alongside.

Fourth of July Celebrations

The Fourth of July is a big deal in Whittier and there are several celebrations to choose from. Head to the Whittier High School Stadium for the fireworks, or the Independence Day Festival at York Field. There are parades and picnics running across the city as well.

Whatever time of year you visit Whittier, something is on. So grab friends and family and go.

Nearby Attractions

For more near Whittier, there are attractions worth the short drive. These are a couple to check out:

Knott’s Berry Farm

Just a short drive from Whittier, Knott’s Berry Farm is the stop for thrill-seekers and families alike. This iconic theme park runs dozens of rides, roller coasters and water rides and classic attractions like the Timber Mountain Log Ride among them.

But Knott’s Berry Farm is not only about the rides. There are dining options across the park, classic American fare through to international cuisine. And fans of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang should not miss Camp Snoopy, a section built for younger visitors.

Los Angeles County

And being in the Whittier area puts you a short drive from one of the most iconic cities in the world, Los Angeles. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Getty Center, or a stroll down Rodeo Drive. The list in LA does not run out.

History buffs should check out the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in nearby Yorba Linda. And to beat the heat, one of LA’s water parks, Raging Waters or Knott’s Soak City.

Whatever the interest, the Whittier area covers it. So plan the trip and go and see what the fuss is about.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quirky and offbeat things to do in Whittier, California?

Looking for something different in Whittier? Try The Haunted Rose. This spooky attraction suits thrill-seekers and horror fans alike. Or, for something braver, ghost hunting in the historic Pio Pico State Historical Park. Who knows what is in the shadows there.

What are the top-rated outdoor activities in Whittier, California?

Whittier holds a number of beautiful parks and hiking trails, the scenic Hellman Park Trail and the peaceful Penn Park among them. For something more adventurous, rock climbing at the Turnbull Canyon Hiking Trail. Or, for something more relaxing, pack a picnic and spend the day at Central Park.

Where can I find the best local cuisine in Whittier, California?

For local food, check out Lascari’s Italian Deli. The sandwiches and the homemade pasta make this family-owned restaurant the one everybody names. For something more upscale, the California Grill & Bar, which runs fresh seafood through to juicy steaks.

What are some must-visit historical sites in Whittier, California?

Whittier holds a number of genuinely interesting historical sites, the Whittier Museum, the Whittier College Campus and the Pio Pico State Historical Park among them. And for something more unusual, the Whittier Narrows Nature Center. This beautiful park holds a number of historical buildings, including the historic San Gabriel Mission.

What are some family-friendly activities in Whittier, California?

Looking for something to do with the kids? Try the Golf N’ Stuff amusement park. This family-friendly attraction runs mini-golf through to go-karting. Or, for something more educational, the Whittier Public Library, which is a good place to let a child loose among the books.

What are some hidden gems in Whittier, California that tourists often overlook?

For something away from the obvious, check out the Whittier Greenway Trail. This trail gives you long views out toward the surrounding mountains and works for a walk or a bike ride. Or, for something genuinely different, the Water Lantern Festival. This annual event is a celebration of life, love and community, and it is not one to miss.

Frequently asked questions about Whittier, California

Which Whittier trail is worth the climb?

Hellman Park, for the switchbacks up out of the neighborhood and the long view back over the whole basin from the top of them all. Turnbull Canyon is the harder option out of the same set of hills, and it takes a good deal longer. The Greenway Trail is the flat one, 4.5 paved miles straight through the middle of town. Do Hellman early, because that slope holds the sun.

How do you fit the Whittier museums into a single day?

Start at the Jonathan Bailey House, which is the oldest thing here and takes under an hour to work through. Then walk into Uptown and find lunch. The Whittier Museum covers the first hundred years of the city and sits close enough by that you will not need to touch the car again. Finish out on the Greenway Trail in the late afternoon.

Is Rose Hills worth walking?

It is a working cemetery and the largest on the continent, so go quietly and dress for that. Gardens, fountains, a lake. The walking across the grounds is easy the whole way and the place is genuinely beautiful in the early morning. Many notable people are buried there, and weekday mornings are the emptiest time to find them.

Spread the love!