Whittier City - Whittier, CA

Incorporated in 1898, Whittier City was named after Quaker John Greenleaf Whittier. A famous poet, writer and newspaper editor, Whittier is most remembered for his poem "Snow-Bound."

The Whittier Historical Society & Museum on Newlin Ave. offers docent-led tours that are free to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Whittier Art Gallery on Painter Ave. features art exhibits, holds photographer and artist group meetings and is home to the Whittier Art Association.

The Whittier Community Theatre, founded in 1922, features a 396-seat arena and a four-show season. Recent productions included The Pajama Game, The Lion in Winter and Johnny Guitar. Top festivals and events in Whittier include The Whittier Spring Antique & Vintage Street Faire and the Whittier Narrows Regional Park Carnival.

Visitors can find plenty of food establishments in Whittier City. The Crepes & Grapes Cafe sits in uptown Whittier and provides patrons with a wide selection of crepes. A popular dish at this location includes grilled salmon served alongside a crepe filled with mushrooms, asparagus, red onions and garlic. Some of the other crepe dishes include sausage, shrimp and chicken.

The menus at the California Grill in Whittier City contain a wide selection of scintillating menu items. Whether you share one of its down-home appetizers or sample one of its many specialties for the first time, the California Grill offers a wide selection of dishes for every taste, including steak and sauteed mushrooms, fish and chips, or hickory-smoked baby back ribs.

For some of the best pizza in town, visit Tony's Pizza. A family-run establishment with a 52-year history, the pizzeria uses secret family recipes to make authentic Italian dishes, including traditional pizzas and wholesome pastas, along with calzones, pizza rolls and more.

When it comes to nightlife, Whittier City offers many fun-filled options. The Spin Lounge on Greenleaf Avenue makes an excellent place to kick back after a long day or week at work. With daily happy hour specials, a delicious menu and DJs spinning great tunes each night, this happening local hangout is ideal for letting your hair down or just spending time with friends. If dive bars are your thing, then head on over to Embers Lounge. Featuring your usual bar fare, the location also has a jukebox, pool tables and a large selection of mixed drinks.

As in many areas in the greater Los Angeles area, Whittier City gives visitors and residents alike numerous transportation options when trying to get around the neighborhood, including ample sidewalks and bike lanes. The area also has its own public transportation system that utilizes buses from the LA Metro Transport Authority. For bike riders, most buses also allow you to attach your bike to the front and ride to your destination or close to it.

In addition to the buses, you can also call for a taxi or use the Uber ride-share service by accessing it with your mobile device.

For those who drive, Whittier City operates 10 city-owned parking lots. You can also use the uptown parking lot for easy access to the business area of Uptown Whittier. While you have to pay a fee to park, you can purchase monthly and annual parking permits.

Several picturesque parks and trails sit within Whittier City, including William Penn Park, the Arroyo Pescadero Trail on Colima Rd. and Pio Pico Historical State Park. William Penn Park features lush greenery, a waterfall, picnic spots and a kids’ play area, while the Pio Pico Historical State Park on Pioneer Blvd. offers organized games, crafts and public tours. Arroyo Pescadero Trail includes a 2-mile loop trail for hikers, runners and walkers. Leashed dogs can also use the trail. These parks are free to the public.

For those who love to work out, Adventure Park on S. Gunn Ave. includes a gymnasium, fitness zone, computer room, walking path and sports fields. Open from sunrise to sunset, park admission is free.

Whittier City also hosts the annual Dia de Los Muertos Art & Music Festival in uptown Whittier. The fun-filled event includes artist vendor booths, a children’s art zone, live music and entertainment and a car show.

The cost of living in Whittier City sits a little higher than the rest of California. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment here runs about $1,122 per month. Riding the bus from Whittier to Downtown L.A. costs $1.50 without any transfers. Whittier residents qualify for a discounted rate.

The price of a beer costs approximately $3, depending on where you buy it. This makes visits to local entertainment spots less costly overall. Meanwhile, the price of gas in Whittier City is approximately the same as the national average.

Whittier City houses an array of shopping malls and centers, like the Whittwood Town Center and The Quad at Whittier, which sell clothing and food, in addition to providing entertainment. Shoppers can visit several high-end boutiques for clothing and fashion accessories, such as Margarita's Fashions and Laura's Boutique.

Grocery stores in the area include Stater Bros., Vons, and Superior Grocers. For those seeking specialty groceries, check out Sprouts Farmers Market, Broguiere's Farm Fresh Dairy, and Herbies Natural Foods.

For the freshest produce and other handmade items, visit the local Friday Certified Farmers Market, available each Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.