Forming part of the “Gateway Cities” region of Los Angeles, Lynwood lies along the Los Angeles River, directly south of the city centre. It was named after the wife of a local dairy owner, Lynn Wood Sessions, and is home to a shopping complex inspired by Mexican architecture and design.
Things to do in Lynwood
In the heart of the city is Lynwood Park, a popular recreational destination that features tennis courts, a baseball diamond and a soccer field. Kids can let loose in one of the children’s playgrounds while fitness enthusiasts can walk or jog along the perimeter trail. At the eastern end of the park are Lynwood Skate Park and the Lynwood Library.
A short walk from Lynwood Park is Plaza Mexico, an open-air shopping complex designed like a traditional Mexican town. In addition to its retail stores and eateries, it serves as a cultural hub for the local Latino community. See a replica of Mexico City’s Angel of Independence and pay your respects at the altar for the Virgen of Guadalupe. Plaza Mexico also hosts cultural celebrations for El Grito de la Independencia and Cinco de Mayo.
In neighbouring Compton is Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, which delves into the history of aviation through interactive and hands-on exhibits. Get up close to a UH-1 Huey helicopter and a T-33 Talon supersonic jet before stepping into the cockpit of one of the Top Gun Flight Simulators. The museum also hosts a range of youth educational programs designed to inspire a career in aviation.
Getting around Lynwood
Lynwood is around 35 minutes' drive from the centre of Los Angeles and 30 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses travel from neighbouring cities to Lynwood and connect most of its attractions.