Founded in 1958 with the merging of two communities (Pio Pico and Rivera), Pico Rivera is a bustling city south-east of Los Angeles County. It lies on a fertile alluvial plain developed in the wake of World War II to support the ever-growing demands of Los Angeles.
Things to do in Pico Rivera
In the heart of the city is Pico Rivera Towne Center, a lively shopping destination home to Bath & Body Works, Old Navy and Walgreens. You can grab a bite to eat at Subway and Hong Kong Express or settle in for a meal at the L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Also within the complex are a Lowe’s Home Improvement Store and a Walmart.
Delve into the past at the Pico Rivera Historical Museum, which occupies an 1880s-built train depot of the Santa Fe Railway. It houses a fascinating collection of artefacts and old photographs detailing the early settlement of the area. Learn about the cultivation of oranges, walnuts and avocados in times gone by and the family-friendly rides of historic Streamland Park.
South of the city centre is Rivera Park, a popular recreational destination with sporting fields, a children’s playground and an indoor gym. Keen golfers can enjoy a round at the Pico Rivera Municipal Golf Course, which boasts nine holes, two putting greens and an illuminated driving range. On the banks of the Rio Honda Channel is the site of a Mexican–American War battlefield.
Getting around Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Los Angeles and 40 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Pico Rivera, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.