Referred to affectionately as the “Azalea City”, South Gate is a bustling suburb south-east of Downtown Los Angeles. It was originally home to the Gabrielino people before Spanish settlers arrived and established Rancho San Antonio. In the 19th century, the area became an important cattle ranching and agricultural hub known as South Gate Gardens.
Things to do in South Gate
A variety of recreational facilities can be found in South Gate Park, including sporting courts, a children’s playground and a skate park. You can play a round on the tennis courts or do laps at the Patricia G. Mitchell Swim Stadium, which is named after a beloved local swim coach. Adjacent is the 9-hole course, driving range and putting green of the South Gate Golf Course.
Delve into the local history at the South Gate Museum and Art Gallery, which houses artefacts and exhibits about the area’s cultural heritage. Works by contemporary local artists are also on display, alongside an exhibition dedicated to aeronautics. The museum is located adjacent to the South Gate City Hall and the Mexican-inspired restaurant of La Barca.
For a retail fix, head to the Azalea Regional Shopping Center, where you’ll find fashion stores, sporting goods and a Walmart Supercenter. There are plenty of eateries within the shopping centre where you can grab a bite to eat, including TGI Fridays, Blaze Pizza and Chipotle Mexican Grill. Just across the Los Angeles River is the El Paseo South Gate Shopping Center with its multi-screen cinema complex.
Getting around South Gate
South Gate is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to South Gate, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.