17 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEAR LOS ANGELES AFB

Introduction

Welcome to Los Angeles Air Force Base (SFB), located in beautiful Southern California! This installation is nestled amongst the “Beach Cities” of Los Angeles. Here, you will find plenty of fun and sun! Whether you have just received your Permanent Change of Station Travel Orders (PCS) or are in the process of moving, we have you covered for finding the best things to do in Southern California near Los Angeles AFB. Suggested read: Los Angeles AFB (SFB): In-Depth Welcome Center

COVID-19 Notice

Always check with venues and businesses before arrival for any changes or closures. Each county is different and may require additional precautions.

Best Things To Do in Southern California Near Base

Los Angeles AFB Outdoor Recreation

1. Los Angeles Air Force Base MWR

Bldg. 270 El Segundo, CA 90245

Phone

: 1 (310) 653-8255 Living in California, you will definitely want to take advantage of the wonderful weather by being outside as much as possible. Let the Los Angeles Air Force Base MWR help with that! Rent equipment, take a guided tour, or even purchase your discounted military tickets to local hot spots. Los Angeles Air Force Base MWR specializes in outdoor adventure.

Sylmar, CA

2. Angeles Shooting Ranges

12651 Little Tujunga Canyon Rd. Sylmar, CA 91342

Phone

: 1 (818) 899-2255 Located about 45 minutes north of the base, Angeles Shooting Ranges is a very large outdoor shooting range with various terrains. At Angeles Shooting Ranges, you can shoot 600-yard targets and take classes to sharpen your shooting and bowhunting skills.

Torrance, CA

3. RAT Beach

387 Paseo de la Playa Torrance, CA 90501

Phone

: 1 (424) 526-7777 RAT Beach is a popular spot for swimmers, surfers, and divers alike. Despite the unique nickname, RAT Beach stands for “Right After Torrance” due to its location between the Torrance and Redondo beaches.

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4. LA AFB ITT

Bldg. 270 El Segundo, CA 90245

Phone

: 1 (310) 653-1304 The LA AFB ITT (Information, Tickets & Travel) is your go-to place for all your theme park, travel, and ticketing needs. They have special military pricing on everything from Disneyland tickets to vacation packages. Stop by the LA AFB ITT to make the most of your leisure time.

5. The Strand

400-4500 The Strand Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Phone

: 1 (424) 526-7890 The Strand is a popular 2-mile stretch of beach with restaurants, shops, and local watering holes located in the ever-popular Manhattan Beach.

Golf Courses Near Los Angeles AFB

Tujunga, CA

6. Angeles National Golf Club

9401 Foothill Blvd. Sunland-Tujunga, CA 91040

Phone

: 1 (818) 951-8771 Angeles National Golf Club offers an outstanding golf experience open to the public. With the temperate weather of Southern California, you can golf year-round. Book your tee time online or call the number above and enjoy golfing at the Angeles National Golf Club today.

Los Angeles, CA

7. Westchester Golf Course

6900 W. Manchester Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90045

Phone

: 1 (310) 649-9173 The Westchester Golf Course is a casual course designed for the everyday golfer, first-timers, or those just waiting to kill time between flights. The well-lit course offers nighttime play, which makes for a fun night out. Hit a few drivers at the new driving range, or get some instruction from a golf pro. Whatever your golfing needs, the Westchester Golf Course delivers great golf, every time.

Los Angeles AFB Gym

8. LA AFB Gym

Bldg. 286 El Segundo, CA 90245

Phone

: 1 (310) 653-6771 The LA AFB Gym is the only gym located on the base. This gym boasts plenty of equipment for weight training and cardio. Stop by to get a list of their fitness classes or to reserve a racquetball court. LA AFB Gym has everything you need to train.

Nearby Attractions

Hacienda Heights, CA

9. Hsi Lai Temple

3456 Glenmark Dr. Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

Phone

: 1 (626) 961-9697 Hsi Lai Temple is a Buddhist temple that invites visitors from all over to experience traditional Chinese culture and learn about Buddhism. Hsi Lai Temple gives visitors the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into a sacred space. Please visit the website for more information.

Los Angeles, CA

10. Griffith Observatory

2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027

Phone

: 1 (213) 473-0800 Griffith Observatory is a truly unique experience! With clear skies year-round, visitors will have amazing views of all the quintessential Los Angeles landmarks, including the famous Hollywood sign. Explore exhibits, the planetarium, and even outer space.

San Fernando Valley, CA

11. Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608

Phone

: 1 (800) 864-8377 Universal Studios Hollywood is not just a theme park; it’s an actual film studio and lot. Many famous movies have been filmed here. Located in the San Fernando Valley, you will get to explore the backlot of the studio, take a guided tour, and step into an actual film set. Check with ITT for discounted tickets.

Anaheim, CA

12. Disneyland Theme Parks

1313 Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA 92802

Phone

: 1 (714) 781-4636 Disneyland is truly a magical place! Located only 30 miles from base, you can experience that magic as often as you like. Disney honors the men and women who serve by offering special military pricing and memberships for active-duty military members. Join Mickey Mouse and friends today!

Buena Park, CA

13. Knott’s Berry Farm

8039 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90620

Phone

: 1 (714) 220-5200 Knott’s Berry Farm is a theme park with roller coasters, shops, carnival games, shows, and so much more! Parents love this park because there is plenty to do for the whole family. This famous park started as a tiny berry farm and has grown into a world-renowned destination for families.

Museums Near Los Angeles AFB

Los Angeles, CA

14. LA County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone

: 1 (323) 857-6000 The LA County Museum of Art is an iconic staple in Los Angeles. The museum has a very recognizable building that has been featured in many movies and TV shows. The LA County Museum of Art features art exhibitions and installations from artists all over the world.

15. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

5801 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone

: 1 (213) 763-3499 At the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, you will be transported back into prehistoric times when giant sloths roamed the earth. The Museum has a research center dedicated to studying the animals that lived around and died in the tar pits. The La Brea Tar Pits is a National Natural Landmark and is unlike anything else in the world.

16. The Getty Center

1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049

Phone

: 1 (310) 440-7300 The Getty Center is breathtaking. The expansive campus will have you struck by its beauty and architecture. The Getty is tucked in the hills overlooking Los Angeles. Here, you will experience world-famous pieces of art, statues, sculptures, drawings, manuscripts, and so much more!

San Marino, CA

17. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Phone

: 1 (626) 405-2100 The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens are absolutely stunning! This venue has over 130 acres to explore. The Botanical Gardens makes for a unique backdrop for weddings and events. Check their website for each facility's hours of operation.

Conclusion

In addition to being a great place to work, Los Angeles AFB and the surrounding beach cities offer unmatched beauty and entertainment. The truly unique experience of being stationed in Southern California gives you the ability to be at the beach, the desert, and the mountains all on the same day! Check out Visit California for more great ideas on things to do in Southern California near base.