California's 'Friendly City' Is A Cultural Hotspot With Global Cuisine, Open-Air Dining, And Shaded Parks

Back when Hollywood was just a gleam in anyone's eye, the far-flung coastal plains on the edge of what is now Los Angeles were granted to dairy farmers from Portugal and the Netherlands by the Spanish government. Fertile soil was nourished by the nearby San Gabriel River, and the area blossomed into an agricultural paradise, blanketed with Bellefleur apple orchards, potato fields, and dairy farms, sometimes called "Cream City" or the "Milk Pail of Southern California." By the turn of the 19th century, a small town of about 100 residents had emerged, and the community named it Bellflower, inspired by the abundant Bellefleur apples, and the arrival of the railroad ensured the town's continued expansion. Today, Bellflower is known as "The Friendly City" and has grown exponentially: Covering only 6 square miles, it's one of the most densely populated cities in the state, with nearly 80,000 residents.

Just about 25 miles southeast of Hollywood, and about 12 miles east of Gardena, one of California's affordable hidden gems, Bellflower challenges the stereotypical Hollywood portrayal of Los Angeles. While the origins of its "Friendly City" moniker aren't clear, Bellflower's a diverse, working-class, bedroom community, where most residents commute an average of 30 minutes to jobs in various industries. Once considered the far-flung outskirts of a growing metropolis, in recent years, the city has been undergoing a quiet revitalization, transforming tired urban spaces into vibrant community areas, green parks, eateries, and more.

In true L.A. fashion, from Hollywood you'll need to take a number of freeways to Bellflower: the 101, to the 5, to the 710, to the 91. The closest airport is LAX, about 23 miles. Bellflower is also set to be added to L.A.'s light-rail (LTR) extension project, connecting downtown Los Angeles to southeastern cities along the Southeast Gateway Metro Line.

In the 1950s, Bellflower began shifting away from its agricultural roots, building massive shopping centers and malls and, interestingly, numerous churches. The construction of the Artesia Freeway (C.A. State Route 91, aka the Riverside Highway) effectively split the small city in half — diminishing walkability and prompting many businesses to vacate downtown, For years, empty buildings became hotspots for vandalism and crime. But since the early 2000s, Bellflower has invested in revitalization. New parks, plazas, pedestrian walkways, and updated infrastructure have helped make areas safer for foot traffic.

Steelcraft Bellflower is one of the most exciting additions to the city in recent years. Essentially an open-air food court, it's a collection of restaurants and food stalls built in metal shipping containers. The space features communal tables, a stage for live music, large-screen TVs, a children's play area, yard games, and even a small arcade. Steelcraft has become a community hub, hosting events from trivia to bingo. From boba and burgers to barbecue and beer, there's something for everyone. There's even free parking in the back (a true perk around Los Angeles).

California arguably does Mexican food better than anywhere else in the U.S., and Bellflower is no exception. One local standout is Taco Nazo, one of the city's highest-rated taquerias. Originally launched as a taco truck in 1978, it's been serving Baja-inspired dishes like fish and potato tacos and ceviche for almost 50 years. Or, if you're after chef-driven comfort food, look no further than The Nest, a Bellflower favorite that's seen a few iterations. Serving hand-crafted cocktails, chilaquiles, fried biscuits and gravy, and a "pancake waffle," the restaurant also hosts occasional special prix fixe evening menus, highlighting bold flavors and "diverse ingredients."

Bellflower has 13 parks and recreation centers spanning nearly 100 acres, and it's just 9 miles west of Buena Vista, home to one of California's most underrated amusement parks, Knotts' Berry Farm, making the area ideal for outdoor, family-friendly fun. One of Bellflower's major green spaces is Ruth R. Caruthers Park, which features classic amenities like playgrounds, splash pads, pickleball courts, lighted baseball fields, and access to a nearby bike trail, but also has a skate park known for its beginner-friendly, concrete bowl. One of the most memorable parks is Pirate Park, a 4,000-square-foot, fully enclosed, pirate-themed playground complete with a ship, skull cave, treasure chest, and fort — perfect for imaginative play. Plus, it's conveniently located near Steelcraft Bellflower.

Simms Park and T. Mayne Thompson Park round out the Bellflower parks and feature sports fields, gymnasiums, indoor pools, and shaded picnic areas, making them great for larger gatherings. For those looking to explore on foot or by bicycle, the San Gabriel River Trail and its intersecting, multi-use paths including the Santa Ana River Trail, offer paved, scenic, and striking, industrial routes connecting Bellflower all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

In the meantime, history buffs can visit the Bellflower Depot Museum (open by appointment only), which marks the site of the original railroad station, or the L.A. County Fire Museum, featuring exhibits of vintage fire-fighting equipment like hand and horse-drawn vehicles, classic firetrucks, and other artifacts. Admission is just $5 at the time of this writing.