Sandwiched Between LA And Long Beach Is A Vibrant Destination With Mexican Flair, Shops, And Tasty Restaurants

The greater Los Angeles area sprawls across five counties, with each city and community boasting its own vibe and style. Along the Los Angeles River, just 13 miles north of Long Beach and about the same distance from downtown LA, lies the less visited Lynwood. Before the 1900s, what is now Lynwood was a large ranch owned by Don Antonio Lugo, who was mayor of Los Angeles from 1816 to 1819. Fast forward to 1902, and the land was farmed as the Lynwood Dairy and Creamery, which is where the city got its name. Now it's a largely Hispanic city, with a large Mexican population. The centerpiece of Mexican culture in the city is Plaza México, a combination of shopping, dining, and cultural center with a community vibe.

In 2000, architect David Hidalgo was tasked with designing Plaza México around what was a former Montgomery Ward department store. Hidalgo, whose family has roots in Mexico, visited the country for inspiration to help create an authentic cultural destination. He told The New York Times that as he traveled through Mexico for this project, he was trying to answer the question, "What is the essence of this culture?" The result of his work has the feel of a historic Mexican plaza with fountains, flags, and terracotta tiling. You'll find direct references to Mexican attractions, like the replica of Mexico City's Angel of Independence monument, as well as a large Aztec sun stone. 

When it comes to shopping at Plaza México, you can find a little bit of everything. While there are a few larger chain stores, the majority of the shops are smaller storefronts. You can find vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables and all kinds of Mexican snacks. A number of family businesses and specialty shops sell handicrafts, artisan goods, and clothing, like the handmade leather bags and wares from Alma y Corazon de Mexico. There's also jewelry, makeup, Western wear, and more. Along with shopping, you can get your nails done or hair cut, as well as go to the gym or get your phone fixed. It can really be a one-stop shop.

In terms of practicality, Plaza México is a place to shop and eat. However, it's more than that. One person on Google Maps calls it "a living, breathing celebration of tradition, family, and community. You hear music drifting through the air, smell food that stops you mid-step, and see generations moving together like this place has always belonged to them."

A part of what makes the place special is the number of community events throughout the year. On Saturday afternoons for Sábados de Sabor, there's live music at Plaza México, and every month, there's a Kid's Craft day. There are also big parties to celebrate important Mexican cultural events like Dia de Los Muertos and the Virgen de Guadalupe Celebration, as well as a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Many of the events are free, but you can register online ahead of time.

Plaza México has more than two dozen restaurants and food vendors, and most of them feature authentic Mexican flavors, like El Gallo Giro. The local chain restaurant has an outlet at Plaza México, serving a variety of tacos, burritos, tortas, and agua frescas at a good price. People love it for the fresh food and friendly service. One Google reviewer says, "Their variety, freshness, and quality of their drink options, pan dulce, and savory items guarantee satisfaction. The workers here have always been professional and kind."

Another good dining destination is Real De Oaxaca. Southern Mexico's Oaxaca is a fantastic place to visit, especially for foodies, and it's the hometown of restaurant owner Gregorio Santiago. Santiago wanted to bring some of his family's food to the Los Angeles area, and so he opened this restaurant. From mole and tlayudas to mezcal, the menu features lots of Oaxacan favorites. You can even try chapulines, aka grasshoppers. You'll be glad you did: "If you want the full experience, don't leave without trying the chapulines. It was my first time having them, and they were absolutely amazing," one person comments on Google. 

For another great Mexican destination in the Los Angeles area, visit Olvera Street. It's the oldest street in downtown, with a vibrant marketplace and dining. It's about a 30- to 40-minute drive from Plaza México, depending on traffic.