Things To Do
in Maywood

Maywood is a compact, diverse city in Los Angeles County just southeast of central Los Angeles. It blends residential neighborhoods with small industrial pockets, creating an approachable urban atmosphere. The community reflects a mix of Mexican, Central American, and Asian influences in its eateries and culture.

Its strong family-centric vibe and easy access to major highways make it a convenient base for exploring the wider Los Angeles area.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Maywood Park
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk in Maywood Park, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of birds chirping. Enjoy the tranquility of nature as you explore the winding trails and open spaces, perfect for a morning jog or a serene meditation session. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the park's diverse flora and fauna.

afternoon
:

After your morning adventure, head to a local café for a delightful lunch featuring fresh, homemade dishes. Spend your afternoon visiting the Maywood Cultural Center to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, where you can explore exhibitions or participate in workshops. Take a stroll through the nearby Farmer's Market, where you can indulge in locally sourced produce and handmade goods.

evening
:

As the sun sets, treat yourself to dinner at one of the charming restaurants in town, where you can savor a blend of traditional and modern American cuisine. Afterward, consider catching a live performance or movie at the local theater, engaging with the community’s vibrant entertainment scene. End your day with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, reflecting on the day's experiences.

day 2
Discover Local History
morning
:

Begin your day at the Maywood Historical Society, where you can learn about the rich history and heritage of the area through engaging exhibits and displays. Consider joining a guided tour to get a more in-depth understanding of the significant events that shaped the community. After the tour, take a moment to appreciate the architecture of some of the historic buildings nearby.

afternoon
:

For lunch, visit a cozy diner that serves classic American fare, enjoying the nostalgic ambiance. After refueling, make your way to the nearby Maywood Library, a charming spot to delve into some local literature and historical archives. Spend some time reflecting in the peaceful garden outside, surrounded by the aromas of blooming flowers.

evening
:

In the evening, join a guided ghost tour or an evening walking tour to uncover the intriguing tales and legends that inhabit Maywood. Gather with friends or fellow tourists at a local pub to share your experiences and enjoy live music while tasting regional brews. Wind down the night with a leisurely stroll, taking in the neighborhood’s nighttime charm.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
🏠One-bedroom apartment (city center)$1,800-2,400
🚆Monthly public transport pass$100-120
Coffee$3-5
🛒Groceries (monthly, single person)$300-450

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Diverse, family-friendly neighborhoods
  • Affordable compared to central LA
  • Limited nightlife within Maywood itself
  • Heavy freeway traffic and commute times

Places to Visit in Maywood

Visit one of these nice places.

Atlantic Blvd Murals

Vibrant street art along Atlantic Boulevard provides bold backdrops for urban portraits and colorful street photography.

Maywood City Hall & Civic Center

Architectural shots and candid city-life imagery around the central civic area.

LA River Corridor near Maywood

Industrial-chic river scenes, bridges, and reflections—great at golden hour for moody photos.

Florence Ave Overlook

Elevated vantage points along key corridors offering cityscape sunsets and wide-angle views.

Culinary Guide

Food in Maywood

The Los Angeles basin influence means Maywood offers a diverse mix of Mexican, Central American, and Asian-inspired flavors. Expect approachable street-food options, hearty tacos, pupusas, and comforting cafe fare, all shaped by a neighborhood economy that prizes value and flavor.

Maywood Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Carne Asada Tacos

Grilled steak tacos with cilantro, onions, and salsa, commonly found at taquerias along Atlantic and nearby streets.

Must-Try!

Birria Quesadilla

Tortilla stuffed with braised meat and melted cheese, often served with consommé for dipping at taquerias and markets.

Pupusas con Curtido

El Salvadoran stuffed corn tortillas served with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw); popular at pupuserias and Latin markets.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Atlantic Blvd street food stretch

A cluster of informal vendors and small eateries offering quick bites, tacos, pupusas, and aguas frescas.

Florence Avenue Latin Market corridor

Market stalls and storefronts selling fresh produce, tortillas, and prepared foods; ideal for grabbing ingredients for a quick picnic.

Climate Guide

Weather

Maywood experiences a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer highs typically reach the 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (27–34°C); winter lows rarely dip below the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). Rain is infrequent but more common from late fall through early spring.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Community respect

Be mindful of diverse backgrounds; greet politely and respect personal space in residential areas.

Noise and shared spaces

Keep noise to a reasonable level in residential zones, and dispose of trash properly.

Street vendors

Support local vendors when possible; ask before photographing people and their work.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of your surroundings in urban corridors, especially after dark. Lock vehicles, secure valuables, and use well-lit routes. If possible, travel with others and rely on reputable transportation options after dark.

Tipping in Maywood

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Standard 15-20% at restaurants and bars; tip in cash or add to the card charge if available.

Payment Methods

U.S. dollars; credit/debit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in many shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming landscaping; ideal for outdoor walks, murals, and street photography.

Summer

Hot and dry; bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Expect heavier traffic and busy corridors near major attractions.

Autumn

Warm days with cooler evenings; comfortable for exploring neighborhoods and markets.

Winter

Generally mild with occasional rain; pack a light jacket and an umbrella for outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Maywood at Night

Maywood itself has a relatively quiet nightlife scene, with most evening options concentrated in nearby East Los Angeles and Long Beach. Expect small, casual bars, family-friendly eateries with late hours, and a number of late-night taquerias. For a more active nightlife, a short drive to surrounding neighborhoods offers clubs, live music venues, and beer gardens.

Hiking in Maywood

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Eaton Canyon Trail (Azusa)

A moderate 3.2-mile round-trip hike through canyon scenery with a creek and small waterfalls.

Rio Hondo Trail (Whittier)

A long, flat multi-use trail along the Rio Hondo between Whittier and Montebello; great for easy walks and biking.

Griffith Park Trails (Los Angeles)

Several trails with varying difficulty and views of the city; a classic LA outdoor option within reach.

Airports

How to reach Maywood by plane.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Primary international airport serving the area, a short drive west of Maywood.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Smaller regional airport offering domestic flights, southeast of Maywood.

Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR)

Public airport serving general aviation and some commercial services, near the South Bay.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkable along main corridors with a variety of shops and eateries; most residents rely on cars for longer trips. Pedestrian infrastructure exists but can be uneven in some blocks; plan routes with crosswalks and traffic signals in mind.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hispanic/Latino

Predominant demographic in Maywood with a strong presence in local businesses and culture.

White

Smaller but diverse representation, including families and service workers.

Asian

Residents from various Asian backgrounds contribute to the neighborhood's cultural mix.

African American

Community members who contribute to local life and commerce.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Common in local parks and recreation centers; pickup games are frequent.

Soccer

Youth and adult leagues populate local fields and schools.

Baseball/Softball

Community leagues and school programs operate during spring and summer.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during peak hours on major corridors like Atlantic Blvd, Florence Ave, and nearby freeways (I-105, I-710). Public transit is available but car travel is common; expect delays during rush hours and after events in LA.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Maywood.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in the local scene with bean-based dishes, veggie tacos, enchiladas, and salads; ask to avoid lard and clarified butter and request cheese-free options if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Access to healthcare is abundant in the greater LA area, with multiple clinics and major hospitals within a short drive. Options include LA County facilities and private hospitals; emergency care is available at nearby hospitals such as LAC+USC Medical Center and other regional facilities.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide