In a few short weeks, the neighborhood of Wilmington will open its doors and streets to the region. In anticipation of our April 28 event, CicLAvia—Wilmington featuring LA2050, we spoke with local residents and community leaders to get their perspectives on the things that make their community so great.
Here are a few historic, cultural, and culinary treasures you don’t want to miss; during CicLAvia or any day of the week.
Historic Sites
The Banning Museum
401 E. M St, Wilmington, CA 90744
The Banning Residence was built in 1864 by Phineas Banning, a shipping magnate who founded the City of Wilmington and was known as "the Father of the Port of Los Angeles." Today, the beautifully-restored, 23-room Greek Revival residence acts as a living museum, showcasing the lives and legacy of the Banning family as well as their lasting impact on the region. The Banning Museum is located in Banning Park, a Hub location at our April 28 event.
Guided tours of The Banning Museum are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30pm, and on Saturday and Sunday at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm. Guided tours will be available during CicLAvia.
Drum Barracks–Civil War Museum
1052 N Banning Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744
During the Civil War, the Drum Barracks used roughly 97 acres of land, in what is now Wilmington, as the Union Army headquarters and training base for military operations in the Southwest. The museum is located at the last remaining wooden building of the Drum Barracks, named for General Richard Coulter Drum, head of the Department of the Pacific.
Public tours are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10:00 and 11:30am, and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 1:00pm.
Don Hotel
906 N Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744
With a grand opening in 1929, the Don Hotel was celebrated as the premier hotel in the Harbor Area. Its roughly three-story-tall sign was as much a stand-out feature in the area’s cityscape as it is today. Now serving as a senior living center, it’s still referred to by locals as “The Don”.
Mexican Fan Palm Trees
Avalon Blvd between M and C St, Wilmington, CA 90744
The Mexican Fan Palm Trees that line Avalon Blvd, installed in advance of the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games, started what has become an iconic symbol of the region. Because of this beautification project, today palm trees add charm to boulevards and avenues across LA.
Eateries
Hojas Tea House
1203 N Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744
Start your morning off right by stopping by this local favorite specializing in loose leaf tea, tea lattes, and handcrafted tea blends.
Santa Luna Restaurant
422 N Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744
This artfully-adorned, colorful Mexican restaurant offers daily specials and vegetarian options. They’re not open Sundays, but if you find yourself in Wilmington, it’s one of those places everyone recommends trying.
Isaac's Cafe
1201 N Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744
This neighborhood staple offers up counter-serve burritos and other casual Mexican dishes with a no-frills-diner appeal. Though closed on Sundays, stop in for quality Mexican comfort food if you're in the Harbor Area.
Maya Mexican Restaurant
401 N Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744
For more than forty years this family restaurant has served authentic Mexican dishes that are as remarkable as the Mayan-inspired murals gracing its exterior.
Public Spaces
Banning Park
401 E M St, Wilmington, CA 90744
Home to The Banning Museum, residents of Wilmington cherish Banning Park for its history and large, 20-acre green space often used for recreation.
Waterfront Park
Between Harry Bridges Blvd and C St, Wilmington, CA 90744
Completed earlier this decade, this expansive park acts as a green space buffer between the Port of Los Angeles and the neighborhood of Wilmington. The park consists of about 30 acres of fields and walkways. It’s a great place for biking, walking, running, and other forms of recreation. It’s also located beside one of the Hubs along our Wilmington route.
Check out our digital map for more things-to-do, and join us April 28 for CicLAvia—Wilminginton!
