1. King Richard's Antique Vintage Center
King Richard’s is the largest antique and vintage center in California; the building in which the center is housed is historically valuable and served as a citrus warehouse before it was converted into an antique store in 1979. The center spans near 60,000 square feet and has a showroom filled with vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry, glassware, art, and furniture. You’ll also find that the center has a large collection of audio/ video vinyl records, signs, sports paraphernalia, books, magazines, and Americana. The center hosts several events and workshops throughout the year such as a stained glass class, sign designing, and a designated appraisal day.
King Richard's Antique Vintage Center, 12301 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602, Phone: 562-698-5974
2. Pio Pico State Historical Park
Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a California Historical Landmark, Pio Pico State Historical Park is a wonderful place to explore with the entire family. As you wander the grounds, you’ll come across El Ranchito or the Pio Pico Adobe. The mansion was the final home of Pio de Jesus Pico, a rancher, politician, and the last governor of Alta California under Mexican rule. He was a pivotal figure in the state’s early history and originally built his home in 1853. The structure which you see today is a renovated version post floods in 1867 and was again restored in the year 2000.
6003 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606, Phone: 562-695-1217
3. Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary
Voted “America’s Best Cemetery” by the American Cemetery & Cremation Magazine, Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary was established in 1914 and is the largest cemetery in North America. Positive feng shui can be found throughout the expansive grounds which spans over 1,400 acres. The park is home to several mausoleums such as “The Little Mausoleum”, which was the second public mausoleum to be established in the state in 1917, and “The Buddhist Columbarium”, which is the largest Buddhist pagoda in the United States. Other aspects include the stunning Rainbow Chapel which was built in 1942 and is a great example of early California Mission architecture.
3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601
4. Whittier Museum
The Whittier Museum, which is owned and operated by the Whittier Historical Society, aims to collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia which are of historical significance to the greater Whittier area. Some of the permanent exhibits which are on display at the museum include a Victorian cottage which lets you get an idea of what it was like to live in Whittier at the turn of the 20th century, an exhibit dedicated to Richard Nixon and his political life, and an authentic barn and blacksmith’s shop. Younger visitors love spending time at the discovery classroom areas which are filled with hands-on features that allow them to get creative while learning.
6755 Newlin Ave, Whittier, CA 90601, Phone: 562-945-3871
5. Skyrose Chapel
The Skyrose Chapel is an iconic landmark in Whittier; it is easily recognized by its unique architecture and stunning location. You can find the chapel on a majestic hilltop that chapel designer, Fay Jones, made the most of by ensuring visitors get panoramic views of their surroundings from the chapel. The distinctive design evokes reflection and inspiration for all there; the main level is a sanctuary which can hold up to 300 people, the lower level is a mausoleum, and the third level has a wrap-around balcony and houses a custom Quimby Pipe Organ which has 3,937 pipes ranging in length.
3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601, Phone: 562-699-0921
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
6. Whittier Art Gallery
Locals and visitors of Whittier have been able to take in and enjoy the stunning works of prominent artists in the Southland at the Whittier Gallery for over 75 years. The museum, which was established in 1939, is a non-profit endeavor which was built by the Whittier Art Association - an organization that was formed five years prior in 1934. The gallery is an integral part of the community and hosts several events throughout the year including monthly art exhibits, juried shows, Whittier Photographic Society meetings, writer’s groups, artists’ workshops, and much more. Some of artists whose works are currently on display include Lisa Keffer Ruiz, Lynn Azali, and Yukiko Avila.
Whittier Art Gallery, 8035 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90602, Phone: 562-698-8710
7. Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts
The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts can be found within Whittier College and is a part of their Department of Theatre Arts. Having opened in 1990, the center houses two state-of-the-art venues: the 403-seat Robinson Theatre and the more intimate 75-seat Studio Theatre. Since it was established, the theatre has welcomed award-winning artists such as Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz, Oscar-winning composer Henry Mancini, and Grammy Award-winning group Los Lobos. Several programs are held at the center throughout the year, all of which reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of the community. In addition to their fall and spring productions, the center is also home of the J.S. Bach Festival and the Whittier College Writers’ Festival.
6790 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602, Phone: 562-907-4203
Where to Eat:
8. California Grill
California Grill can be found in the heart of Historic Uptown Whittier and has become renowned for serving fresh, delicious food since they established in 1996. The menu focuses on American cuisine, much of which has a California-style twist, as well as having a fair number of Mexican concoctions. Their ‘Appeteasers’ are a must-try and is sure to include something you’ll love, whether it be hot-n-spicy buffalo wings, the spinach and artichoke dip, zucchini parmesan, or California skins filled with bacon and cheddar cheese. Other popular items on their menu are the Southwest BBQ chicken salad and fettuccine alfredo; house specialties include the grilled pork chop, hickory-smoked baby back ribs, and the creamy chicken marsala.
6751 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90601, Phone: 562-907-7017
9. Jack's Whittier Restaurant
Serving up hefty portions of diner food classics, Jack's Whittier Restaurant is a must-visit establishment when looking for a delicious meal. The restaurant is everything you want it to: the portions are huge, the food is great, desserts are mouthwatering, prices are low, and to top it off, breakfast is served all day. The restaurant has been feeding the community of Whittier with their expansive menu since 1933. One of the most popular items on the menu is the Family Platter appetizer which has stuffed potato skins, Buffalo chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, onion rings, and fried zucchini.
13221 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602, Phone: 562-693-8713
Plan Your Trip