Overview
Whittier is a mid-sized city of roughly 85,000 people situated in the eastern Los Angeles County portion of the San Gabriel Valley. It sits about 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, bordered by rolling hills to the north and the cities of La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs, and Pico Rivera to the south and east.
The city has a recognizable identity built on its Quaker heritage — it was founded in 1887 by members of the Religious Society of Friends — and it carries a quieter, more residential character compared to many of its LA County neighbors. That history is visible in its street names, its small-scale Uptown district, and a general civic culture that values community institutions.
Whittier is perhaps best known nationally as the hometown of Richard Nixon, the 37th U.S. president. The Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is located in nearby Yorba Linda, but Whittier College — where Nixon studied — sits within the city itself and remains a small, respected liberal arts institution.
For travelers, Whittier functions most naturally as a low-key stopover or a day-trip destination within a broader Southern California itinerary. It rewards visitors who enjoy walkable historic districts, local parks, and unpretentious neighborhood dining over major theme-park-style attractions.
Before You Go
Whittier is a U.S. city, so no visa is required for American citizens. International travelers should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for current entry requirements relevant to their nationality.
Weather to expect: The city enjoys a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Summers (June–September) are warm to hot, frequently reaching the high 80s to mid-90s°F (around 30–35°C). Winters are mild, with daytime highs typically in the 60s°F (15–20°C) and cool evenings. Rain falls almost exclusively between November and March. Air quality can be an issue on hot, still days given the city's position in the inland basin — check AirNow.gov before outdoor-heavy plans.
What to pack: Light layers year-round are practical. A hat and sunscreen are essential for most of the year. If visiting in winter, a medium-weight jacket suffices for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring Uptown Whittier on foot.
- Driving is the default mode of getting around; a GPS app is advisable.
- Most businesses and restaurants accept major credit cards.
- Tipping customs follow standard U.S. norms (15–20% at sit-down restaurants).
Getting There
By Air
Whittier has no commercial airport. The most practical options are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), roughly 25–30 miles west, and Long Beach Airport (LGB), about 15 miles south. Ontario International Airport (ONT) is approximately 25 miles east and can be convenient depending on your origin. Travel time from any of these airports to Whittier varies significantly with traffic — allow extra time during peak commute hours.
By Car
Whittier is directly accessible via the I-605 (San Gabriel River Freeway) and SR-72 (Whittier Boulevard). From downtown Los Angeles, the I-5 south to SR-605 north is a common route. Car rental is available at all major airports nearby.
By Public Transit
The LA Metro Silver Line (Bus Rapid Transit) and local Foothill Transit and LA Metro Bus routes serve the Whittier area. The nearest Metro Rail station is Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Station on the Green Line, from which local bus connections are available. Public transit is feasible but slow compared to driving; verify current routes and schedules at metro.net before your visit.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or ride-share app (Uber and Lyft both operate in Whittier) is the most practical way to get around. Parking in the Uptown Whittier district is generally available in surface lots and on street, though it can fill up on weekend evenings when the restaurant scene is active.
Whittier College and the Uptown district are walkable from each other, making foot travel reasonable for that central corridor. Pio Pico State Historic Park and Hellman Wilderness Park require a short drive or ride-share from Uptown.
- Biking: The San Gabriel River Trail runs near the western edge of the city and is popular with cyclists, connecting to a broader regional path network. Verify trail access and conditions locally.
- Local buses: LA Metro and Foothill Transit provide local bus service. Check current schedules at metro.net or foothilltransit.org.
Things to See & Do
Uptown Whittier
The historic Uptown district along Greenleaf Avenue is the social and cultural heart of the city. It contains independent boutiques, restaurants, a farmers market (verify current schedule locally), and hosts community events throughout the year. The streetscape retains low-rise historic commercial architecture that distinguishes it from more generic suburban strips.
Pio Pico State Historic Park
This park preserves the former rancho and adobe home of Pío Pico, the last Mexican governor of Alta California. The site is managed by California State Parks and offers a direct connection to the region's pre-statehood history. Confirm current opening hours and any admission fees directly with California State Parks (parks.ca.gov) before visiting, as hours and access can vary.
Whittier College
The small liberal arts college founded by Quakers in 1887 has a pleasant, compact campus worth a brief walk. It maintains a Richard Nixon exhibit acknowledging its most famous alumnus. The campus is generally open to visitors, though access to buildings may be restricted — verify locally.
Hellman Wilderness Park and Turnbull Canyon
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Puente Hills on Whittier's northern edge provide hiking trails with views across the Los Angeles Basin. Hellman Wilderness Park and Turnbull Canyon are the most accessible trailheads. Trails range from moderate to strenuous; bring water and wear sun protection. Check with the Puente Hills Land Conservancy for current trail conditions.
Rose Hills Memorial Park
One of the largest cemeteries in the United States, Rose Hills spans hundreds of acres on the Puente Hills and features extensive Japanese gardens that are visually notable. Confirm garden access and hours locally before visiting.
Food & Drink
Whittier's dining scene is centered on the Uptown district and Whittier Boulevard corridor. It skews toward casual, independently owned restaurants with a strong representation of Mexican and Latin American cuisines reflecting the city's demographics, alongside American comfort food, Asian restaurants, and a small but growing specialty coffee presence.
What to Look For
- Mexican and Tex-Mex: Numerous family-run taquerias and Mexican restaurants are scattered throughout the city. Birria, carnitas, and house-made tamales appear frequently on menus.
- Uptown dining: The Greenleaf Avenue stretch and surrounding blocks offer a mix of sit-down restaurants and casual spots suitable for a leisurely meal. Weekend evenings can be lively.
- Coffee: Several independent cafés operate in and around Uptown, reflecting a broader Southern California specialty coffee culture.
As with most U.S. cities this size, chain restaurants are widely available on major commercial corridors if needed. For the most current, reader-reviewed options, check platforms like Yelp or Google Maps closer to your visit, as the local restaurant scene turns over regularly.
Practical Information
Emergency services: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States.
Non-emergency police: Contact the Whittier Police Department; their non-emergency number can be found on the City of Whittier's official website (cityofwhittier.org).
Medical care: PIH Health Whittier Hospital is the main acute-care hospital serving the area. Verify its current address and services on their official site before travel.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available at the Whittier Public Library. Mobile coverage from major U.S. carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) is generally strong throughout the city.
Useful contacts:
- City of Whittier official site: cityofwhittier.org
- California State Parks: parks.ca.gov
- LA Metro transit: metro.net
Banking and ATMs: National bank branches and ATMs are distributed throughout the city's commercial corridors. Credit cards are accepted at virtually all businesses.
Safety
Whittier is generally considered a safe city by Los Angeles County standards, with a predominantly residential character. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in your vehicle out of sight, and avoid leaving bags unattended.
The Uptown area on weekend evenings is active and well-populated, which contributes to a reasonably secure street environment. As with anywhere in the greater LA area, petty property crime (car break-ins in particular) can occur in parking areas — lock vehicles and do not leave valuables visible.
For trail hiking in Hellman Wilderness Park or Turnbull Canyon, hike with a companion when possible, carry sufficient water (these trails can be hot and exposed), and let someone know your plan. Cell coverage can be spotty in some canyon areas.
