If you are looking for places to go in South Whittier, California, you have come to the right place. This unincorporated community is part of Los Angeles County, California, and is just south of the city of Whittier. The South Whittier census-designated place (CDP) had a population of 56,415 at the 2010 and 2020 censuses.
Surprise Cove State Park
If you’re looking for an outdoor experience in Whittier, California, Surprise Cove State Park is a great place to visit. This popular state park is located near the mouth of Cochrane Bay. It offers many different recreational opportunities, including backcountry camping, hiking, and tide pools. There are seven different camping sites, and the park also has a bathroom and bear-proof lockers for your belongings. It also has a boat launch, which is a great place to try your hand at kayaking or fishing.
The distance from Whittier is 69 miles. The drive is well worth it, but you will want to plan your trip well. If you’re driving from Whittier, plan on spending about an hour and a half here. The views are spectacular and the area is ideal for a day trip.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous day trip, you can book a custom tour to visit some of the more remote locations. You can also take a water taxi into the area to see the wildlife. Jet skiing is a great sport in Whittier, and guided jet ski tours are available. While these tours are pricey, they include all the equipment you need for a great time.
The town of Whittier is located on the Seward Highway, near Anchorage. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel connects the town to Portage, a town in Southcentral Alaska. From there, you can catch the Alaska Railroad, which provides daily train service from Anchorage from May to September. You can also catch cruise ships that travel the Gulf of Alaska, many of which disembark at Whittier. Also, regular ferry service between Whittier and other coastal communities is available.
When you visit South Whittier, you can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the area and go fishing. The bay is home to a variety of fish, including halibut, silver salmon, and chum. You can even find pacific cod here. You can also find bear-proof food lockers at Surprise Cove State Park.
There are also several hiking trails in the area. The eastern side of the cove has a picnic area with a fire ring. There is also a campground in the woods with easy access to the beach. You’ll need to pack snacks and water to stay hydrated. Another great outdoor activity is jet skiing. A company called Glacier Jetski Adventures even offers trips through the glacier, which is a great way to see the area in a new way.
Horsetail Falls Trail
There are three trails in Whittier, California that offer great views of the city. The Horsetail Falls Trail is one of them. Beginning at the end of Reservoir Road behind the Buckner Building, the trail leads up a mountainside on a series of boardwalks. The trails wind through patches of muskeg and forest, before ending on a wooden platform high above the town. The trail is nearly a mile long and offers a breathtaking view.
Those who are looking for a short hike are encouraged to hike the Horsetail Falls Trail. This route is moderate and designed for hikers with some experience of mountain climbing. The hike includes a series of steep switchbacks and is suitable for intermediate hikers. Once at the top, the waterfall is near the roadside, so it’s easy to spot from the road.
Another option for hiking is the City of Whittier Campground, which is a peaceful spot where you can stay overnight. The trail itself is relatively low-elevation, and offers a wonderful view of the town and the Prince William Sound. It’s a moderately difficult hike, with boardwalks across streams and a few muddy sections, but it’s easy to follow. The trail is relatively easy until the end, where the trail steepens a bit.
Those seeking more excitement can take advantage of the park’s boating and jet-skiing facilities. Jet skis are available at the marina in Whittier, and guided jet ski tours can take you to some of the more remote areas. While the guided jet-ski tours are a bit expensive, they come with all the necessary gear for you to safely navigate the waters.
Whether you want to hike through lush forest, or go on a glacier cruise, Whittier has something to offer everyone. The city’s beaches and mountainous interior make it a desirable destination for outdoor activities. The Horsetail Falls Trail is a popular destination for those looking to take a hike and enjoy the natural scenery. The views are breathtaking. If you love hiking, try to make this a part of your Whittier vacation.
The trail’s waterfalls and varied flora and fauna are sure to enchant nature lovers. Nearby, you can picnic at Lu Young Public Beach, which features picnic areas and barbecue grills. The trail also has a number of walking paths with scenic views of the mountains.
Jonathan Bailey House
If you want to experience a little bit of history while in Whittier, you might want to consider visiting the Jonathan Bailey House. This historic site was built by Jacob Gerkens between 1868 and 1869. It was inhabited by Quaker Jonathan Bailey and his wife Rebecca, and it is one of the oldest buildings in Whittier.
The Jonathan Bailey House was once the center of Whittier’s early business and social life, and it was deeded to Whittier in 1975. Today, it is maintained by the Whittier Historical Society and the Whittier Park Department. The house’s museum contains a number of objects from the Bailey family’s history.
While visiting the Jonathan Bailey House, you may want to check out the nearby Pio Pico State Historic Park. The former home of Governor Pio Pico is now a museum and state park. The Jonathan Bailey House, which was built by a German immigrant, is also a California Historical Landmark. It also featured in the sci-fi classic, “Back to the Future.”
The Whittier Museum features many important figures of Whittier’s past. While the museum offers a nostalgic trip through the past, it also has a strong educational component. Visitors to the Whittier Museum should also visit the SkyRose Chapel on Workman Mill Road. Its ceiling beams look spectacular in the morning, and it was designed by E. Fay Jones.
Sorensen Park has eleven acres of green space where visitors can view wildlife. You can also watch a movie at the Starlight Whittier Village Cinema. A film can be viewed in the theater’s outdoor theater. The movie theater is also one of the main attractions in Whittier Village.
There are many other places to go in South Whittier. Aside from the Jonathan Bailey House, there are many places for families to spend time together. Whether you love the beach, hiking trails, or just relaxing in the shade, you will find plenty to do in the community.
If you’re looking for a little history, you can also visit Whittier Packing House, located at 12327 Whittier Boulevard. It was built in 1902 and was later enlarged in 1904. The Whittier Citrus Association provided much of Whittier’s economic base for decades. The building is now an antique mall, and it’s listed on the Local Official Register of Historic Resources.
