Carson, CA

Once part of Rancho San Pedro, the Carson community emerged when Jose Dominguez received a Spanish land grant in the early 1800s. The town was later named after George Henry Carson, a member of the Dominguez family, and it was incorporated as a city in 1968. Due to its central location and vast expanse of open land, the city adopted the slogan "Future Unlimited" in honor of its emerging industrial sector.

If you want to experience Carson's cultural scene, take a walk through the International Printing Museum, pick up craft supplies at one of the local art stores or explore the University Art Gallery. Don't miss annual events like Carson's New Year's celebration and the Skater's Paradise event that draws pro and amateur skaters from all over L.A.

Explore any major street in Carson to discover its laid-back restaurant scene ideal for a casual dinner or lunch. You find a diverse dining experience with everything from SoCal Mexican eateries and Colombian cuisine to soul food and Hawaiian BBQ. Carson is the perfect place to get some cheap food, but these local joints serve up high-quality eats that might even make the fine restaurants at Palos Verdes a little jealous. The city doesn't have much for nightlife, but plenty of late-night dance clubs and bars await in nearby Redondo Beach.

For authentic Hawaiian cuisine, head to Poke Etc. inside Angelito's Market to try fresh seafood dishes like the spicy poke with mayo or sweet chili poke. When in doubt, order the Aloha combo for a mix of poke, rice and kalua. This little food stop doesn't provide any seating, so take your poke to nearby Calas Park for a relaxing picnic.

When you enter Lin's Garden, beautiful decor transports you to Imperial China, while the big portions and authentic cuisine solidify this restaurant as your go-to lunch spot. Try the broccoli in oyster sauce along with some kung pao chicken smothered in a mild sauce with plentiful peanuts. For a cool dessert on a hot day, order the fancy shaved ice topped with mango, taro, and pineapple.

For a laid-back evening out, join the locals at Rendezvous Lounge for a top-shelf bar and a game of pool. Be sure to take advantage of the great bar food such as Baja-style fish tacos and gourmet beef sliders before you enjoy a glass of your favorite draft.

Carson's convenient access to the 405, 710, 110 and Gardena Freeway provide a fast commute whether you're traveling by car, bus or train. When you're driving around town, enjoy free street parking along most streets and spacious lots in the retail areas. If you just need a quick ride to the airport, don't hesitate to give Uber or South Bay Taxi a call.

Despite Carson's suburban location, its public transportation connects you to the rest of L.A. with access to Blue Line of the Metro light rail service and an array of Metro buses, some of which provide a direct trip into downtown L.A. The North-South Shuttle connects Carson to the nearby Harbor Gateway Transit Center, and the Carson Circuit carries residents around town.

Ditch the car to travel on two wheels with bike lanes on roads such as Del Amo Boulevard and Dolore Street. Los Angeles county also allows biking on sidewalks for an even safer cruise to Albertson's when you're making your grocery run. Thanks to Carson's heavy concentration of amenities throughout the neighborhood, many locals also choose to run their errands on foot.

When you want to enjoy a sunny day, head to one of the nearby beaches, or take advantage of Carson's grassy public parks. Sports lovers head to Victoria Park to play a game on the golf course or swim in the heated pool for a small fee. Also enjoy free recreation on the tennis courts and baseball diamond. Sign up for the award-winning Family Fitness Boot Camp to get in shape, or enjoy cultural activities during the annual Samoan Festival

For a quiet getaway, head to Dolphin Park to let your kids loose on the big playground while you read a book under the shade trees. The on-site lot provides plenty of parking any time of day, so don't be afraid to stop by for a last-minute picnic.

With its affordable housing and an array of public transportation options, Carson maintains a below-average cost of living for the L.A. metro area. Apartment options range from upscale complexes and furnished apartments to more affordable multifamily buildings, but the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,000 to $1,200 a month.

A ride to the central L.A. area by bus costs $1.75. If you go out for a drink after work, expect to pay around $3 to $4 for a pint. As with the rest of L.A., gas prices remain steep at about 9 percent above the national average.

Thanks to Carson's well-developed retail sector, you never have to travel more than a few blocks to find everything you need. Head to any major road to find fashion mainstays, thrift stores, old-fashioned antique shops and a few bargain boutiques. Check out SouthBay Pavilion Mall to find clusters of popular retailers and restaurants that beg for a day of shopping. The parking lot fills up fast, so park in the back for an easier time.

Whether you're looking for neon-colored dishware, old books, toys or jewelry, grab a cart to explore Discount Center, a huge thrift store with plenty of parking. Hunt for designer clothes from the store's fashionable picks, and make use of the dressing rooms. Don't miss the 25-cent item sales on Tuesdays for even bigger bargains.

If you love all things vintage, check out Memory Lanes Antique Mall just off the 110 freeway to find vintage dolls and jewelry, old vinyl records, rock memorabilia and fine china. The mall is reminiscent of a flea market, and the booths put on frequent sales to keep you coming in every week. Keep an eye out for big parking lots sales in the back.

When you're shopping around town, be sure to check out Her Escape Boutique, a hidden gem with a tasteful layout; shining hardwood floors; and a ton of heels, skirts and tops designed for fashion-conscious shoppers. Enjoy reasonable prices, and let the friendly staff help you put the perfect outfit together.

Big-name grocery stores and local markets dot the city's streets for an easy grocery run. Get some fresh cuts or fresh produce from La Venadita Meat Market, or pick up your standard fare at Albertson's. Don't forget to stop by the farmers' market for fresh produce, jewelry and ready-made lunch options from Filipino, Mexican and other international food stands.