Wilmington, CA

There's one name to remember in the history of Los Angeles -- Phineas Banning. A businessman and entrepreneur, he is one of Wilmington's town founders (Wilmington was named for his birthplace Wilmington, Delaware) and is known as the "Father of the Port of Los Angeles." He is responsible for creating one of the world's busiest ports back in the 1850s. At the time, the tiny Los Angeles hamlet had less than 2,000 people.

During the Civil War, Banning wrote a letter to President Lincoln about the vulnerability of California. Banning donated land for the construction of a fort in Wilmington. That fort, the Drum Barracks, is the last Civil War-era military fort in LA. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum. Be sure to visit the fort and museum after moving to your Wilmington apartment and learn more about the area's fascinating history.

While the Drum Barracks may be your first stop, it won't be your only -- Wilmington features several terrific museums and landmarks. The port is home to the Queen Mary, a gorgeous 1936 ocean liner that now serves as a resort hotel complete with restaurants, bars, and a spa. If you can, stay aboard for a weekend "staycation" you'll never forget. Or take a guided tour and learn why the Queen Mary is nicknamed "the haunted ship." Exhibits include Alcatraz: Life on the Rock, Alcatraz: The Last Day, and Diana: Legacy of a Princess. The ship also features a 4-D Theater that seats 121 people.

Just off the coast near San Pedro, the Los Angeles Harbor Lighthouse dates back to 1913. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and while it isn't open for public tours, you can view it by boat or from Cabrillo Beach.

You'll have plenty to do after moving to an apartment in Wilmington, including visiting the nearby Long Beach Museum of Art, the stunning Aquarium of the Pacific, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum, Fort MacArthur Museum, and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

Living near the ocean, of course you'll be able to enjoy some of the best seafood available. Make one of your first stops Shamrock Seafood, a neighborhood staple for over 50 years. This is a family-owned restaurant (they also own the San Pedro Fish Market) famous for its fish and shrimp tacos.

For the absolute best carne asada burrito ever, head to Isaac's Cafe. This local favorite is also a top breakfast spot -- try the Dispatch burrito. While just about everyone in Wilmington will direct you to Isaac's for terrific Mexican food, there is another hidden gem in Wilmington -- Santa Luna. This charming little restaurant features colorful decor, picnic tables with flowered tablecloths, and vegetarian options that locals rave about. Do yourself a favor and try the potato tacos.

If you'd like some Southern-style breakfast classics, Eat at Rudy's Reminiscent of a truck-stop diner, the portions are as big as they are fantastic. Be sure to try the Country Fried Steak or the Waffle Platter for a breakfast that will keep you happy (and full ) all day. And if you have to be at work early, Eat at Rudy's opens at 5:30 am. But don't expect to have breakfast for dinner -- the restaurant closes after lunch at 2:30 pm.

If your evening is just starting when the restaurants are closing, you might appreciate the Foc'sle, a true local bar -- beer in bottles, not on tap and music ranging from old-school rock to disco. If you want to watch sports, head to the Break Room sports bar in nearby Long Beach. Of course, with Downtown Los Angeles a short 20 miles north, just hop on I-110 (or the Metro Green Line) and enjoy some of the best nightlife in the country.

Getting around Wilmington is easy, with well-connected residential streets and nearby highways that include I-110. California in general is a great biking destination, and Wilmington is no exception with its numerous bicycle lanes. If you prefer mass transit, head to the Harbor Gateway Transit Center. From there, the buses will take you to Redondo Beach, LAX, or Downtown LA.

Located on the coast, some of Wilmington's best parks are oceanfront. Nearby Bluff Park provides beach access and includes the "Lone Sailor" statue. Bixby Park has a walkway to the beach and a large picnic area shaded by tall trees. The Marina Green features water views as well as picnic areas and a playground. Other parks in the Long Beach area include Shoreline Aquatic Park and Rainbow Lagoon Park.

Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park provides amazing beauty closer to home. This park is located on Wilmington's west side and includes sports fields, a playground, nature trails, picnic areas, and the Harbor Park Golf Course.

Speaking of golf, the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles is located along the coast, just off Palos Verdes Drive. In addition to a world-class golf course with fantastic views, this golf course includes the Cafe Pacific Restaurant, the Bluff Trail, and two parks: the Marilyn Ryan Sunset Point Park and Vista Catalina Park.

As one of the LA area's least expensive neighborhoods, Wilmington is a rare gem -- an affordable seaside location. Add in the fact that this neighborhood has fewer residents overall, and renting an apartment in Wilmington is a fantastic deal, averaging around $900 a month.

Because of nearby highways and mass transit, commuting throughout the LA area from Wilmington is easy. If you want to live and work in Wilmington, the Port is the largest employer -- but it isn't the only. Several companies call Wilmington home, including several biotech and chemical companies.

"Shopping" and "LA" just go together -- this is the heart of the fashion and entertainment industries, after all. Wilmington has some terrific shopping destinations nearby, including Shoreline Village. Located in Long Beach, this boardwalk features great shops, restaurants, events, and fun things to do. The charming boutiques housed in colorful "shacks" along the boardwalk contain everything from clothing to local artwork to sunglasses. City Place, a mixed-use area of shops, restaurants, businesses, and apartments, is another great shopping destination in Long Beach. City Place contains a Nordstrom Rack, Anna's Linens, and Ross.

With LA's Fashion District just 20 miles away, you'll be able to spend the day exploring the latest trends in fashion. From jeans to purses to shoes, make a day of exploring this unique area. With its wide sidewalks, the Fashion District is very pedestrian-friendly.

Closer to home, the San Pedro Farmers Market provides fresh, local produce as well as arts and crafts, food vendors, and flowers. The farmer's market is open from June to September. You'll find another farmer's market located in Bixby Park -- it is open on Tuesdays.