Undoubtedly, Inglewood is home to a thriving culinary scene, iconic landmarks, and one-of-a-kind event venues. With its diverse neighborhoods, delectable cuisine, and friendly atmosphere, Inglewood offers a distinctive and exciting experience for visitors and residents alike. Here’s our guide for a fun-filled day in Inglewood!

Sunrise and Walk in Edward Vincent Jr. Park

Begin your Inglewood adventure with a relaxing stroll in Edward Vincent Jr. Park, a picturesque  55-acre green space often overlooked by those unfamiliar with the city’s hidden gems. With its lush greenery, winding paths, and serene ambiance, Edward Vincent Jr. Park provides a much-needed escape from the stresses of city life. In addition to a scenic amphitheater, the park is also home to a baseball field, a pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Grab Breakfast at Rusty Pot Café 

Rusty Pot Café is a no-frills cafe serving Southern-inspired American dishes in an easygoing setting. This quaint eatery has quickly become a local favorite due to its food offerings, friendly service, and cozy ambiance. The restaurant’s signature breakfast dishes include the Classic Breakfast, ​​​​​​Bacon Cheddar Scramble, Overload Breakfast Sandwich, ​​Veggie Omelet, and Famous Belgian Waffles. At the eatery, I ordered the ​​​​​​Bacon Cheddar Scramble ($20), which consisted of smoked bacon and scallions scrambled with eggs topped with cheddar cheese and avocado served over potatoes. The breakfast sandwich was greatly satisfying and hit the spot!

Check out the Inglewood Public Library

Following breakfast, visit the Inglewood Public Library. This library’s collection includes a diverse range of books, from classic literature to contemporary bestsellers, educational resources to popular magazines. More than just a place to borrow books, the Inglewood Public Library is a sanctuary for quiet study and a gathering place for community events.

​​Discover Downtown Inglewood and Coffee at Sip & Sonder

Downtown Inglewood is a vibrant and rapidly growing neighborhood that boasts a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. It is also home to a thriving arts scene, featuring local galleries, theaters, and music venues. Moreover, Downtown Inglewood has a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Drop by Sip & Sonder, ​​​​a global Black women-owned coffee shop, for a caffeine break. 

Have Lunch at Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen

Then, make your way to Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen for a mouthwatering Southern American meal. This iconic eatery has been serving lip-smacking dishes for over 25 years. It features an unfussy counter-service atmosphere and serves hearty dishes, which are made with good quality ingredients. The menu at Dulan’s includes all the classic soul food favorites, such as Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Macaroni and Cheese, and Cornbread. 

Indulge in Retail Therapy at The Hollywood Park

Spanning nearly 300 acres, Hollywood Park is a mixed-use development located in the center of Inglewood. Once a beloved racetrack, the area has undergone a complete transformation. Now, it’s a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining. The centerpiece of the development is SoFi Stadium. Surrounding the stadium, visitors can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and public spaces. 

Eat Dinner at ​​Martin’s Cocina y Cantina

Martin’s Cocina y Cantina is a lively Mexican restaurant that brings the flavors of Mexico to the heart of West Los Angeles. The eatery’s signature dishes include the Nachos Carne Asada, Martins Platter, Empanadas, Taco Sampler, and Nachos Carnitas. I tried the Nachos Carnitas ($20), ​​which consisted of homemade chips topped with beans, melted cheese, jalapeños, guac, sour cream, queso fresco and pico de gallo. The dish was perfectly balanced and delicious.  

Catch a Game or Concert at SoFi Stadium, Kia Forum, Intuit Dome, or Cosm Los Angeles

You can’t visit Inglewood and not check out one of its world-class event venues—SoFi Stadium, Kia Forum, Intuit Dome, or Cosm Los Angeles. SoFi Stadium is a state-of-the-art stadium, home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. Kia Forum is a historic arena, known for hosting concerts and sporting events. Intuit Dome is the new home for the Clippers but can accommodate concerts and other sports. Lastly, Cosm Los Angeles is the newest multi-use venue, offering a variety of entertainment options.

Nightcap at The Nile Bar and Restaurant

The Nile Bar and Restaurant is a wildly popular sports bar known for its casual setting, live music, and bar food. The bar’s food menu features a wide selection of typical American appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. The Nile Bar and Restaurant is an excellent spot for a night out with friends or family. It is also perfect for watching sports, as it has multiple TVs and a large outdoor patio.

Photo courtesy of the Rusty Pot Cafe.