Welcome to El Segundo
A small-town beach community with easy access to major freeways
Incorporated in 1917, El Segundo means “the second” in Spanish. El Segundo got its name because it was the second Standard Oil refinery on the west coast. In 1984, Standard Oil Company of California changed its name to the Chevron Corporation. Today, Chevron still operates an oil refinery in El Segundo and is a significant employer in the area. Located between Manhattan Beach and Playa Del Rey, El Segundo has a quaint, small-town charm and sees fewer tourists than neighboring beach cities. The neighborhood is centrally located with convenient freeway access to many of L.A.’s famed tourist attractions.
What to Love
- Charming, quiet neighborhood
- Proximity to Los Angeles International Airport
- Great weather with an average of 278 sunny days per year
- Easy access to major freeways
Local Lifestyle
The feel of this clean, quiet beach community is decidedly laid-back and easygoing. The dwellings here vary in style, from charming Craftsman-style homes to large Mediterranean-style villas and everything in between. This neighborhood’s high walkability means you’ll find many friendly residents out and about walking their dogs, pushing strollers, jogging, or heading to the beach. El Segundo’s nice weather guarantees that you’ll see more people enjoying sidewalk cafes and outdoor dining than you may see in other areas, and there are plenty of options to choose from.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Main Street in El Segundo is the area’s central shopping and dining district. Lots of eclectic boutiques, sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and gyms dot the street. Although the weather in El Segundo is quite pleasant, a refreshing drink or light lunch always hits the spot. If you’re in the mood for a dose of something healthful, stop by Kreation Organic, located on El Segundo’s Main Street. Kreation Organic has cold-pressed juices, smoothies, teas, soups, salads, and more. You can visit Sausal, located on Main Street, which offers authentic Mexican eats for something a bit more substantial. Jame Enoteca also provides its unique take on regional Italian specialties using locally sourced ingredients.
If you're looking for a fun way to spend the night in El Segundo, you may want to check out Rooftop Cinema Club El Segundo, located on top of a parking structure on East Franklin Avenue. Come a little early to enjoy the views and play lawn games before the movie begins. You can bring a picnic with you, but don’t forget to save room for the yummy concession foods such as freshly-popped vegan popcorn, specialty snacks, and soft drinks. Also, El Segundo evenings can get a little chilly, so bring a blanket to keep warm.
For one-stop shopping, dining, and entertainment, look no further than The Point, located on South Pacific Coast Highway. The Point attracts people not only from El Segundo but from all over the South Bay and surrounding areas. You'll find many popular retailers and restaurants to choose from, and The Point also hosts regular events.
Things to Do
Topgolf touts itself as the premier entertainment destination in El Segundo—and for a good reason. Topgolf is popular with locals who head here for its climate-controlled hitting bays, sports bar, and restaurant. Children are welcomed, but anyone under 16 years of age must be supervised by an adult 21 or older. Check out ESMoA, El Segundo’s art laboratory, if art galleries are more your speed. After a long day of exploring El Segundo, you can pamper yourself at Sanctuary Spa at Bay Club South Bay. You can recharge your batteries at this wellness center and unwind with a massage or select from any one of their other services.
Schools
El Segundo Unified School District is a small district ranked in the top three percent of best school districts in America and the top eight percent of school districts in California.