A small coastal town in Alaska where nearly all 200 residents live in one 14-story building, connected by underground tunnels to protect from harsh weather.
Whittier sits 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles, where you can walk through the former mansion of California's last Mexican governor at PÃo Pico State Historic Park, spot Back to the Future filming locations at Whittier High School, or browse independent shops along Philadelphia Street. The city's streets are lined with California Craftsman homes and Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, while hiking trails in the Puente Hills give you views across the Los Angeles Basin.
Getting to Whittier
From downtown Los Angeles, take the Pomona Freeway (60) east and merge onto the San Gabriel River Freeway (605) south. Exit at Whittier Boulevard or Beverly Boulevard East. You can reach Whittier by Montebello Bus Lines 10, 40, and 50 from the west, Metro Line 270 from the north and south, and Foothill Transit lines 274 and 285 from the north.
Exploring Uptown Whittier
Philadelphia Street and Greenleaf Avenue form the core of Uptown Whittier. Walk these streets to find locally-owned shops, restaurants, and buildings dating to the early 1900s. Stop by the National Bank of Whittier Building at 13002 Philadelphia Street, where Richard Nixon started his law practice - now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. King Richard's Antique Mall, in a converted citrus packing house, has grown into one of California's largest antique markets.
Museums and Historic Buildings
The Whittier Museum on Newlin Avenue tells the story of the city's evolution from its 1887 Quaker beginnings. Visit on Friday and Saturday afternoons to see the local history archives and rotating community exhibits. Step inside the Jonathan Bailey House from 1860, the oldest remaining house in Whittier. At PÃo Pico State Historic Park, you can explore the adobe home where California's last Mexican governor lived, with exhibits about life in 19th-century California.
Film Locations
Walk in the footsteps of movie history throughout Whittier. The halls of Whittier High School transformed into Hill Valley High School for Back to the Future, including the famous Enchantment Under the Sea Dance scenes. Stand at the corner of Greenleaf Avenue and Philadelphia Street, which appeared in the final episode of The Wonder Years.
Parks and Trails
Hike the trails of Puente Hills above northern Whittier. Start at the Hellman Park Trailhead to walk through coastal sage scrub habitat. Take your children to Michigan Park and Palm Park for sports courts and playgrounds. The Whittier Greenway Trail runs for 4.5 miles along a former railroad line, connecting neighborhoods and parks.
Whittier College
The 75-acre Whittier College campus, established in 1887, sits in central Whittier. Walk through this liberal arts college - known as President Richard Nixon's alma mater - to see buildings like Mendenhall, built in 1917 in Collegiate Gothic style. The campus welcomes visitors who want to explore its Mediterranean architecture and drought-resistant gardens.
