Covering six square miles and ensconced by the 105, 110, and 405 freeways, Hawthorne, named after author Nathaniel, calls itself "the hub of the South Bay." Hawthorne is headquarters for Northrop Grumman and borders LAX, so the aviation and aerospace industries are kind of a big deal here—it's also known as "the cradle of aviation." Hawthorne's own municipal airport is aptly known as Jack Northrop Field.

Landmarks

• The Beach Boys Monument • 3701 W 119th St
A brick monument where the Wilson house used to stand.

Restaurants

• B & R’s Old Fashion Burgers • 3512 W Rosecrans Ave
310-679-4774 • $
Huge, delicious, world-famous burgers!

• Daphne’s Greek Café • 2700 Marine Ave
310-676-9165 • $
Excellent Baklava!

• El Pollo Inka • 15400 Hawthorne Blvd
310-676-6665 • $$
Chicken fit for Virococha.

• In-N-Out Burger • 3801 Inglewood Ave
800-786-1000 • $
Top California burger joint.

• Piggie’s • 4601 W Rosecrans Ave
310-679-6326 • $
Older style Greek coffee shop.