The Boulevard
To get the full La Mirada-effect, you should cruise the boulevard literally La Mirada Boulevard. Begin at LM Blvd and Beach Blvd and continue on until you hit Leffingwell. You begin on one end of LM's continuum, the new and ever multiplying tract homes indicating the wealthier end of the city think: good side of the tracks, and end right near the Whittier/Santa Fe Springs border, where the dilapidated apartment buildings stretch out on both sides yes, wrong side of the tracks. You'll pass the theatre, the city's original shopping center, Regional Park, the Cemetery, City Hall, the Public Library, Creek Park, and more. Plus, during certain times of the year the boulevard is decorated, delivering the small-town charm this little city manages to maintain.Neff Park
is the historic hub of the city located on San Cristobal Ave. It's generally frequented by local school children on field trips to the historic Neff House or for outdoor day-camps. There are basketball and tennis courts on the grounds. The Neff Barn houses a mini-museum of historic memoribilia from its namesake, a family of the early settlers of the city. Definitely, a must-see for history-buffs especially if they're interested in California history. [@ San Esteban and San Cristobal Aves]Locals are more familiar with La Mirada Regional Park on Adelfa Dr. The park boasts green rolling hills, large oak, olive, and jacaranda trees, and a man-made pond. Its a popular spot for beach-blanket lovers and sun-starved students. Fishermen are spread out across the banks of the pond at all hours of the day, even in the wee hours of the mornin'. In the early afternoon, children and seniors are often feeding the ducks. It's a good place to bring the kids or throw a birthday party because there's ample picnic space some covered, most with BBQ all within view of swing sets and jungle-gyms. The park also has baseball fields, handball and tennis courts, and a brand new waterpark. Still, at the time of writing, it's probably best known for it's disc golf course. [@ Adelfa Dr and Alicante Rd]
The Creek
After you learn something at Neff, and play something at Regional, then you can come relax at Creek Park. Creek Park is what it sounds like: a park developed around a creek actually, it's a man-made flood control channel, tomato-tomahto. Yet it's surprisingly secluded from the nearby traffic and shopping centers. It's a little lush ravine with sidewalks for strolling or biking and small wood-plank bridges, perfect for photo-ops.There are other parks in La Mirada which offer day-camps or open-play sports amenities, but they are not so picturesque or as easily accessible as the Regional, Neff, and Creek parks. For a complete listing of parks go to the city's parks page.
