Overview
Compton is one of the Gateway Cities of Los Angeles, and is mainly known for being the birthplace of rappers Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, NWA, DJ Quik, and The Game, as well as of professional tennis players Serena and Venus Williams.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 4 places to eat · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Compton
Heritage House
The Heritage House, built in 1869, is a California Historic Landmark. It is the oldest house in Compton and was restored as a tribute to early settlers.
Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum
Small air museum with a goal of exposing youth to the careers in aeronautics. Several aircraft are on display including a T-38 Talon, the plane that astronauts fly during their training.
Celebrity Helicopters, Inc
You can take a nice air flight on a helicopter here and see a big part of Los Angeles.
Crystal Casino
Table gaming with Baccarat, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, and Spanish 21.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Lakewood)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HHR Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Hawthorne — 7 mi away. Directions
- LGB Long Beach International Airport, Long Beach — 7 mi away (major hub). Directions
Compton is west of the north-south I-710 freeway, between CA-91 on the south and I-105 (Century Freeway) on the north. The Metro Rail Blue Line runs directly from Downtown L.A. to Compton via South Los Angeles
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Heritage House, Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum
- Lunch Ono Hawaiian Barbecue
- Afternoon Celebrity Helicopters, Inc, Crystal Casino
- Dinner Winchell's Donut House
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Compton is west of the north-south I-710 freeway, between CA-91 on the south and I-105 (Century Freeway) on the north. The Metro Rail Blue Line runs directly from Downtown L.A. to Compton via South Los Angeles
See
Do
Buy
Shop Gateway Towne Center
Has numerous retail stores including Best Buy, Target, Home Depot, Staples, Marshalls and Party City. It is one of the best places to shop and the safest place in Compton. This shopping center alone has four on-duty patrolling police officers.
Eat
Eat Dale's Donuts
Dale's Donuts is one of the places in the Los Angeles area which features the famous "Giant Donut". Good donuts and coffee.
Eat Tacos El Unico (Atlantic Ave.)
Very authentic Mexican food in the Compton area. This place has some good tacos, tortas and burritos. Their burgers are also worth trying.
Gateway Center
Sleep
Stay safe
This city has many parts which are highly dangerous, as well as parts that are friendly. North Compton is dangerous, an area well known for high prostitution, gang and narcotic activities. South Compton is relatively better, with houses with no iron bars on the windows, and far fewer active gangs.
Go next
Nearby
Lynwood
City / town · 1 listings · 2 mi away
Gardena
City / town · 9 listings · 5 mi away
Carson
City / town · 9 listings · 6 mi away
Huntington Park
City / town · 2 listings · 6 mi away
Lakewood
City / town · 15 listings · 6 mi away
Downey
City / town · 19 listings · 6 mi away
Bellflower
City / town · 11 listings · 6 mi away
Hawthorne
City / town · 9 listings · 7 mi away
My experience
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