Neff Park

Christian college formerly known as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (hence the BIOLA), does have some outstanding events offered throughout the year including lecture series, drama and dance performances, as well as live concerts. For example, in March they're holding a symposium on "The Strange Place of Religion in Contemporary Art." Home to 6 graduate schools. They offer adult certification programs that don't have all the stipulations of a standard degree. Auditing classes is also an option.

The LA Times once deemed it "one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California." Though the calendar of events is less than stellar, the theater is lovely and provides a satisfying theater-going experience. A typical season might include the stage adaptation of "Driving Miss Daisy" or the musical stylings of Engelbert Humperdinck. Local acts like the La Mirada Symphony and the moral dramas produced by Phantom Projects are usually well worth the price of admission.

Offers a variety of classes and workshops open to the public. Everything from Jazzercise to memoir-writing. You must register for classes, so if you aren't here for at least a semester, it's not likely they'll let you join for one class session (unless you have a friend in the class).

In 2007, a competitor for the main attraction title opened its gates to reveal a 50-meter pool and a pirate-themed water playground. Allegedly, the pirate theme was selected to reflect La Mirada's Spanish heritage, but it smacks of the Caribeean. Splash! (the catchy given name for) the La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center features two pools, a spa, and a water slide.

The unofficial main attraction, which has really boosted LM name recognition in surrounding cities, is this $2 movie theater. It is located in the La Mirada Shopping Center and shows last month's movies at a discounted rate. The seats are old and don't recline or have headrests, but the picture is good and the price is better. Buy candy at CVS a few doors down; the snack bar is not discounted.

The park boasts green rolling hills, large oak, olive, and jacaranda trees, and a man-made pond. It's 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 waterpark. Still, it's probably best known for its disc golf course.