A one-day Hawthorne itinerary can pair time at Jim Thorpe Park with a visit to the Hawthorne Historical Society museum, which is located in the park, and a stop at Randy’s Donuts.
- Park and museum: Jim Thorpe Park is at 14100 S. Prairie Ave.; the museum is at the same park address.
- Museum hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., except holidays.
- Park hours: The City gives general hours as 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Start with Jim Thorpe Park and the local history museum
Jim Thorpe Park combines outdoor recreation with a small local-history visit at the Hawthorne Historical Society museum.
The park covers 8.9 acres and is at 14100 S. Prairie Ave., Hawthorne, CA 90250. Its amenities include picnic tables, a tot lot, a wading pool, basketball courts and two baseball fields, as well as the Historical Society.
You can start with a walk around the park, then head to the museum if your visit falls within its opening hours.
The museum opens Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., except holidays. The Hawthorne Historical Society shares local history through exhibits, educational programs, collections, events, photographs, documents and local stories. The Society describes its gallery as free; check its official site for current visit details before setting out.
The Hawthorne Historical Society was founded in 2011 and is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its museum gives the park visit a local-history focus without requiring a separate trip to another neighborhood.
How should you plan time at the park?
Plan the park visit around its general hours and the museum’s shorter opening window.
The City of Hawthorne gives general park hours as 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and prohibits remaining in a park between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
For a day that includes the museum, start with the park and fit the museum visit between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on an open day. That order leaves time to use the outdoor amenities before or after the museum, without relying on the museum being open all day.
If you are organizing a group, the City says groups of 15 or more using a Hawthorne park need a permit, requested at least 20 days before the activity.
Rental fees are $25 for groups of 25–50, $40 for groups of 51–100, and $63 for groups of 101 or more; prices may vary by park. Eucalyptus Park and Holly Park have formal picnic areas, with an additional rental fee of $24–$39.
Park regulations prohibit alcoholic beverages, overnight camping and rented amusements such as bouncers and trampolines. For park permits or questions about facilities, contact the City of Hawthorne Community Services Department at 310-349-1640.
Plan a food stop at Randy’s Donuts
Randy’s Donuts makes a straightforward food stop to pair with the park and museum portion of the day.
From El Rancho Inn, Randy’s Donuts is about a 10-minute drive. You can place the stop before the park visit or after it, depending on your museum timing and the rest of your plans.
The [Randy’s Donuts visit guide](/blog/randys-donuts-hawthorne-visit/) covers the Inglewood landmark from a Hawthorne perspective. Other local outings include a visit to [Magic Johnson Park](/blog/magic-johnson-park/) and a history stop at [Centinela Adobe](/blog/centinela-adobe-visit/).
Check routes, hours and park details before you go
Confirm the museum schedule and park details before building the day around them.
Museum hours are Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., except holidays, while the City gives general park hours as 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Because these schedules and park rules can affect your timing, check the official site before you go. The City of Hawthorne provides park regulations and permit details; the Hawthorne Historical Society provides museum visit information.
Keep the museum visit inside its opening window, then use the park’s outdoor amenities around it. If you are planning a larger gathering, allow time for the City’s permit requirement, and confirm rental details with Community Services.
FAQs
Where is the Hawthorne Historical Society museum?
The museum is at Jim Thorpe Park, 14100 Prairie Ave., Hawthorne, CA 90250.
When is the museum open?
It is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., except holidays. Check the Society’s official site before you plan your visit.
Does Jim Thorpe Park have picnic facilities?
The park has picnic tables. For formal picnic-area rentals elsewhere in Hawthorne, Eucalyptus Park and Holly Park have formal areas.
What does the Hawthorne Historical Society cover?
The Society shares local history through exhibits, programs, collections, photographs, documents and local stories. Its museum is housed at Jim Thorpe Park.