Westminster, founded in 1870 by Rev. Lemuel Webber, is known for its high density of Vietnamese Americans who reside in United States as they sought refuge from the Communists in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. In fact, it has 36,058 Vietnamese Americans in the area and is also considered by many to be the 'capital' of overseas Vietnamese.
In 1996, Westminster won the All-America City award.
Accessible by either John Wayne Airport (SNAIATA) or Long Beach Airport (LGBIATA). Los Angeles International, Burbank International, Ontario International, Palm Springs International, or San Diego International are within a 1.5-hour, 100-mile radius.
Little Saigon.Little Saigon is the hotspot for Vietnamese American culture. Many Vietnamese retail, business, restaurants could be found inside here.
33.74425-117.9570861Museum of the History of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces,9842 Bolsa Avenue, Unit#B106,☏ +1 714-418 9640.W-F noon-4PM, Sa Su 10AM-4PM, closed M Tu.Reportedly the only museum in the world specifically dedicated to the history of the Republic of Vietnam and its armed forces.Free.(updated Jul 2023)
Westminster Mall,1025 Westminster Mall(Located off Golden West exit from the 405 freeway),☏ +1 714-898-2558.Basic indoor mall anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, and Target. It features more than 180 specialty stores. Its food court was immortalized by punk rock group The Vandals in their song Cafe 405.
Asian Garden Mall during Tet.The Asian Garden Mall,9200 Bolsa Ave,,☏ +1 714-379-9913.the largest majority Vietnamese-owned and operated mall in America, and a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. The two-story mall houses dozens of shops, restaurants, and wholesale stores of all types, including a wide variety of imported products and foods. Many stores place no price tags on their merchandise, and buyers are expected to haggle with shopkeepers (A better price is generally had by someone with fluency in the Vietnamese language).
Exotic silks, objets d'art, food stuffs, and other items are readily available in Westminster, whether at the Westminster Mall, ultra-luxurious South Coast Plaza down the road, or Little Saigon.
Lee's Sandwiches.Hot baguettes, fresh sandwiches, traditional Vietnamese sandwiches, fruit smoothies, coffee and French pastries are wonderful choices for a nice snack or quick meal. Several locations including some with drive-through windows.
Tommy's Original Hamburgers,7000 Westminster Blvd(on southwest corner of Beach Blvd. and Westminster Blvd. intersection),☏ +1 714-895-4320.Tommy's is a true Southern California staple with its chili cheeseburgers and fries.
Taqueria Mexico,14022 Springdale St,☏ +1 714-894-5850.Enjoy authentic Mexican tacos and burritos at this affectionately-described hole in the wall. Open 24 hours.
Michael's Sports Pub and Grill,15192 Goldenwest St,☏ +1 714-373-5665.Michael's is a great place to watch sports, play bar games, and drink large glasses of cold beer with your friends. It has great appetizers and nightly drink specials. It features a bit of a younger crowd though inland of its Huntington Beach counterparts.
Several bars, liquor stores and supermarkets in the area sell hard liquor. Most restaurants serve a collection of world beers, wines, and spirits.
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