The biopic “Straight Outta Compton” profiles rap pioneers NWA’s rise from that dangerous California city to national stardom.

NWA helped revolutionize the music scene, introducing gangsta rap to a wider audience with the release of their first album, “Straight Outta Compton,” in 1988. While not as radical a change, Compton too has undergone a transformation since NWA’s success first thrust it into the national spotlight.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area, these sites are worth a visit. 

Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum.
Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum.

Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum

Located on the first Spanish land grant in California (in 1784), the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum helps preserve the state’s early history through free guided tours of its museum and adobe. It also hosts special events like adobe brick making, Victorian teas, and reenactments of battles from the Mexican-American War.

Compton, in the headlines now.
Compton, in the headlines now.

Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum

Dedicated to teaching kids about aviation and encouraging them to take flight themselves, the free Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum also celebrates the history of aviation. Exhibits include a Sky Lab computer center, the Tuskegee Airmen Learning Center, and an F-16 cockpit mock-up. (The museum also offers pilot lessons to area children.)

Bludso's BBQ

A mainstay of best BBQ in Los Angeles lists, Bludso’s BBQ serves up Texas-style brisket, chicken, pork shoulder, and ribs. Can’t decide? Try the Texas Sampler.

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