Paramount, California

Everything Paramount is known for

2 songs mention this city 1 artist from here

Music in Paramount

Songs About Paramount

can't stop
red hot chili peppers
19%
Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter’s Daughter
Kendrick Lamar
11%
"Okay, I know that's borderline Compton or Paramount"

Artists From Paramount

L
Los De Paramount
latin Pop: 13

Rivers & Roads in Song near Paramount

Songs written about the waterways and highways that run near Paramount.

Interstate 5 13 songs Interstate 405 4 songs Interstate 10 23 songs U.S. Route 101 7 songs U.S. Route 66 11 songs

History of Paramount

Paramount, CA RoadyGoat

Paramount, California, owes its very existence to a confluence of events, some natural, some entirely human-made. Before the tract homes and bustling commercial strips, this patch of land southeast of Los Angeles was quintessential Southern California farmland. Picture vast, open fields, the aroma of alfalfa and manure hanging in the air. Dairy farming wasn’t just an industry here; it was the lifeblood. These weren't hobby farms; they were large-scale operations feeding a rapidly growing Los Angeles basin. Even the unusual found a foothold, with a large ostrich farm adding a touch of the exotic to the otherwise bucolic landscape. This agricultural identity, however, wouldn't last forever, slowly succumbing to the relentless march of urbanization. The Great Flood of 1938 served as a stark reminder of nature's power, leaving a trail of destruction and reshaping the landscape in ways that accelerated its transformation. While the floodwaters eventually receded, they left behind a community more aware of its vulnerability and perhaps more open to the protections offered by planned development. It was during this period of transition that the area adopted the name "Paramount," a nod to the iconic Paramount Pictures studio, signaling an ambition beyond simple agriculture and a connection to the burgeoning entertainment industry in nearby Hollywood. The official incorporation of Paramount in 1957 marked a pivotal moment, solidifying its identity as a distinct city. The post-war boom fueled suburban expansion, and manufacturing and transportation industries began to take root, drawing workers and residents alike. The dairies gradually gave way to housing developments and industrial parks, forever altering the character of the land. Even as the city grew, it cultivated a unique identity, fostering community spirit through initiatives like the 'Paramount Pony League,' a baseball format that would gain national recognition. The city's story is intertwined with the broader narrative of Southern California. The roar of the Forum in nearby Inglewood during the Lakers' "Showtime" era echoed through Paramount's streets, a reminder of the region's sporting dominance. Even today, the presence of the Los Angeles Chargers nearby connects Paramount to the modern NFL. While dairy farms may be a distant memory, Paramount stands as a testament to the region's constant evolution, a place where agriculture once reigned supreme, giving way to a diverse community shaped by industry, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Southern California.

Paramount, CA RoadyGoat

Paramount, California, a city tucked into the southeast corner of Los Angeles County, often gets lost in the shuffle of its more famous neighbors. Yet, this city of roughly 53,000 people, nestled between the I-105 and I-710 freeways, has its own unique story to tell.

Paramount, CA RoadyGoat

Paramount, California, a city nestled in the southeast corner of Los Angeles County, carries a history etched in milk and movie magic. While its name evokes images of Hollywood glitz, a legacy from the studio that lent its name, Paramount's true foundation lies in the fertile fields that once defined its landscape. Dairy farms, sprawling across the flatlands, were the lifeblood of the community for much of the early 20th century. These farms, many run by European immigrants, particularly Dutch and Portuguese families, shaped the town's identity. Though the language of the old country may have faded with each passing generation, the work ethic and traditions of these early settlers remain, interwoven into the fabric of the city. The Great Flood of 1938, a disaster that ravaged much of Southern California, left an indelible mark on Paramount. The overflowing rivers and inundated farmlands served as a harsh reminder of nature's power, prompting a community-wide effort to rebuild and fortify the area. This shared experience fostered a sense of resilience that still resonates within the city. Even as manufacturing and transportation industries have come to dominate the local economy, replacing the once-ubiquitous dairy farms, the echoes of the past can be found in the street names, the aging architecture of some of the older homes, and the stories passed down through families. Paramount's story isn't just about its agricultural past. The city's embrace of sports, particularly baseball, is another defining characteristic. The Paramount Pony League, a youth baseball format that has since spread far beyond the city limits, speaks to the community's commitment to fostering young talent. Today, Paramount is a diverse city, a reflection of the changing demographics of Southern California. While the dairy farms are largely gone, replaced by industrial parks and residential neighborhoods, the spirit of hard work and community that defined the city's early years remains. It's a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the aspirations of the present, a city built on a foundation of agriculture, resilience, and a touch of Hollywood glamour.

Watts Towers

1921

Italian immigrant spent 33 years building monumental folk art towers from found materials.

5.8 mi away

Watts Towers: One Man's Thirty-Three-Year Obsession

1921

Italian immigrant Simon Rodia single-handedly built seventeen interconnected sculptural towers over thirty-three years in his backyard in Watts, creating one of the greatest works of outsider art ever produced.

5.8 mi away

Hollywood Sign

1923

Originally an ad for a real estate development, became the global symbol of the entertainment industry.

19.3 mi away

Griffith Observatory

1935

Free public observatory born from a mining magnate's transformative experience looking through a telescope.

17.7 mi away

Things to Do in Paramount

food 12.5 mi away
Philippe The Original

Inventor of the French dip sandwich in 1908 in downtown LA. Sawdust floors. Nine-cent coffee. Some things shouldn't change.
food 17.9 mi away
Musso & Frank Grill

Hollywood's oldest restaurant since 1919. Faulkner and Fitzgerald drank here. Bukowski had a booth. The martinis are perfect.
food 5.9 mi away
In-N-Out Burger (Original)

California's cult burger chain. Animal style fries are the secret menu essential.
food 11.8 mi away
Randy's Donuts

The giant donut on the roof in Inglewood has been an LA landmark since 1953. Iron Man stopped here. So should you.
food 14.9 mi away
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles

LA's iconic soul food mashup since 1975. Obama ordered the country boy. Snoop Dogg is a regular. Chicken and waffles shouldn't work but it does.
food 17.1 mi away
Pink's Hot Dogs

Hollywood's legendary hot dog stand since 1939. Started as a cart. The celebrity wall of fame is absurd. Open til 2am.
historical 17.7 mi away
Griffith Observatory

Free admission observatory with the best view of LA and the Hollywood sign. Rebel Without a Cause filmed here.
quirky 19.3 mi away
Hollywood Sign

45-foot-tall white letters on Mount Lee. Originally said Hollywoodland and was an ad for real estate.

Everything Near Paramount

248 stories, landmarks & places within ~20 miles — the same local lore RoadyGoat plays as you drive through.

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