A decade ago, Lakewood didn’t really have a downtown. Wanting to create a place where residents can meet up and hang out, the city delveoped Belmar, an outdoor shopping plaza on the corner Wadsworth and Alameda, which has now become the walkable downtown living district Lakewood so badly needed. Complete with an outdoor ice skating rink and over 70 retail shops —not to mention 4,000 parking spaces — locals and visitors can easily enjoy a whole day spent here. There's a free shuttle from the Lakewood-Wadsworth light rail station, so no one has to drive while enjoying Belmar’s beverages. Click through for a great six-stop drinking tour of Belmar.

All photos by Carrie Dow