Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Rosemead, CA

Rosemead is a suburb with a population of approximately 54,000 in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County. It boasts a strategic location that facilitates easy access to Los Angeles and numerous world-class attractions.

While Rosemead continuously adapts to modern urban development, it has successfully maintained its traditions, which provides the city with a charming small-town atmosphere.

The city offers a diverse array of restaurants, cultural landmarks, parks, and shopping venues, including the Rosemead Place Shopping Center, Rosemead Plaza, and The Shops at Montebello. An annual highlight is the Rosemead Moon Festival, which is celebrated each year.

Here are 15 recommended activities in and around Rosemead, California.

1. Spend a Day in Rosemead Park

As the largest park in the city, Rosemead Park offers numerous facilities and expansive open areas for families to enjoy during a pleasant afternoon.

On-site amenities include a swimming pool, multiple playgrounds, designated picnic areas equipped with barbecue facilities, and two softball fields. Additionally, a half-mile walking trail and restroom facilities are available.

2. Get a Lesson in Local History at Dinsmoor Heritage House

Erected in the late 1920s, Dinsmoor Heritage House is a Spanish-style residence that exhibits an array of historical artifacts.

The house showcases various antique items, including furniture, glassware, china, and artifacts related to its former inhabitants, in addition to the narrative of Rosemead’s history.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts diverse events, including cultural programs featuring local music and artistic expression.

3. Feast on Fresh Seafood at The Boiling Crab

For those seeking fresh seafood, The Boiling Crab is a premier destination in Rosemead. Patrons can indulge in a variety of seafood options such as crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams, and mussels within a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Guests are encouraged to select their preferred catch from the extensive menu, enhance it with a choice of delectable sauces and spices, and accompany the meal with a selection of cold beverages.

4. Enjoy Live Entertainment at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center

Established in 2012, the Arcadia Performing Arts Center offers a wide range of live performances, including plays, dance recitals, musicals, and community gatherings.

This expansive cultural venue is among the most frequented in the region, with a capacity of up to 1,153 attendees in its state-of-the-art concert hall and 125 in the more intimate theater setting.

5. Explore the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

A stunning highlight among the region’s attractions is the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Spanning 127 acres at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, it features an extensive collection of both native and exotic plant species.

Initially established in the late 1940s with a single greenhouse and 1,000 trees, the arboretum has since expanded to encompass the Tropical Garden, The Jungle Garden, The Aquatic Garden, and an array of oak, palm, and bamboo displays.

6. Browse the Rosemead Certified Farmers’ Market

For the highest quality produce in Rosemead, the Rosemead Certified Farmers’ Market is the ideal destination. Each week, vendors from across the region convene to offer an extensive selection of local products.

In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, visitors can discover nuts, honey, packaged food items, and a variety of handcrafted goods.

7. Visit the Ramona Museum of California History

Located in nearby San Gabriel, the Ramona Museum of California History showcases a diverse range of items pertinent to California’s rich historical narrative since the early 1970s.

The collection was amassed over a century by Ramona members and is now available for public viewing.

It encompasses clothing and personal care items from the mid-1800s, artifacts related to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and historical photographs, among other significant items.

8. Get Outdoors at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the San Gabriel Mountains while engaging in a variety of outdoor activities at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area.

This picturesque venue offers ample green spaces ideal for leisure and relaxation.

For those seeking adventure, hiking, biking, fishing, bird-watching, and swimming are popular options within the park. Furthermore, picnic facilities are strategically located throughout the area.

9. Get a Bird’s Eye View with UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis encompassing numerous suburbs. The optimal way to appreciate this vast urban spread is by taking a helicopter tour with UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours.

These aerial excursions depart from nearby El Monte and typically last between 30 and 60 minutes. During the flight, participants are treated to panoramic views of the city, its surrounding areas, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the coastline.

10. Take a Tour of The American Military Museum

California boasts a compelling military history, which can be explored at the American Military Museum located in nearby El Monte.

The museum features several permanent exhibits showcasing a wealth of artifacts and memorabilia, including military uniforms, archival photographs, and documents that recount personal narratives.

Visitors have the option to explore the facility independently or participate in a guided tour led by knowledgeable staff.

11. Escape into the Great Outdoors at the Angeles National Forest

Accessing nature near Rosemead is effortless, with the Angeles National Forest conveniently located in nearby Arcadia.

This expansive mountainous forest features several breathtaking wilderness areas and offers various outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, and winter skiing. Additionally, there are facilities for picnicking and camping.

12. Tee Off at Whittier Narrows Golf Course

Whether you are an experienced golfer or a novice, Whittier Narrows Golf Course caters to players of all skill levels. The venue comprises 27 challenging holes across a diverse landscape.

If time allows, opt for the 18-hole course; however, the 9-hole course also offers a rewarding and engaging experience. Expect to encounter various challenges such as sand traps and fairway bunkers.

Both courses are enhanced by the picturesque backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains and feature sections of the Whittier Narrows Park.

Facilities include a driving range, putting green, chipping area, and a practice green. Instructional lessons are also available, along with an on-site pro shop.

13. Visit The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage

Since its inception in 2001, The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage has been dedicated to presenting various exhibits that narrate the history, culture, and communities of the region.

The main exhibit chronicles the area’s history, beginning with the Native American heritage and includes displays honoring prominent figures from Arcadia and its contributions to the film industry.

14. Admire Beautiful Art at the Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum, located in nearby Pasadena, is home to one of California’s most impressive private art collections.

Featuring over 10,000 works, the museum displays only a fraction of its collection at any given time, with exhibits regularly curated to ensure freshness and variety.

Temporary exhibitions may include pieces on loan from other institutions, and a plethora of events, such as workshops and lectures, are conducted throughout the year.

15. Explore the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn

The cluster of buildings known as the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn, located in Arcadia, is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

These meticulously restored Victorian-era structures date back to the mid to late 1800s, and visitors can explore both the buildings and the surrounding grounds independently or via guided tours.