Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Monterey Park, CA

Summary:

Monterey Park is a city of roughly 60,000 residents located in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County.

The city’s motto, “Pride in the Past, Faith in the Future,” aptly reflects its commitment to cherishing its heritage while evolving into a contemporary urban hub, complete with advanced facilities and a plethora of cultural events and attractions that showcase its diversity.

A key advantage of Monterey Park is its strategic location. While the city itself is compact, Los Angeles’ downtown core is just seven miles away, offering additional options for exploration.

In Monterey Park, visitors can discover numerous parks, museums, and shopping venues, including the Monterey Park Mall, Atlantic Times Square, and Monterey Park Village.

The downtown area is home to a variety of restaurants, contributing to the city’s reputation as a culinary haven, showcasing a myriad of dining options.

Throughout the year, Monterey Park hosts numerous festivals and events, such as the Harmony Festival, Lunar New Year Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, and Cinco de Mayo Celebrations.

Below are 15 of the premier attractions and activities available in and around Monterey Park, California.

1. Visit the Garvey Ranch Observatory and Monterey Park Historical Museum

This location features two of the city’s primary attractions: the Garvey Ranch Observatory and the Monterey Park Historical Museum.

The Observatory, managed by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, houses an 8-inch refractor and a telescope-production workshop. It is open to the public on select evenings for those interested in stargazing.

The museum, formerly the residence of pioneer Richard Garvey, displays a variety of artifacts pertinent to the city’s history. Guided tours are conducted on certain days of the week.

2. Relax or Get a Workout in Barnes Park

Barnes Park, situated in the heart of the city, is one of the area’s most frequented parks.

This 17-acre outdoor facility features numerous amenities, including baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and picnic areas. It also hosts various community events and celebrations throughout the year.

3. Unwind at Harmony Spa of Monterey Park

Travel can be taxing; hence, if you require a pause from exploring Monterey Park and its surroundings, a visit to Harmony Spa of Monterey Park provides an excellent option. This boutique spa focuses on providing relaxing and therapeutic massages.

Licensed massage therapists offer a variety of treatments, including hot stone massages, deep tissue massages, Swedish massages, and aromatherapy massages.

4. Beat the Heat at Splash Zone Aquatic Center

During hot days in Monterey Park, the ideal location to cool off is the Splash Zone Aquatic Center, which features a 25-yard swimming pool equipped with diving boards and two waterslides.

The facility also includes water polo amenities, a splash fountain area, and picnic spots. Lap swimming and aqua aerobics are available at designated times during the week.

5. See a Unique Attraction at the Museum of Neon Art

The Museum of Neon Art, located in nearby Glendale, boasts one of the largest collections of electric media globally and holds the distinction of being the first of its kind.

Since the early 1980s, the museum has been exhibiting kinetic art, electric media, and neon signage. Notable items include signs from well-known local landmarks, such as the Brown Derby.

As you navigate through the museum, you will gain insight into the scientific techniques involved in this artistic medium as well as its historical context. Many of the exhibits rotate throughout the year, ensuring a fresh experience on each visit.

On select evenings, the museum offers neon cruise bus tours, providing an opportunity to view a variety of iconic neon signs.

6. Go Hiking in Edison Trails Park

Hiking serves as an excellent means to gain exercise and enjoy nature, allowing an escape from the typical urban environment. At Edison Trails Park, you can experience a serene 1.5-mile manageable hike through beautiful green space.

The 11 acres of parkland also feature a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas.

7. Dine on Chinese Cuisine at Happy Family Restaurant

At Happy Family Restaurant, patrons can expect exceptional service from a friendly and professional staff dedicated to making each guest feel at home. This establishment specializes in traditional Chinese cuisine complemented by modern twists.

A number of dishes are plant-based, employing only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.

The extensive menu offers a wide array of choices, including appetizers, soups, rice and noodle dishes, seafood options, and vegetarian selections.

8. Explore the Deukmejian Wilderness Park

Deukmejian Wilderness Park serves as a vast natural area nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, just outside nearby Glendale. The main section includes a ranger station and the historic Le Mesnager Barn.

Though much of the park remains untouched, several hiking trails traverse through chaparral, sage scrub, and woodlands, offering scenic views and encounters with native wildlife throughout.

9. Play a Quick Round of Golf at Monterey Park Golf Club

For those interested in golfing but pressed for time, the 9-hole course at Monterey Park Golf Club offers an ideal solution. The facility features a driving range and a golf pro shop, with lessons available through the golf academy.

A café on-site also serves high-quality coffee, snacks, and a diverse menu that includes burgers and wings. Handcrafted cocktails can be enjoyed, particularly on the picturesque outdoor patio.

10. Vincent Price Art Museum

Founded in 1957 by actor Vincent Price, this art gallery has evolved to encompass over 9,000 pieces sourced from various cultures, represented across 100 exhibits in seven galleries.

Permanent and rotating exhibitions feature Native American art, as well as pieces from Africa, Europe, and numerous other global locations.

11. Take in a Live Production at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Located in nearby San Gabriel, the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse functions as both an entertainment venue and an outreach organization for artists and art enthusiasts.

A diverse lineup of productions is presented throughout the year, featuring opera, symphonies, dance performances, mariachi, and Broadway classics. Additionally, family-friendly shows and occasional silent movie nights enrich the program.

12. Hike Into the Wilderness of the Beaudry Loop

Should you seek a longer hiking experience to immerse yourself in nature, the Beaudry Loop offers an escape into the Verdugo Mountain Range wilderness.

This six-mile trail, starting in nearby Glendale, follows a loop that is relatively easy to navigate. Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains.

13. Visit the Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens offer an abundance of cultural and historical insights. This popular destination allows visitors to delve into regional history, appreciate stunning art, and unwind in tranquil and beautiful gardens.

Previously owned by Henry Huntington, the expansive 600-acre ranch now serves as a rich repository of knowledge ready to be explored by locals and tourists alike.

The library’s vast collection exceeds six million items, including literary classics like Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Audubon’s Birds of America, early Shakespeare editions, and significant works addressing the American West.

Three galleries exhibit art by both French and American artists, with some pieces dating back to the late 17th century.

The botanical gardens, spanning 120 acres, feature a Japanese garden, rose garden, and an extensive camellia collection, alongside an education center and conservatory.

14. Dine at the Exquisite Luminarias Restaurant

Perched atop a hill above Monterey Park lies a unique restaurant offering enchanting surroundings paired with exquisite dining experiences.

For decades, Luminarias Restaurant has been the preferred destination for supreme gourmet dining, transporting diners from Monterey Park to Mexico City without the need to travel.

Guests may indulge in award-winning authentic Latin and Mexican cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Valley. Menu highlights include Coktel de Camaron, Baja Ceviche Clasico, Coronita, Birria, and Chile Relleno.

15. Get a History Lesson at the Ramona Museum of California History

Located in nearby San Gabriel, the Ramona Museum of California History exhibits items of considerable significance relating to the state’s extensive and intriguing history.

As you explore the museum’s displays, you will encounter a variety of artifacts, including clothing and personal items from the mid-1800s, relics associated with the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and historic photographs.