A 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Alhambra, California

• Day 1: Visit the Alhambra Farmers Market, featuring over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods and street food. Then take a walk around the Alhambra Park with its picturesque lake and shaded picnic areas.
• Day 2: Spend the morning at the Norton Simon Museum, home to an impressive collection of European and Asian art, including works by famous names such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh. Afterward, take a short drive to visit the Huntington Library, where you can explore the botanical gardens and admire the rare book and art collections.
• Day 3: Start the day with a visit to the San Gabriel Mission, established in the late 1700s by Spanish missionaries. The complex includes a museum and beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, drive to Pasadena to explore the lively Old Pasadena district, known for its charming architecture, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants.
• Day 4: Head to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located on the grounds of the former Anita Baldwin Ranch. This sprawling garden has a large variety of flora, fauna, and wildlife, including peacocks, turtles, and coyotes. In the afternoon, take the kids to Dave & Buster's, a fun arcade and sports bar with games and activities for all ages.
• Day 5: Take a scenic drive to nearby Griffith Observatory, perched on the hills overlooking LA. The state-of-the-art facility offers breathtaking views of the city and opportunities to observe the night sky through high-power telescopes. On the way back, visit the Rose Bowl Flea Market, one of the largest and liveliest outdoor markets in the country.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Alhambra Farmers Market (1-2 hours, free)
• Norton Simon Museum (2-3 hours, $15 admission fee)
• Huntington Library (3-4 hours, $25 admission fee)
• San Gabriel Mission (1-2 hours, $10 admission fee)
• Old Pasadena (3-4 hours, depends on expense choices)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, $15 admission fee)
• Dave & Buster's (2-3 hours, depends on expense choices)
• Griffith Observatory (2-3 hours, free)
• Rose Bowl Flea Market (2-3 hours, $10 admission fee)
Total Estimated Costs: $90-$100

Transportation

Alhambra is well served by buses and trains operated by the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Alhambra Community Transit (ACT). However, if you plan to visit more remote destinations, it is essential to rent a car. Car rentals in Alhambra range between $30 and $50 per day. Gas costs depend on the distance traveled, and parking costs vary depending on the attraction.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider the nearby cities of Long Beach and Santa Monica, which offer beautiful beaches, good shopping, and dining. The time and cost estimates can vary depending on your choices of neighborhoods and particular attractions. If you have less time, choose your top picks and plan your visit accordingly. If you want to combine visiting different sites, consider joining a guided tour or use ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft to save time navigating between remote locations.