A 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Azusa, California

• Day 1: Begin your trip with a hike in San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The park boasts a variety of trails for hikers of all levels, including the challenging Bridge to Nowhere hike. Next, head over to Baldwin Park for a delicious lunch at Lety's Bakery & Cafe, and wrap up your day with some retail therapy at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall.
• Day 2: Start your day with breakfast at the local favorite, Sweethearts Cafe. Afterward, tour the Azusa Pacific University campus and visit the university's art galleries showcasing artwork created by students, faculty, and visiting artists. In the evening, head to The Packing House Wine Merchants for a wine tasting.
• Day 3: Spend a day outdoors with a visit to the Azusa River Wilderness Park. Take a scenic hike along the San Gabriel River, relax at the park's picnic areas, or splash around in the swimming holes. End your day with a delicious barbeque dinner at The Back Abbey.
• Day 4: Head to the San Gabriel Valley for a foodie adventure. Start with a dim sum breakfast at the famed Din Tai Fung, followed by a noodle dish at Chengdu Taste. In the evening, head to the Edison, a 1920s-themed bar with live music.
• Day 5: End your trip with an iconic Los Angeles experience, by heading north into the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to witness a stunning sunset at the top of Mount Baldy. After descending the mountain, head to The Peppertree Cafe for a delicious Mexican dinner.

Time and Cost Estimates

• San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (2-4 hours, free)
• Lety's Bakery & Cafe ($, price varies)
• Westfield Santa Anita Mall (2-3 hours, price varies)
• Sweethearts Cafe ($, price varies)
• Azusa Pacific University (1-2 hours, free)
• The Packing House Wine Merchants (1-2 hours, price varies)
• Azusa River Wilderness Park (2-4 hours, free)
• The Back Abbey ($$, price varies)
• San Gabriel Valley food tour ($$$, price varies)
• The Edison ($$, price varies)
• Mount Baldy (4-6 hours, free)
• The Peppertree Cafe ($, price varies)

Total Estimated Costs: $$$

Transportation

While most attractions are relatively close together, travelers may want to consider renting a car for this trip. Parking is available at most attractions, though a trip to San Gabriel Mountains National Monument may require additional transportation such as Uber or Lyft. Public transportation is also available through the Foothill Transit and Metrolink trains, though travel times may be longer.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Azusa Light and Water tour or take a bike ride through the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. If time is tight, skip the San Gabriel Valley food tour or plan to visit only a few restaurants. Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen, water, and snacks for your outdoor adventures.