5-Day Itinerary for Duarte, California

• Day 1: Visiting the City Center - Start off your trip by exploring the city center of Duarte. Check out the Duarte Historical Museum which showcases the city's rich history. Catch a movie at the AMC Theater followed by shopping at the Target store. End the evening with a delicious dinner at Tacos Mexico.
  
  
• Day 2: Discovering Nature - Begin your day by visiting the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains to enjoy hiking trails and photogenic vistas. Visit the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area to engage in outdoor activities like fishing, swimming or picnic. In the evening, relax by visiting Westfield Santa Anita, one of the largest malls in the area.
  
  
• Day 3: Visiting Historic Monuments - Start your day at the famous Mission San Gabriel, established in 1771, a renowned historical site that offers a tour of the grounds, museum and the church. Spend your afternoon at the Huntington Library Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, a haven of art collections, rare books, and local fauna.
  
  
• Day 4: Trying Out Delicious Food - Spend the day exploring the area through fantastic food options. You can have breakfast at Cafe Westminster, a cozy spot for classic breakfast dishes. In the evening, enjoy Thai food at the popular Ayothaya Thai Cuisine or enjoy a hearty traditional American dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
  
  
• Day 5: Experiencing the Local Culture - End your trip by experiencing the local culture of Duarte. Check out the Fish Canyon Falls to enjoy beautiful trails and scenic views. After that, head to Steinmetz Senior Center to learn about the local history and customs of the city. End your evening with a salsa lesson at the Duarte Dance Academy.
  
  

Time and Costs Estimates

• Duarte Historical Museum (1-2 hours, Free)
• AMC Theater (2-3 hours, $10-20)
• Tacos Mexico (1-2 hours, $10-20)
• San Gabriel Mountains (4-5 hours, Free)
• Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area (4-5 hours, $20-50)
• Westfield Santa Anita (2-3 hours, $20-50)
• Mission San Gabriel (2-3 hours, $10-20)
• Huntington Library Art Museum and Botanical Gardens (3-4 hours, $25-50)
• Cafe Westminster (1-2 hours, $10-20)
• Ayothaya Thai Cuisine (1-2 hours, $20-50)
• Old Spaghetti Factory (1-2 hours, $20-50)
  

Total Estimated Costs: $125-330

Transportation

Duarte has a public transit system consisting of buses and trains. Fares for local buses are about $3, with subway fares averaging around $5. The cost of a taxi ride to the airport or downtown area is around $50-75. Consider renting a car for the duration of your trip for flexibility, and the cost can vary from $30-$80 depending on the type of car and your preferences.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider spending a day at the Raging Waters water park or the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden. You can also explore the nearby cities in the area, like Pasadena or Los Angeles.

If you have less time, prioritize the locations that interest you the most, and consider skipping the others. Consider using ride-sharing services and maximizing your transit times by reviewing public transit routes before starting trips to locations. Finally, keep in mind that museums tend to be closed in the early hours, while parks often have specific closing times.