A 3-Day Travel Itinerary for El Monte, California

• Day 1: Visit the El Monte Historical Museum to learn about the city's rich history and see some of the oldest buildings in the area. Next, explore the beautiful parks and natural surroundings of Whittier Narrows Recreation Area where you can go hiking, have a picnic, or rent a bike to explore the trails. End your day with dinner at The Hat, a local institution serving up delicious pastrami sandwiches.
• Day 2: Start your morning at The Donut Hole, a quirky and unique donut shop where you can drive through a giant donut to pick up your order. Then, head to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area for a day full of outdoor activities such as fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching. Finally, shop 'til you drop at the popular Plaza West Covina mall featuring a variety of stores and restaurants.
• Day 3: Begin your day with a visit to the Whittier Narrows Nature Center to see the diverse wildlife of the area and learn about the importance of preserving the environment. Next, make a stop at the SpeedZone LA amusement park for thrilling rides and family fun. End your day with a delicious meal at the El Pescador Fish Market, a seafood restaurant known for their fresh catches and generous portions.

Time and Cost Estimates:

• El Monte Historical Museum (1-2 hours, free)
• Whittier Narrows Recreation Area (2-4 hours, $6 per vehicle)
• The Hat (1 hour, $10-20 per person)
• The Donut Hole (30-60 minutes, $1-10 per person)
• Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area (4-6 hours, $10 per vehicle)
• Plaza West Covina (2-4 hours, shopping budget dependent)
• Whittier Narrows Nature Center (1-2 hours, free)
• SpeedZone LA (4-6 hours, $40-60 per person)
• El Pescador Fish Market (1-2 hours, $15-25 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: $78-149 per person

Transportation:

Travelers should consider renting a car to get around El Monte and its surrounding area. However, ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available. A car rental for the duration of the trip costs around $130-200, depending on the chosen vehicle type. Travel time between locations can range from 5-30 minutes, depending on traffic and distance.

Useful Tips:

If you have an extra day, consider visiting the nearby Angeles National Forest for some beautiful hiking and scenic drives. For those with less time, skip the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area or Plaza West Covina and choose one activity from each day to create a shorter itinerary.