La Puente, California: A 4-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia to immerse yourself in nature. Stroll through the Arboretum's various gardens featuring exotic and rare plants, streams, and wildlife. Make sure to check out the Ayer Lake, peacocks and the Queen Anne Cottage. End the day with a scenic drive to Walkway at Santa Fe Dam, a peaceful park perfect for a picnic and long walks.
• Day 2: Spend the second day shopping at the famous Westfield Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia. Participate in some indoor or outdoor activities and check out stores carrying designer brands, electronics and gadgets, and food. In the evening, catch a movie at the AMC Theatres inside the mall.
• Day 3: Head to the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte for outdoor adventurers. Located along the San Gabriel River, the park offers activities like fishing, bird-watching, hiking, jogging, and biking. Make sure to check out the scenic views from the top of the interpretive center. Later, check out the La Puente Valley Historical Society Museum in La Puente for a deeper understanding of the area's history.
• Day 4: Enjoy an educational and fun day at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona. The museum showcases celebrity race cars, race engines, and other memorabilia that will evoke the nostalgia of the 50s and 60s. End your trip with some authentic Mexican cuisine at Tacos La Bufadora in La Puente. Try out their tacos al pastor and agua fresca.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (3 hrs, $15)
• Walkway at Santa Fe Dam (2 hrs, free)
• Westfield Santa Anita Mall (4 hrs, depends on budget)
• Whittier Narrows Recreation Area (4 hrs, free)
• La Puente Valley Historical Society Museum (2 hrs, $5)
• Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum (3 hrs, $11)
• Tacos La Bufadora (1 hr, $10)
Total Estimated Costs: $56

Transportation

Different location distances make it easier to rent a car, and you can easily navigate from location to location, and there is ample parking. An Uber or Lyft service is also available. Depending on your arrival point or place of residence, one can use buses, whether you are in Los Angeles or out of state. And note that the expected travel time is between 20 to 30 minutes one way from one destination to another.

Useful tips

If you have extra time, you can visit nearby tourist attractions like the City of Industry or Hacienda Heights. You can also check out the surrounding cities such as West Covina, Baldwin Park, Rowland Heights, Walnut or Diamond Bar. If you have less time, omit the Westfield Santa Anita Mall because it takes the most time. Additionally, this itinerary is best for travelers with an interest in history and nature. Families can also enjoy the relaxed and safe environment offered by the different parks.