4-day Trip to Monterey Park, California

  • Day 1: Explore the Natural Scenery
  • Start your day with a hike in Eaton Canyon Falls . Experience the fresh air and stunning views while taking a route of your choice. It’s a perfect opportunity for photos and relaxation. In the afternoon, head to the Descanso Gardens to embrace the natural beauty of plants and admire Japanese gardens.

  • Day 2: Historical Sites
  • Begin your day by exploring the San Gabriel Mission , a historical landmark which dates back to 1771. You can walk through the museum, enjoy the scenic garden and appreciate California's early history. Afterwards, have lunch at the Langham Huntington Hotel, a hotel built in 1907, which features a range of cuisines. In the evening, visit the Norton Simon Museum , containing a range of art from masters such as Rembrandt and Vincent Van Gogh.

  • Day 3: Family Friendly Day
  • Start your day by visiting the Huntington Library and Gardens , open for over a century, featuring over 120 acres of diverse botanical gardens, art collections, and fascinating exhibitions for children and adults alike. In the afternoon, head to the Kidspace Children's Museum, which offers interactive experiences and exhibits for kids to learn through play.

  • Day 4: Food Tour
  • Experience a food tour of Monterey Park, also known as Little Taipei, for the array of Chinese delicacies. Begin with breakfast at the Half and Half Tea House , known for their unique boba tea. Next, try dim sum at Elite Restaurant , followed by lunch at Monterey Palace Restaurant . Finally, finish the day with yummy ice cream or a dessert at Bae, a Korean inspired dessert shop.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Eaton Canyon Falls (2-3 hours, free)
  • Descanso Gardens (2-3 hours, $15 entrance fee)
  • San Gabriel Mission (2-3 hours, $5 entrance fee)
  • Langham Huntington Hotel (1-2 hours, $$-$$$, depending on your order)
  • Norton Simon Museum (2-3 hours, $15 entrance fee)
  • Huntington Library and Gardens (3-4 hours, $36 entrance fee)
  • Kidspace Children's Museum (2-3 hours, $14 entrance fee)
  • Half and Half Tea House ($-$$, depending on your order)
  • Elite Restaurant ($$-$$$, depending on your order)
  • Monterey Palace Restaurant ($$-$$$, depending on your order)
  • Bae ($-$$, depending on your dessert selection)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $$$$ (excluding accommodation and transportation)

Transportation

Most attractions and restaurants are within driving distance of each other in Monterey Park. It is recommended to rent a car, and most car rentals begin at ~$35 per day. Additionally, if you prefer, ride-sharing services are also readily available in Monterey Park.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a trip to Disneyland Park or Universal Studios, which are just a short drive away. Another option is to spend a day at the beach, with several options approximately an hour's drive from Monterey Park, such as Santa Monica Beach or Huntington Beach. On the other hand, if you have less time, consider removing one day from the itinerary or reducing your time spent at each location.

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