Exploring San Gabriel, California in 4 Days

• Day 1: Visit the San Gabriel Mission which was founded in 1771 and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. Explore the nearby San Gabriel Square for some unique shopping and dining experiences. End the day at the Famous Dumpling House known for its delicious Xiao Long Bao.
• Day 2: Begin at the San Gabriel Valley Outdoor Market which offers a variety of fresh produce, live entertainment, and local crafts. Later go shopping at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall followed by an afternoon drive to the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden for a serene retreat surrounded by nature. End the day with some sushi at Oto-Oto Sushi.
• Day 3: Spend the morning hiking the San Gabriel Mountains for breathtaking views of the city. After lunch head over to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens for a luxurious experience filled with books, art, and nature. End with a delightful Mexican meal at El Portal.
• Day 4: Marvel at exceptional art and cultural history at the Mission San Fernando Rey de España Museum. After that, visit the Pacific Asia Museum for some unique art exhibits and cultural items. End the trip with a visit to the Kosuke Ramen restaurant for some savory ramen to calm your taste buds.

Time and Costs Estimates

• San Gabriel Mission (2 hours, $10 admission)
• San Gabriel Square (1 hour, varies on shopping)
• The Famous Dumpling House (1.5 hours, $20)
• San Gabriel Valley Outdoor Market (2-3 hours, $20 for food and shopping)
• Westfield Santa Anita Mall (2 hours, varies on shopping)
• Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2 hours, $15 admission)
• Oto-Oto Sushi (1.5 hours, $30)
• San Gabriel Mountains Hike (4 hours, free)
• Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (3 hours, $25 admission)
• El Portal Mexican restaurant (1.5 hours, $25)
• Mission San Fernando Rey de España Museum (2 hours, $10 admission)
• Pacific Asia Museum (2 hours, $15 admission)
• Kosuke Ramen (1.5 hours, $20)
• Total Estimated Costs: $200

Transportation

It's recommended to rent a car during your trip to San Gabriel, California. Ride-sharing services are also available but can be more expensive, especially with longer trips to the mountains or surrounding areas. The cost of renting a car can vary, but expect to spend around $40-70 a day. Keep in mind traffic in Los Angeles can be busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, take a trip to San Gabriel's neighboring city, Pasadena, and see the colorful street art, shop at the Paseo Colorado mall or stroll around its well-known Old Town Pasadena. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and a hat and sunscreen to protect from the California sun. If you have less time, choose your top three must-visit locations and budget your time and costs accordingly.