7-Day Nature Itinerary in Alhambra, California

• Day 1: Visit the beautiful Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, featuring a diverse range of flora and fauna from around the world. Take a stroll through the gardens, explore the various exhibits and sculptures, and enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
• Day 2: Head to Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Falls, a scenic hiking trail that leads to a stunning waterfall. The trail is of moderate difficulty, so bring comfortable shoes and water. Once you reach the waterfall, take a refreshing swim in the pool below.
• Day 3: Explore San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, which offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The monument is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, extensive wildlife, and tons of recreational opportunities.
• Day 4: Take a trip to Descanso Gardens, a 150-acre botanical garden with vast oak forests and myriad flowering plants, situated in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Wander through the exhibits, spot native wildlife, or take a scenic tram ride offered by the garden.
• Day 5: Visit the Whittier Narrows Nature Center. Offering a nature experience in the city, the center is home to several live animal exhibits and wildlife habitats, and features educational presentations which are perfect for families with kids.
• Day 6: Spend the day at El Dorado Nature Center, located in Long Beach. This natural oasis features two lakes and miles of hiking trails free of charge, as well a Visitors' Center that includes several live animal exhibits, educational displays and more.
• Day 7: At 30-minute drive east from Alhambra, we recommend visiting the Angeles National Forest, one of the most stunning and diverse forests in Southern California. With more than 700,00 acres of wilderness, it offers numerous trailheads, campgrounds and exceptional viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean, local lakes, and the surrounding mountains.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (3 hours, $15)
• Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Falls (4 hours, Free)
• San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (8 hours, Free)
• Descanso Gardens (4 hours, $15)
• Whittier Narrows Nature Center (3 hours, Free)
• El Dorado Nature Center (3 hours, Free)
• Angeles National Forest (8 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $30

Transportation

To get around Alhambra and reach the natural attractions listed above, we recommend renting a car for easy transportation. Car rentals can cost approximately $25-50 per day, depending on the type of car and the rental services selected.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting some other notable natural attractions in the area including the Griffith Park Observatory, Huntington Library, Gardens and Art Museum in Pasadena, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area or Catalina Island. If you have less time, pick your favorite attraction and spend more time enjoying it to the fullest.

Airports

The closest airport to Alhambra, California is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located approximately 29 miles southwest of Alhambra. Another nearby option is Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), located approximately 17 miles northeast of Alhambra. Transportation options to and from these airports include rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services.