Seven-Day Itinerary for City Experiences in Alhambra, California

• Day 1: Visit The Alhambra
  Start your trip off on a cultural note with a visit to The Alhambra, a National Historic Landmark known for its Moorish architecture and lush gardens. Take your time exploring the grounds and learning about the history of the site.
• Day 2: Explore the Arts District
  Spend the day exploring the Arts District, a neighborhood known for its galleries, murals, and street art. Don't miss the Hipcooks cooking class and the Corey Helford Gallery.
• Day 3: Experience Local Flavors
  Immerse yourself in local flavors with a food tour of Alhambra. Stops might include Alhambra Farmers Market, Shun Fat Supermarket, and Seoul Tofu House.
• Day 4: Enjoy the Outdoors
  Take a break from the city and enjoy the outdoors with a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. Choose from day hikes such as Echo Mountain or Sam Merrill Trail, both with excellent views of the Los Angeles basin.
• Day 5: Shop and Dine in Pasadena
  Head to Pasadena, just a short drive away, to shop and dine. Stroll along Colorado Boulevard and stop for lunch at El Portal Restaurant, known for its Mexican cuisine and margaritas.
• Day 6: Visit the Norton Simon Museum
  Spend the day at the Norton Simon Museum, a remarkable art museum with a collection of European and Asian art. Be sure to check out the outdoor sculpture garden as well.
• Day 7: End at Huntington Library and Gardens
  End your trip on a high note with a visit to the Huntington Library and Gardens, a 120-acre estate featuring art collections and themed gardens. Don't miss the Japanese Garden and the Conservatory.

Time and Cost Estimates

• The Alhambra (2 hours, $25)
• Arts District (4-6 hours, free)
• Food Tour (3 hours, $50)
• San Gabriel Mountains Hike (4-6 hours, free)
• Pasadena (4-6 hours, cost varies)
• Norton Simon Museum (3-4 hours, $15)
• Huntington Library and Gardens (4-6 hours, $29)
Total Estimated Costs: $144

Transportation

To get around Alhambra and the surrounding areas, you might consider renting a car or using ride-sharing services. Public transportation is also available via the Metro Gold Line, which connects Alhambra to other cities in the Los Angeles area.

Costs vary depending on the mode of transportation, but expect to pay around $30/day to rent a car, and around $20-$30 for a ride-sharing service. The Metro Gold Line costs $1.75 per ride, with discounts available with a TAP card.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to nearby cities, such as Los Angeles, Santa Monica or Beverly Hills. If you have less time, you might want to skip some of the museums or choose shorter hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Airports

The nearest airport to Alhambra is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is located approximately 25 miles southwest of the city center. Other nearby airports include Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, which is about 20 miles northeast of Alhambra and Long Beach Airport (LGB), which is about 26 miles southeast of the city center.