A 5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary to Explore Azusa, California

• Day 1: Azusa Pacific University & Foothill Cinema Stadium 10 – Start your exploration with a visit to the beautiful Azusa Pacific University, the place where innovations and creativity thrive. Later in the afternoon, watch a movie at the Foothill Cinema Stadium 10, which offers budget-friendly movie screenings.
• Day 2: San Gabriel Mountains National Monument – Get closer to nature and hike around the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The natural beauty and stunning scenery will make you forget all about the city hustle.
• Day 3: Azusa City Library & Historic Route 66 – Spend a quiet morning reading books at the Azusa City Library. Then head out to explore the famous Historic Route 66, which offers an unforgettable journey through American history.
• Day 4: Irwindale Speedway and Event Center & City of Hope National Medical Center – Experience the adrenaline rush while watching a race at the Irwindale Speedway and Event Center in the afternoon. In the morning, visit the City of Hope National Medical Center, a world-renowned cancer treatment center that provides hope to millions of people.
• Day 5: Ross Field & Azusa Greens Country Club – Play a game of baseball at Ross Field, which has served as a home ground for local teams for almost a century. End the trip on a high note by golfing at the budget-friendly Azusa Greens Country Club.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Azusa Pacific University (2-3 hours, Free)
• Foothill Cinema Stadium 10 (2-3 hours, $5-$10 depending on the screening)
• San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (4-5 hours, Free)
• Azusa City Library (2-3 hours, Free)
• Historic Route 66 (4-5 hours, Free)
• Irwindale Speedway and Event Center (3-4 hours, $15-$20 per ticket depending on the race)
• City of Hope National Medical Center (2-3 hours, Free)
• Ross Field (2-3 hours, Free)
• Azusa Greens Country Club (3-4 hours, $20-$30 per game)
• Total Estimated Costs: $40-$60

Transportation

Considering the shoestring budget, it is best to travel around Azusa via public transportation. The easiest way to get around is by using the Foothill Transit which has several bus routes operating across the city. Each one-way ride costs $1.25, and a day pass costs $5. For longer distances, rideshare apps such as Uber or Lyft can be used. It is also recommended to rent a bike for just $7 per day to explore the city more efficiently.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a trip to Angeles National Forest which is just a few minutes' drive from Azusa. The park provides several recreation opportunities, including camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. If you have less time, opt for a half-day trip to the South Hills Dog Park, which offers scenic views and an off-leash area for dogs to play.

Airports

The nearest airport to Azusa California is LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) which is around 25 miles from the city center. Other nearby airports include Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which are approximately 30-40 miles from the city center.