Family-Friendly Itinerary for 7 Days in Azusa, California

• Day 1: Take a tour of the Azusa Pacific University campus and see its beautiful architecture. Head over to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument for a scenic view of the mountains, valleys and rivers. End the day with dinner at The Sandtrap Restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
• Day 2: Visit the renowned Norton Simon Museum that features European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Afterward, spend the afternoon at the Memorial Park and Zoo exploring the exhibits and pack a picnic to enjoy the afternoon. Finish the day with a sunset walk in Foothill Boulevard's Downtown Azusa filled with shops and restaurants.
• Day 3: Drive to Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area where you can rent pedal boats, bikes, or take a leisurely walk alongside a natural lake with a beautiful surrounding mountain range. Afterward, visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden to explore natural habitats and enjoy a sunset with a light dinner at their cafe.
• Day 4: Adventure seekers can go tubing, kayaking, or swimming at The Puddingstone Reservoir with rental options. Later, visit The Education Historical Society Museum, celebrating the local history of Azusa's schools and education, and end the day with a delicious seafood dinner at Crazy Horse Restaurant.
• Day 5: Take a day trip to Knott's Berry Farm amusement park, located less than one hour's drive away, known for its thrilling roller coasters, family rides and entertainment.
• Day 6: Visit the National Technical Institute of the Deaf Museum, learning about deaf culture and education in the 18th century. Later, explore the Battleship Iowa Museum, with interactive exhibits commemorating the ship's service in World War II, Korean War, and Cold War. Finally, enjoy dinner at the famous France Bakery and Cafe for pastries in a 19th century-inspired ambiance.
• Day 7: Head to Azusa Greens Country Club and practice playing golf at the contemporary and scenic 18-hole golf course. Spend the evening strolling around Azusa Historical Museum, that highlights local historical facts and the culture that made this region so unique. Complete your last evening with a scrumptious dinner at Mexico Lindo Restaurant.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Azusa Pacific University tour (1 hr, free)
• San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (2 hrs, free)
• The Sandtrap Restaurant (1.5 hrs, $25 per person)
• Norton Simon Museum (3 hrs, $20 per person)
• Memorial Park and Zoo (2 hrs, free)
• Foothill Boulevard's Downtown Azusa (2 hrs, free)
• Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area (4 hrs, $22 per vehicle, maximum five persons)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2 hrs, $15 per person)
• The Puddingstone Reservoir (4 hrs, boat rental prices vary, More details here)
• The Education Historical Society Museum (1 hr, free)
• Crazy Horse Restaurant (1.5 hrs, $30 per person)
• Knott's Berry Farm (8 hrs, $50 per person)
• National Technical Institute of the Deaf Museum (1 hr, free)
• Battleship Iowa Museum (3 hrs, $20 per person)
• France Bakery and Cafe (1 hr, $15 per person)
• Azusa Greens Country Club (2 hrs, $45 per player for 18 holes)
• Azusa Historical Museum (1 hr, free)
• Mexico Lindo Restaurant (1.5 hrs, $20 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: $287 (excluding Knott's Berry Farm ticket)

Transportation:

Travelers can rent a car for convenient transportation through Azusa. Public transportation options include the Foothill Transit, running buses throughout the San Gabriel Valley with a special route for local service in Azusa. The estimated travel time between Azusa and Los Angeles International Airport is around 37 miles with an approximate travel time of 1 hr via freeways with a rental car or an Uber ride. Transportation costs vary depending on rental car type/ride sharing fare option.

Useful Tips:

If traveling with kids, spend additional half-day at the water park or amusement park. For those interested in hiking, Bridge to Nowhere is an excellent option. Established on the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, this 6-mile trek is a hidden gem within the San Gabriel Mountains of Azusa.

Airports:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest international hub to Azusa, located approximately 37 miles away. Another option is the smaller Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank situated around 27 miles away.