Exploring Baldwin Park, California on a Shoestring Budget

• Day 1: Visit the Azusa Pacific University, a beautiful campus with a museum, art gallery and botanical gardens.
• Day 2: Explore the Irwindale Speedway for a fun day out of watching car races and exploring the museum.
• Day 3: Get closer to nature at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area with a picnic and a hike.
• Day 4: Discover the local history at the Baldwin Park Historical Museum which has a collection of artifacts, photographs and documents of the area.
• Day 5: Spend a day at the West Covina Farmers Market, where you can find fresh produce, handmade goods, and affordable eats.
• Day 6: Enjoy the outdoors at the Royal Oaks Trail, a scenic trail perfect for a morning jog or afternoon hike.
• Day 7: Explore the Fort Irwin National Training Center Museum, which has an extensive collection of military history and artifacts from various wars.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Azusa Pacific University (2-3 hours, free)
• Irwindale Speedway (3-4 hours, $15-20 entrance fee)
• Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area (4-5 hours, $3-5 parking fee)
• Baldwin Park Historical Museum (1-2 hours, $2-3 admission fee)
• West Covina Farmers Market (2-3 hours, free entry, cost varies on purchases)
• Royal Oaks Trail (1-2 hours, free)
• Fort Irwin National Training Center Museum (2-3 hours, free admission)
Total Estimated Costs: $25-30

Transportation

Baldwin Park has a public transportation system of buses and a metro station, which offers several routes to nearby cities. Lyfts, Ubers, and taxis are available as well, ranging from $10-20 depending on the destination. It's best to plan your itinerary according to the location to save time and money.

Useful Tips

For those with extra time and money, check out the Disneyland Resort which is only a 30- minute drive from Baldwin Park. Another popular destination for a day trip is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art which has free admission on specific days. For those with less time, revise the itinerary and pinpoint specific locations of interest.

Airports

The nearest airport to Baldwin Park is the Ontario International Airport (ONT) which is approximately 25 miles east of the city. Additionally, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is around 25 miles west of the city. Transportation options such as rental cars or shuttles are available at both airports.