Get a taste of Californian history and culture in El Monte. The city is one of the oldest in the San Gabriel Valley and has some great local attractions, including an excellent local history museum. Escape the crowds in leafy parks and wildlife-rich nature sanctuaries or use El Monte as a base to sightsee in Downtown Los Angeles.
Things to do in El Monte
Learn about the people, places and events that have shaped the city over the centuries at the El Monte Historical Museum. The museum is housed in an abode-style building and filled with exhibits and artefacts that celebrate the unique heritage of El Monte.
Skip the crowds of Downtown LA and enjoy a relaxing day in Peck Road Water Conservation Park. The park is set around a cobalt-blue lake and is a great place to fish, cycle and birdwatch. Stroll along the scenic trails and enjoy a picnic by the lake.
Discover the lush riparian woodlands and wetland of the Whittier Narrows Natural Area. The sanctuary borders the San Gabriel River and is an important habitat for local wildlife, including migrating waterfowl. Don’t miss the small but engaging museum with interactive exhibits and taxidermy animals.
You can use El Monte as a base to explore Downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding area. The “City of Angels” is packed with iconic attractions, including Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. Ride the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier and unlock sweeping views over the city skyline and surrounding mountains from Griffith Observatory.
Getting around El Monte
El Monte is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is in the San Gabriel Valley, a 20-minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles and 45 minutes by bus. Trains call at El Monte Station on the San Bernardino Line and Los Angeles International Airport is a one-hour drive away.