Location: San Gabriel
Top Things to do in San Gabriel
- 1. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
- 2. Mission San Gabriel Archangel
- 3. Norton Simon Museum
- 4. Santa Anita Race Park
- 5. Exit Game - Los Angeles
- 6. The Lizard Theater Company
- 7. The Huntington Desert Garden
- 8. Rose Parade
- 9. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
- 10. BeautyBar SGV
What to do and see in San Gabriel, United States: The Best Places and Tips
San Gabriel is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It is named after the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel (which in turn was named for Archangel Gabriel), founded by Junípero Serra. The city grew outward from the mission and in 1852 became the original township of Los Angeles County. San Gabriel was incorporated in 1913. The city's motto is "A city with a Mission" and it is often called the "Birthplace" of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. At the 2010 census, the population was 39,718.
Restaurants in San Gabriel
1. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
A popular tourist stop, this 207 acre complex houses a library, art collection and stunning gardens. The library and art gallery contain rare books and one of the most complete collections of 18th century art outside of London.
Reviewed By Arneby - Nacka, Sweden
So yeah, a garden founded by a railway billionaire some 150 years ago. Turned out that the Huntington Gardens were nothing short of fabulous. Almost Singapore Zoo class in parts. And there were colibris in the wild! And a Japanese garden. And a nice food court too.
2. Mission San Gabriel Archangel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Mission founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra, originally from Cordova, Spain, who wanted to share his religious faith with the inhabitants of the New World.
Reviewed By Marianne M - West Covina, California, USA
You must come and tour this Mission! One of several California Missions, this is a must see! Beautiful Spanish architecture! Native American influences can be seen on the grounds on your tour. From cooking to building! You will learn the rich history of the Church/mission development.
3. Norton Simon Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Modern and Contemporary Art from Europe and the United States, acquired by the former Pasadena Art Museum, also occupies an important place in the Museum’s collections.
Reviewed By Rolf A - Chicago, Illinois
Not a large collection, but what gems! In two hours you can easily see the best of French 18th and 19th-century painting, some Italian and Dutch and Netherlandish paintings not see in the U.S otherwise. The Hans Memling Christ Giving His Blessing from 1478 is worth the trip from anywhere and then there are two Rembrandts, a superb Diego Rivera, a wonderful Vigee Le Brun portrait of Theresa, not to mention many Degas sculptures and probably the finest collection of Cambodian Angkor Period sculpture in the U.S.
4. Santa Anita Race Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Reviewed By James M - Las Vegas, New Mexico
Hard to say anything that hasn’t already been said. Not that my horse track experience is extensive, but of all the parks I’ve visited Santa Anita is the best!
So beautiful and so well maintained. It’s like stepping back in time.
Can’t wait to go back!
5. Exit Game - Los Angeles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Exit Game is THE premiere escape room experience in Southern California. It's a group activity, an amusement park, a themed experience. Your group has 1 hour to escape a series of rooms by decoding hints and solving puzzles. Teamwork is a must!
Reviewed By Sonnet M
I've only been to one other slightly obscure escape room game in Singapore so I don't have much to compare it to but from what I can tell this place is fantastic. We were very impressed by the technology and how we interacted with it to solve puzzles (we tried the AI room). We also liked the backstory and how the AI computer 'Ada' talks to you during the puzzle. We do highly recommend going in a group larger than two...me and my hubby went and didn't have quite enough time (understandable considering the rooms are designed for groups of 6-8). Anyway long story short it was very enjoyable and we plan to come again!
6. The Lizard Theater Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Great local community theatre.
Reviewed By MrsCDinLA - Pasadena, California
I've been going to the productions of this theater for a couple of years now... it may be small but it has a big heart! The actors don't get paid and all the money collected at the door goes to pay the rent of the locale. Also, one night is dedicated to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation. The productions range from comedies to suspense to serious drama. Got to love a place that lets you pay whatever you can at the door!
7. The Huntington Desert Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 124 reviews
Conveniently located, the Huntington includes the largest collection of mature cacti and succulents in North America.
Reviewed By johnnnita - Napa, California, United States
This is a large area as part of the Huntington Gardens. At first, I was going to bypass it to view other gardens there. However, I've now grown to appreciate more the succulents that grow in such environments. They really are beautiful!
8. Rose Parade
Overall Ratings
5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By So_Cal_Illini_81 - Pasadena, California
The Rose Parade is so much better in person instead of watching it on TV. You just can't get a full appreciation for any of the units unless you have the time to see them live. There is more to see on the floats and...MoreThanks for the info, it might be an interesting way to spend New Year's eve
9. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Reviewed By rduinc - Saint Louis, Missouri
Really enjoyed this nicely laid out garden, broken into segments by plants from the different continents. There is a very wide, asphalt path you follow as you go from one area to the next, making it very easy for families with strollers or anyone who needs assistance moving around.
TIP- if you have a garden membership in your hometown, check to see if they have a reciprocal agreement with this garden. If they do, you get in here for free.
TIP- From downtown LA you can take a metro train to Arcadia, then ride the free Arcadia bus that takes you to the garden, race track, mall, and a few other places. Takes about 90 minutes all told, but the train is only $1.75 so this is very cheap, and at 90 minutes could still be quicker than driving a car.
10. BeautyBar SGV
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
BeautyBar SGV offers a wide variety of professional pampering services to make you look and feel beautiful including nails services, facial skin care, and waxing. However, we believe the best service we offer is our 5-star customer service. Our salon features an inviting 2000 square foot space that includes 3 private rooms for facials and waxing using only the highest quality products. The salon also includes over 1000 square feet of space dedicated to nail care with a polish station featuring over 600 regular polish colors and over 600 gel polish colors. We also serve complimentary coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, orange juice, red or white wine, & Mimosas everyday!
Reviewed By louH2305IP
I was really sick when i came in. Had a horrible cough and horrible voice. Everyone was really caring, bringing me hot water to drink, looking for cough drops, so friendly. Lynn did my nails and helped pick the cutest color. She also explained to me how my nails grew wide, so she was going to file it a little bit more narrow, gave me tips on how to control my cuticles. I'm usually really bad with Gel mani & pedi, it would start peeling after a week, but thats not the case when i come to BeautyBar, everyone does a really great job at putting on the color so the mani's last.
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