8 Best Things To Do In and Around West Covina, California

1. Shop and Eat at Lakes Mall/Plaza West Covina

If you happen to be a fan of CW’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, the Lakes Mall/Plaza West Covina Shopping Center is where a lot of the show was filmed and could be a great Instagram photo-op. Otherwise, the mall includes a multitude of shops to peruse, as well as many unique restaurants with everything ranging from Korean BBQ to familiar chains like Panda Express.

It’s a great mall to take a break in or stroll through for some shopping, and even includes amenities designed for kids (e.g. rest areas with children’s TV) so whole families can have fun.

Lakes Mall/Plaza West Covina

Address: 1230 Lakes Dr, West Covina, CA 91790

Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-9 pm, Sun 11 am-7 pm

Phone: +1 (909) 972-9468

Website: Lakes Mall/Plaza West Covina

2. Learn how to churn butter at Hurst Ranch Historical Center

If you’re looking for a fun but historic location to visit, the Hurst Ranch Historical Center is perfect! Learn about old farming and irrigation techniques with a tour guide, or simply explore the crop fields with family. Kids will love playing on the hay wagon and participating in various hands-on activities, like even learning how butter is churned.

The Historical Center also includes a museum that is engaging for all ages, making it a great field trip or family excursion for all ages. Sometimes there are often special events and festivals to check out, too!

Hurst Ranch Historical Center

Address: 1227 S Orange Ave, West Covina, CA 91790

Phone: +1 (626) 813-0116

Website: Hurst Ranch Historical Center

3. Learn about craftsmanship at the Taylor House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Taylor House is another historic house, located right in West Covina, that has seen a century of history. Visit during an open house, or schedule a private tour to experience a house that showcases its beautiful craftsmanship. A “true Craftsman House”, born from the Arts and Crafts movement that included architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, the design on the Taylor House is reflective of an important movement in art history, making it an intriguing visit.

Taylor House

Address: 3510 E. Cameron Ave., West Covina CA, 91791

Hours: Open house each second Sunday of the month 1-4 pm or organize a private tour

Website: Taylor House

4. Participate in a multitude of outdoor activities at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

Right on the outskirts of West Covina, the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area is a huge park with a ton of activities. It surrounds a lake, offering year-round fishing opportunities. In the summer, special swim beach and water play areas are opened up as well, creating a great place to hang out, for kids and adults.

For the more sporty types, there are options for biking, horseback riding, various water activities, and simply hiking around the massive park! Feel free to host your own events and picnics with family or friends, or join one of the many special events that take place in the recreation area, including bird walks and a Renaissance fair!

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

Address: 15501 East Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA 91706

Hours: Summer/Fall 6:30 am-8 pm, Winter/Spring: 6:3 0am-6 pm

Phone: +1 (626) 334-1065

Website: Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

5. Challenge your workout at Galster Wilderness Park Nature Center

Galster Wilderness Park Nature Center is definitely a place to go if you want a bit more of a workout in a trail. Less of a family picnic area, the park has a fun little hike to go on, providing nice views of the surrounding area. It’s a different view from the rest of LA, a more natural and wild area, even spawning some ghost stories from lone wanderers at night, drawing many curious people in.

Galster Wilderness Park Nature Center

Address: 1620 Aroma Ave., West Covina, CA. 91791

Hours: Mon-Thu: 10 am-1 pm, Sat-Sun: 1-4 pm

Phone: +1 (626) 919-6966

Website: Galster Wilderness Park Nature Center

6. Catch a movie in retro style at Pacific Theaters Vineland Drive-in

If you’re looking for a bit of a throwback, Pacific Theaters Vineland Drive-in is a popular drive-in theater, showing all the new and most popular movies where you can watch from the comfort of your own car! It’s great for a casual date night, or for having fun with your friends while watching all the latest blockbusters. With affordable prices, it’s a unique activity for any night of the week and definitely an experience not to miss.

Pacific Theaters Vineland Drive-in

Address: 443 N Vineland Ave, City of Industry, CA 91746

Hours: 7 days a week, check website for showtimes

Phone: +1 (626) 961-9262

Website: Pacific Theaters Vineland Drive-in

7. Hike for some great LA views at Turnbull Canyon

Nature loving folks and avid hikers should definitely venture a bit out of West Covina to Turnbull Canyon. Great for both hikers and bikers, the trail is part of the Puente Hills, a beautiful wilderness area with sprawling views of LA County. Not too strenuous, but still offering great views, it’s definitely a loved local hike.

Turnbull Canyon

Address: Turnbull Canyon Rd, Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: +1 (562) 945-9003

Website: Turnbull Canyon

8. Check out one of the best waterparks: Raging Waters Los Angeles

On a hot summer day, there are few things that are better than visiting a waterpark. Raging Waters has the classic water slides and tube slides, but also a variety of innovative water slides that are more than just the average tube! It’s California’s largest waterpark and, of course, includes the beloved wave pools and lazy rivers, as well as a kid’s area!

Raging Waters Los Angeles

Address: 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773

Hours: 10 am-6 pm

Phone: +1 (909) 802-2200

Website: Raging Waters Los Angeles

See the wonders of West Covina, LA!

So, next time you find yourself in the area of West Covina, LA, be sure to check out these underrated attractions!