15 Best Things To Do In El Monte, CA: Nature At Your Fingertips

things to do in el monte california
John
John 
Updated
| 6 min read

Don’t let the comfortable size of El Monte fool you into thinking it doesn’t teem with quality attractions! With opportunities to make the most of a beautiful day, with the Santa Fe Trail and the Whittier Narrows Nature Center, and exclusive chances to see El Monte from above, at Mountain View Park, or with a helicopter tour, the area ranks among the most exciting around. For more, here are the best things to do in El Monte, California.

1. Gibson Mariposa Park

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

Gibson Mariposa Park is one of the most beautiful parks you will find in El Monte. Mariposa is a Spanish term for butterflies, and the park’s name is very fitting to its giant butterfly installations you will here. It was inaugurated in 2012 and boasts lots of amenities that impress people who come here. It has picnic areas, a colorful playground for kids, and restrooms for visitor’s convenience. More so, it features a small amphitheater for community events, basketball courts for sports enthusiasts, and jog paths. The best part? The park is filled with plants and pretty blooms.

Gibson Mariposa Park

Address: 4140 Gibson Rd, El Monte, CA 91731, United States

Website: Gibson Mariposa Park

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2. El Pescador Bar & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by El pescador el monte on Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Looking for excellent dining spots in El Monte? Craving flavorful Mexican food? If so, head over to El Pescador Bar & Grill and satisfy your cravings for nachos and tequila. It is a casual restaurant with an indoor and al fresco dining area. It is a family-owned business that specializes in palatable Mexican fares, and they serve meals from breakfast to dinner. Some of its best-selling dishes include tacos al pastor, tostadas, ceviche de pescado, salmon Cancun, and more. You might also want to try its chile relleno, carnitas, and nachos.

El Pescador Bar & Grill

Address: 11740 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA 91732, United States

Website: El Pescador Bar & Grill

Opening hours: 8:30am - 10pm (daily)

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3. A-1 Discount Batting Cages

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A great business come from turning a passion into a profession. At A-1, that's exactly what we did!

Posted by A-1 Discount Batting Cages on Monday, November 2, 2020

Thinking of practicing your batting skills? If that’s the case, you might want to check out A-1 Discount Batting Cages on Peck Road. This fantastic business aims to provide its customers with a safe and superb venue to hone their baseball skills. It offers an outdoor arena with fully automatic arm pitching machines ready to throw excellent shots towards each player. The arena is divided into cages, allowing multiple players at a time. Besides the batting arena, A-1 Discount Batting Cages also offers arcade games.

A-1 Discount Batting Cages

Address: 4632 Peck Rd, El Monte, CA 91732, United States

Website: A-1 Discount Batting Cages

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 3pm - 9pm; Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun:12pm - 6pm

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4. Comfort Massage Spa

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

Days of sightseeing and fun activities in El Monte can tire you out. When muscles suddenly feel a little sore from lengthy walks, treat yourself to a rejuvenating day at Comfort Massage Spa. This fantastic wellness hub offers different massage services for its guests. Facials, wraps, and exfoliation services are available here. Comfort Massage Spa has a cozy and casual place with several massage beds and seating areas.

Comfort Massage Spa

Address: 12076 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA 91732, United States

Website: Comfort Massage Spa

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

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5. Lab 88

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Lab 88 on Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Indulge in a Korean culinary adventure without flying all the way to the Land of The Morning Calm when you visit Lab 88. Showcasing stunning modern interior design with neon lights and Kpop-inspired decors, this fantastic dining spot will surely impress you with its aesthetics and vibes. Plus, the food is exceptional, as well. It offers Korean gochujang spicy chicken, honey butter sesame chicken, vegetable egg rolls, spicy ramyun challenge, and so much more. Don’t forget to pair your meals with a bottle (or two) of soju for a complete Korean dining experience.

Lab 88

Address: 10602 Lower Azusa Rd, El Monte, CA 91731, United States

Website: Lab 88

Opening hours: 2pm - 7pm (daily)

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6. Whittier Narrows Nature Center

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

Nature comes alive at the Whittier Narrows Nature Center! This location features a wide variety of natural trails and is augmented by an accompanying nature center and natural area. From sunrise to sunset, you can enjoy the best sights and sounds that El Monte has to offer. At the Whittier Narrows Nature Center, you’ll roam more than 400 acres (162 hectares) of untouched wilderness, carefully preserved for the enjoyment of visitors and locals, alike. Group tours, school groups, and single visits are all accommodated, here and this location can even go so far as to personalize your visit!

Take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or put the knowledge of one of the local experts to work, for you. Make your reservation at the Whittier Narrows Nature Center, for the perfect combination of rejuvenation and education.

Whittier Narrows Nature Center

Address: 1000 Durfee Road South, El Monte, CA, 91733

Website: Whittier Narrows Nature Center

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7. Triple B Clays

Skeet. William H. Keever, USA
Source: Photo by user TSGT Rick Sforza,... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Take your excitement to the next level, with the Triple B Clays shooting range! Boasting dynamic facilities which promise an unrelenting commitment to quality and to safety, the Triple B Clays venue features a diversified variety of shooting opportunities. From clay and trap shooting to sporting clays and skeet shooting, this attraction works to satisfy the needs of everyone who frequents its grounds. Schedule your next function here, and call ahead for group rates and exclusive discounts! Whatever the season, you can count on the fact that Triple B Clays is hosting an upcoming event. For affordable rates and profession-grade shooting facilities, check out Triple B Clays!

Triple B Clays

Address: 831 N Rosemead Boulevard, South El Monte, CA 91733

Website: Triple B Clays

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8. Action Lanes

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

Get your bowling on at Action Lanes! One of the top-rated bowling venues in the area, Action Lanes is more than capable of turning your mediocre day into an unforgettable one. Bring family and friends to this scintillating experience of a venue, complete with an exciting ambiance and wildly affordable bowling rates! Check ahead for one of Action Lanes’ discount packages, or book ahead to earn yourself a group rate! Action Lanes also features an impressive food selection, so you and your party can snack while you bowl! For a great all-around experience at a top-tier venue, check out El Monte’s Action Lanes, open seven days a week for the sole purpose of putting a smile on your face!

Action Lanes

Address: 10534 Lower Azusa Rd, El Monte, CA 91731

Website: Action Lanes

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9. American Military Museum

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

Immerse yourself in the history of America’s military, at the American Military Museum. Featuring constantly changing exhibits and knowledgeable onsite experts, this venue promises to deliver an educational, dynamic experience, that’ll have you learning about America’s protective past. The American Military Museum also possesses the capacity to host any and all social functions, whether that’s a company picnic or a birthday party! Tour booklets are available in six different languages, to ensure that no matter your background, you can explore, uninhibited, inside one of California’s top military museums. Make sure you check out the American Military Museum today, for visitation information, school tour logistics, and more!

American Military Museum

Address: 1918 Rosemead Blvd, South El Monte, CA 91733

Website: American Military Museum

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10. Silver Dollar Saloon

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

If you’re looking for an authentic bar experience in El Monte, look no further than the Silver Dollar Saloon. With friendly staff and an iconic location recognized by locals for generations, the Silver Dollar Saloon features an ideal combination of upbeat music and thoroughly enjoyable drinks. The venue offers the best draft beers you’ll find in the area! With its live comedy nights and seasonal events, this location proves the place to be if you’re looking for a social hangout that simply can’t be beat. Whether you’re in town for the night or you’re a resident of El Monte, you can get behind the Silver Dollar Saloon, which boasts great drinks, enthusiastic service, and an atmosphere that makes any bar jealous!

Silver Dollar Saloon

Address: 10729 Lower Azusa Rd, El Monte, CA 91731

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11. UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours

Robinson r44 astra helicopter view at kemble arp
Source: Photo by user Arpingstone used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

For an authentic and thrilling experience, take to the air with UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours! Proof that El Monte looks even more beautiful from the air, this is a genuine thrill of an experience to which few can accurately attest. Catch sight of all the landmarks that make El Monte the staple of American history that it is, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the panoramic majesty that is California, from above. Whether you live in the area, or you’re just passing through, allow UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours to provide you with a scenic flight you won’t ever want to forget. From takeoff to landing, your safety is their utmost priority, and fully trained pilots have you in safe hands, for the duration of your experience. If you’re looking to see the absolute best that El Monte has to offer, catch it all from the clouds with UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours!

UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours

Address: El Monte Airport, 4233 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte, CA 91731

Website: UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours

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12. Sante Fe Trail

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

A 19th-century transportation venue, now commemorated via a series of walkable and bikeable pathways, the Santa Fe Trail is a certified piece of American history. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as an absolute staple of authentic American history for its irreplaceable trade role in past centuries, the Sante Fe Trail, today, is a recreational opportunity that you won’t want to pass up. Originally, sections of this seamless trail stretched as far as Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, and today, part of that history is located right in El Monte, California! As the unofficial ending place of the Sante Fe Trail, El Monte plays host to a piece of vintage U.S history. Come be a witness to the past and hike along the Sante Fe Trail!

Santa Fe Trail

Address: 3675 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte, CA 91731

Website: Santa Fe Trail

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13. Mountain View Park

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

With more than 10 acres (4 hectares) of untouched nature at your fingertips, when you visit Mountain View Park in El Monte, California, you’re sure to find many an opportunity to experience the wild, at its fullest. Featuring a community center building with the capacity to host events, as well as an auditorium and onsite kitchen, whatever your public function, Mountain View Park can handle it. The family-friendly location also features a play structure for children and is bordered by the shade of massive surrounding trees. To host an event, experience the outdoors’ effect on relaxation, or to introduce children to the great outdoors, you’ll want to check out the opportunities at Mountain View Park!

Mountain View Park

Address: 12127 Elliott Ave, El Monte, CA 91732

Website: Mountain View Park

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14. La Historia Society Museum

This non-profit organization and local museum was formed by members of the El Monte community in order to foster interest in heritage and culture, as well as provide opportunities to those in the immediate area. La Historia Society Museum puts you into immediate contact with exhibitions that demonstrate the importance of the area’s history. This location excellently preserves the memories of the barrios, which made up much of El Monte in the 1900’s. With constantly changing exhibits, perfectly capturing the life of past times, La Historia Society Museum also recognizably does much fundraising to provide those in the local area with educational and occupational opportunities, which otherwise would not be afforded to them. Come witness authentic history and contribute to a great cause, at La Historia Society Museum!

La Historia Society Museum

Address: 3240 Tyler Ave, El Monte, CA 91731

Website: La Historia Society Museum

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15. El Monte Mall

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

Take a break from discovering the best of El Monte, with a retail vacation at the El Monte Mall! This premium retail experience provides you with unlimited access to the top brands in the region, and with affordable pricing throughout, you’re sure to find exactly what you need, no matter the need! With ample parking and cheap pricing all over the mall, you’ll satisfy your shopping needs and keep more money in your wallet!

El Monte Mall

Address: 10933 Valley Mall #200, El Monte, CA 91731

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Nature, history, excitement

Get out and explore the best that El Monte has to offer! Its unique collection of nature, history, and thrills will have you coming for the opportunity, and staying for the warm environment. Catch excitement and intrigue alike, in this California destination set to satisfy, when you select El Monte as your next affordable getaway!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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John Gallagher is a digital marketing consultant and writer from San Diego, California. When he isn't thoroughly enjoying the writing process or pretending he thoroughly enjoys the revision...Read more

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