El Monte

Tourist places in El Monte, El Monte Travel Info

El Monte City Overview

El Monte is a city in Los Angeles County, California, located in the San Gabriel Valley. Historically known as "The End of the Santa Fe Trail," it has a rich pioneer history. Today, it is a diverse residential and commercial city.

Location and Climate

El Monte is situated east of Los Angeles. It lies between the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers. The city has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. It is a dense urban area within the Greater Los Angeles metropolis.

Best Time to Visit

El Monte can be visited year-round. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer days can be hot, while winter brings occasional rain. The city is a convenient base for exploring the San Gabriel Valley.

Best Ways to Get Around

A car is the primary mode of transport. The city is served by the El Monte Station, a major bus transit hub for Metro, Foothill Transit, and Greyhound, making it a key transportation center for the San Gabriel Valley. The Metrolink San Bernardino Line also stops here.

Top 5 Things to Do

  1. Visit the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area: Explore this large park offering lakes for fishing and boating, hiking trails, a shooting range, and picnic areas.
  2. See the Santa Fe Trail Historical Park: Learn about the history of the Santa Fe Trail and the early settlers of El Monte at this small park and museum.
  3. Shop at the Valley Mall: Stroll through this downtown shopping district featuring a variety of local shops and businesses.
  4. Visit the American Military Museum: View a large collection of tanks, jeeps, and military vehicles at this outdoor museum (located in nearby South El Monte).
  5. Enjoy Nature at the Peck Road Water Conservation Park: Walk or bike around the lake and enjoy a quiet escape in the middle of the city.