Where to Go in Azusa, California

The Bridge to Nowhere is an interesting and unique attraction in Azusa, California that attracts hikers and thrill seekers from all over. The arch bridge was built in 1936 during a road project which was meant to connect Wrightwood with the San Gabriel Valley. Spanning over the San Gabriel River, the project was soon abandoned due to several floods that washed out the area; the bridge continues to remain stranded in what is now the middle of Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The bridge is only accessible via a ten-mile round-trip hike that can get pretty rough in certain places. Once you get there, you’ll be able to go bungee jumping off the bridge with Bungee America, a private company that offers the experience on weekends.

Having worked with notable companies such as NASA and Walt Disney, Bungee America gives you the opportunity to jump off of Azusa’s very own Bridge to Nowhere. Your experience will include a drive into the historic San Gabriel Canyon, a two-hour-long, five-mile hike (one way) to the bridge, a 30-minute training on techniques and safety, and of course, an action-packed jump off the bridge over the San Gabriel River. There’re also opportunities for photography and swimming in the river before your hike back to the trailhead. Additional amenities include a sun canopy, water filtration system for drinking water, and bathrooms at the bridge.

Azusa, CA 91702, Phone: 310-322-8892

Located within Angeles National Forest, Crystal Lake is the only naturally occurring lake in the breathtakingly beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. The recreation area at the lake includes 16 hiking and nature trails, a large public campground that has over 100 campsites, an open-air amphitheater, a general store, a cafe filled with snacks and drinks, and a United States Forest Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has many amenities such as printed maps of the trails, and the experienced volunteers and staff there are more than happy to answer any questions you may have before you go on your adventure.

San Gabriel Mountains was designated as a national monument fairly recently in 2014 by former U.S. president Barack Obama. The mountains are a part of the Angeles National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest and spans over 345,000 acres. During your trip there you’ll be able see and do so much; they have an observatory that lets you see the expanse of cosmos, many sites which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as several archaeological sites with rock art which provide a glimpse into ancient civilizations. Other aspects include thousands of miles of hiking trails, several streams, and many outdoor recreation activities such as camping and horseback riding.

Canyon City Barbeque started long before the physical location opened in 2003 as they were the prized participants of BBQ cook-offs all over the United States. Once the restaurant opened, they gained a steady flow of customers who believe, hands-down, that Canyon City offers the best barbecue they’ve ever tasted. All their meats are specially seasoned, slow cooked, and smothered in their very own house sauces. During your visit there be sure to try the beef brisket, slow smoked pulled pork, and the beef ribs. If you’re unsure on what to get, go for the sampler plate which has a portion of the beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, pork ribs, and Kielbasa sausages.

347 N. San Gabriel Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702, Phone: 626-815-4227

La Tolteca opened in 1948 as a corn tortilla manufacturer who provided the delicious breads to local restaurants, stores, and neighborhood residents. They soon expanded into a deli and then a full-service restaurant to meet the demands of their diners. You’re guaranteed to have exquisite and authentic Mexican food made with the finest quality ingredients and with recipes that have been passed down the Arrietta family for generations. Be sure to try their incomparable carne asada burrito which is served wet or dry, their flautas topped with homestyle guacamole, and the shrimp compuesta which comes in a tortilla bowl and is topped with beans and cheese.

429 N. Azusa Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702, Phone: 626-334-0302