Looking for culture, cuisine, and California sunshine? Discover San Gabriel! This historic city in the San Gabriel Valley offers a vibrant blend of Asian-American heritage, Spanish colonial history, and incredible food—all just minutes from downtown Los Angeles.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San Gabriel is spring through fall (March to November), when the weather is warm and sunny—perfect for outdoor dining, exploring cultural landmarks, and enjoying nearby parks and trails.
How to Get There
- By Car: San Gabriel is located off I-10 and I-210, about 20 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles.
- By Air: Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), both less than an hour away by car.
- By Transit: Metro buses and Metrolink trains connect San Gabriel to greater Los Angeles.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel – Modern hotel with a rooftop pool, spacious rooms, and easy access to the San Gabriel Square.
- Garden Inn San Gabriel – Affordable comfort close to restaurants and shopping centers.
- Langham Huntington Pasadena – Just a short drive away, this luxury resort offers elegance and spa experiences near the San Gabriel foothills.
Top Attractions
Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
Founded in 1771, this beautifully preserved mission showcases early California history and Spanish architecture.
Mission San Gabriel Arcangel is a Roman Catholic mission established in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra, one of 21 missions the Spanish Franciscan Order established in California. It was moved to its present beautiful Moorish-style church in 1805 and it is still active. The church, which is a famous landmark in San Gabriel, looks like a fortress with its long, narrow windows on the side wall. The church is similar to the cathedral in Cordova, Spain. Some of the most fascinating artworks in the church are The Stations of the Cross, painted by neophyte Indians. The paintings were exhibited at the World's Columbia Expedition in 1893. Next to the church is the tiny San Gabriel Archangel Cemetery, which was established in 1778, making it the oldest cemetery in Los Angeles.
428 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776, Phone: 626-457-3048
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
Located in the heart of San Gabriel’s historic neighborhood, San Gabriel Mission Playhouse aims to promote artistic programs in the community by encouraging artists, producers, and audiences. Through the playhouse, the San Gabriel Mission embraces its role as a community focal point for the arts. The playhouse hosts a range of eclectic and very popular productions and events that range from Chinese opera and Western symphonies to classical ballet, folk dances, jazz, hip hop, mariachi, and true Broadway shows. The playhouse also hosts the nation’s best children’s touring theatres, silent movie nights accompanied by a classic Wurlitzer organ, and much more.
320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776, Phone: 626-308-2865
Vincent Lugo Park
Family-friendly park known for its whimsical sea creature playgrounds and walking paths.
Vincent Lugo Park is the largest park and recreation space in San Gabriel. This beautiful and very popular park is home to La Laguna de San Gabriel or Monster Park, considered one of America's coolest kids’ playgrounds. La Laguna was created by artist Benjamin Dominguez and has 14 cement sculptures of friendly looking sea creatures poking out of the sand in the sand-filled lagoon. There are: Minnie the whale, Ozzie the octopus, Stella the starfish, and Flipper, Speedy, and Peanut – three playful dolphins. Next to Laguna is a picnic area with 10 tables and barbecues. The Sage and Oak Picnic Areas, with six tables each and barbecue grills, are available for rental. Vincent Lugo Park also offers baseball diamond, multi-purpose athletic field for youth, and the Girl Scout House.
Prospect Ave & Wells Street, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Where to Eat
Newport Seafood Restaurant
Newport Seafood Restaurant in San Gabriel is a non-traditional Chinese restaurant that brings together many Southeast Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Thai. This upscale restaurant specializes in seafood, with lobster being their house special. The restaurant is elegant and beautifully decorated with original artworks from Guangdong in China. As they enter, visitors pass by massive floor-to-ceiling tanks full of swimming crustaceans — massive lobsters and king crabs. Newport Seafood is equally popular with families for Sunday lunch at one of large communal tables, as with business partners and couples looking for a romantic dinner. There are discreet cozy nooks with banquettes along the wall. The menu is full of wonderful surprises, but their house special – spicy lobster – is a must. It is cooked in a wok with green onions, black pepper, jalapeños, and clarified butter.
518 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776, Phone: 626-289-5998
More Local Attractions
- San Gabriel Square – A bustling complex with authentic Asian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops.
- Asian Youth Center Art Gallery – Community hub for local art, culture, and youth programs.
- Nearby Pasadena – Explore museums, gardens, and shops just 10 minutes away in this charming neighboring city.
More Places to Eat
- Shanghai No. 1 Seafood Village – Elegant dim sum and Shanghai-style dishes in a lavish setting.
- Golden Deli – Beloved Vietnamese spot known for pho, egg rolls, and long lines for a reason.
- Taiwanese Cuisine Express – Casual eatery serving up bento boxes, bubble tea, and street food staples.
Local Events
- Lunar New Year Festival (February) – Celebrate with lion dances, cultural performances, food vendors, and family fun in the Mission District.
- Summer Night Concerts (June–August) – Free music and entertainment in local parks under the stars.
- Mission San Gabriel Fiesta (September) – Community celebration with food booths, rides, and historical tours of the mission grounds.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of San Gabriel, California
- Alhambra (5–10 min) – Dine along Main Street, catch a movie at the historic theater, or explore local Asian eateries.
- Pasadena (15–20 min) – Visit the Rose Bowl, stroll Old Pasadena, or explore The Huntington Library and Gardens.
- San Marino (10–15 min) – Tour elegant estates, enjoy The Huntington’s art collections, and walk tree-lined streets.
- Temple City (10 min) – Visit small local parks, enjoy quiet neighborhoods, and try classic SoCal eateries.
- Monterey Park (10–15 min) – Savor authentic Chinese cuisine, shop Asian markets, or explore community parks and plazas.
- Rosemead (10 min) – Enjoy diverse dining, local shops, and convenient access to area trails and recreation spots.
- Arcadia (15–20 min) – Spend the day at Santa Anita Park, shop at Westfield Mall, or hike in the Angeles National Forest.
- El Monte (15–20 min) – Explore local history at the El Monte Historical Museum or visit parks and regional bike trails.
- South Pasadena (20–25 min) – Stroll charming Mission Street, visit indie bookstores, or admire Craftsman-style homes.
FAQ
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What is San Gabriel, and where is it located?
- San Gabriel is a small, charming town near Los Angeles that grew around the Catholic Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.
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What is the main tourist attraction in San Gabriel?
- The Mission San Gabriel Arcángel and its beautiful 19th-century church are the main draws for tourists.
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What is the most popular outdoor space in San Gabriel?
- San Gabriel’s most popular outdoor space is Vincent Lugo Park, which is also home to La Laguna de San Gabriel, or Monster Park.
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What makes Monster Park unique?
- Monster Park features 14 sculptures of friendly monsters that kids love to play with.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
- 2. San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
- 3. Vincent Lugo Park
- 4. Newport Seafood Restaurant