San Gabriel, California

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

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 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

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