West Covina Travel Guide
Discover the best attractions, things to do, and tips for visiting West Covina, located in San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to West Covina
- List of Places to Visit in West Covina
- Hiking/Biking Routes of West Covina
- Best Things to Do in West Covina: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for West Covina
- Food and Drink Scene of West Covina
- Where to Stay in West Covina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in West Covina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of West Covina
- Best Time to Visit West Covina
- Do’s and Don’ts of West Covina
- Safety and Health
- Getting to West Covina: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in West Covina
- Where to Go Next from West Covina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to West Covina
Located in the heart of San Gabriel Valley in Southern California, West Covina is a vibrant and culturally rich city that promises visitors an exciting and unforgettable experience. With its mix of natural beauty and urban development, West Covina offers a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
List of Places to Visit in West Covina
Here is a list of some of the must-visit places in West Covina:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Hurst Ranch Historical Center: The Hurst Ranch is a living history museum that offers visitors a glimpse of what life was like in the San Gabriel Valley during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Galster Wilderness Park: This beautiful park is home to several hiking trails, including the Galster Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Valley.
- Big League Dreams: This unique park allows visitors to play on replicas of famous baseball stadiums, such as Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.
Natural Attractions of West Covina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- South Hills Park: This park is home to several hiking trails and offers visitors stunning views of the San Gabriel Valley.
- Sunset Hills Memorial Park: This peaceful park is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Southern California scenery.
- Raging Waters: This water park offers visitors a variety of water slides, wave pools, and other attractions.
Hiking/Biking Routes of West Covina
West Covina is home to several beautiful hiking and biking trails, including the Galster Loop Trail, the Walnut Creek Trail, and the Big Dalton Canyon Trail.
Best Things to Do in West Covina: Activities and Tours
- West Covina Farmers Market: This lively outdoor market takes place every Saturday and offers a variety of fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Edwards West Covina Stadium 18: This modern movie theater offers visitors a chance to catch the latest blockbuster films.
- Paint and Sip Studio: This creative studio offers visitors a chance to learn how to paint while sipping on their favorite beverages.
Week-Long Itinerary for West Covina
Day 1: Start your trip by visiting the Hurst Ranch Historical Center.
Day 2: Take a hike in the beautiful South Hills Park.
Day 3: Spend the day at Raging Waters water park.
Day 4: Explore the Galster Wilderness Park and take the Galster Loop Trail for some stunning views.
Day 5: Play a game of baseball at Big League Dreams.
Day 6: Visit the West Covina Farmers Market and get a taste of local produce and artisanal goods.
Day 7: Unwind and relax at Sunset Hills Memorial Park.
Food and Drink Scene of West Covina
Must-Try Dishes
- Bahn Mi My Tho: This Vietnamese restaurant is known for its delicious and authentic banh mi sandwiches.
- Tacos Ensenada: This Mexican restaurant offers some of the best fish tacos in the San Gabriel Valley.
- New York Pizzeria: This pizzeria offers New York-style pizza that will satisfy any craving.
Local Beverages
- Woodstone Marketplace: This specialty food store offers a variety of local and imported beers and wines.
- Starbucks: With several locations throughout the city, Starbucks is a great place to grab your morning coffee or a refreshing iced tea.
Where to Stay in West Covina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Some great accommodation options in West Covina include:
- Hampton Inn Los Angeles/West Covina: This modern hotel offers guests a comfortable stay with a variety of amenities.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Baldwin Park: This hotel is located only a few minutes away from West Covina and offers visitors easy access to several nearby attractions.
- Best Western Plus West Covina Inn: This hotel features an outdoor pool and free breakfast for guests.
What to Buy in West Covina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- San Gabriel Valley Tribune: Pick up a copy of the local newspaper for a keepsake of your visit.
- From the Earth: This unique store offers a variety of handcrafted ceramics and other artisanal goods.
- Five Star Beauty Supply: This beauty supply store offers a variety of beauty products and hair accessories that make great souvenirs.
Local Culture and Customs of West Covina
West Covina is a diverse and welcoming community that values family and community. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including showing respect for elders and celebrating diversity.
Best Time to Visit West Covina
The best time to visit West Covina is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. Summers in West Covina can be hot and crowded, while winters can be rainy and cold.
Do’s and Don’ts of West Covina
Do:
- Do visit the local parks and hiking trails for some beautiful scenery.
- Do try the local cuisine, including Mexican and Vietnamese food.
- Do embrace the local culture and customs.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or disrespect the environment.
- Don’t be disrespectful of local customs and traditions.
- Don’t forget to tip your waitstaff and service workers.
Safety and Health
Safety in West Covina
West Covina is a safe city, but visitors should take the usual precautions when traveling, such as locking their car doors and not leaving valuables in plain sight.
Health in West Covina
Visitors should take precautions to protect themselves from the sun and heat, especially during the summer months. It is also important to carry any necessary medication with you.
Getting to West Covina: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near West Covina
The nearest airport to West Covina is Los Angeles International Airport, which is located about 45 minutes away by car.
Bus Stations Near West Covina
Greyhound bus stations are located nearby in Los Angeles and San Bernardino.
Other Options
Visitors can also rent a car or use rideshare services to get to West Covina.
How to Get Around in West Covina
Because West Covina is a relatively small city, the best way to get around is by car. Visitors can also use rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, to get around.
Where to Go Next from West Covina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Some great nearby destinations and excursions include:
- Los Angeles: Only a short drive away, Los Angeles offers visitors a variety of attractions, including museums, theme parks, and iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign.
- San Gabriel Valley: This beautiful area is home to several parks and hiking trails, as well as the historic Mission San Gabriel Archangel.
- Palm Springs: Known for its beautiful weather and stunning scenery, Palm Springs is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Conclusion
West Covina is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers visitors a mix of natural beauty and urban development. With its wide range of attractions, activities, and cultural experiences, West Covina is the perfect destination for a Southern California getaway.
