'''Monterey Park''' is in the San Gabriel Valley of California.

Get in

Monterey Park is located about 8 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles and is most easily accessible by car via the 10, 60 or 710 freeways.

Get around

Monterey Park has its own citywide bus system called the '''SPIRIT'''. Local area school kids affectionately dub it "the trolley".

See

Known as "Little Taipei" in the 1980's, Downtown Monterey Park (along Garvey Avenue) contains many Chinese businesses and restaurants. These authentic restaurants are often viewed as Monterey Park's biggest claim to fame. Like South Bay area in relation to Little Tokyo, Monterey Park and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley area (plus Rowland Heights further east on the 60 freeway) is the new residential heart of the Chinese community in Los Angeles.

While ethnic Chinese represents more than half of the city's population, incredible diversity exists in the city. Monterey Park is home to families who trace their roots to places as different as Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Monterey Park - Asian-American friendly, All-American, and 100% Angeleno!

Do

go to one of the many parks in Monterey Park for a picnic or to play. '''Barnes Park''' is the main park in the center of the city where many of the big events, like the 4th of July Celebration and May Days are held.

Cultural Celebrations

'''Chinese New Year Festival'''[http://www.floralstreetfair.org/] - usually takes place around January or February, depending on when the Chinese New Year falls for that year.

'''Cherry Blossom Festival''' [http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=812]a Japanese and Japanese American cultural festival that usually takes place in April in Barnes Park

'''Cinco de Mayo Celebration''' [http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=813]around May 5 in Barnes Park. The day features a wide variety of entertainers, including Folklorico Dancers, Mariachis, and other traditional Mexican music.

'''Harmony Festival''' [http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=815] held in the fall

Buy

  • Asian snacks, groceries from Taiwan, Hong Kong and China can be found at '''Hong Kong Supermarket''' on Garfield Avenue, the Taiwanese-American chain '''99 Ranch Market''' at the intersection of Garvey and Atlantic, or '''Shun Fat''' on Atlantic, across from Atlantic Times Square.
  • Chinese knick-knacks from '''Tak Shing Hong''' on Garvey Avenue is recommended for browsing.

    Tea, Tea sets, bowls and ceramics, Chinese herbs and ginseng of excellent quality can be found at '''Wing Hop Fung''' in the strip mall at the intersection of Garvey and Atlantic (in the same plaza as 99 Ranch Market)

    Asian style pastries and other baked goods from the many bakeries around town (try the mango cake).

    Eat

    This is the San Gabriel Valley, which in Monterey Park primarily means: delicious, authentic Asian food.

  • '''Shaka's Restaurant''' 2300 Garfield Ave. #D Monterey Park, CA 91754 Hawaiian restaurant and kind of like "The Max" for Mark Keppel High School students.
  • Other recommended restaurants include '''Mandarin Noodle House''' at the intersection of Garvey and Chandler, Zagat rated; '''501''' (it's real name is '''Gourmet Delight''' but '''501''' is what me and my friends call it) located at 501 S. Atlantic; '''Empress Harbor''' for dim-sum (Atlantic and Garvey); '''JJ's Cafe''' is a Monterey Park classic, old school Hong Kong style San Gabriel Valley cafe located at Garvey and Ynez. Have not personally been, but have had '''Hong Kong Cafe''' on Garvey and '''Victory French Restaurant''' on Garvey, and '''Bollini's''' on Garfield recommended to me. '''Osho Sushi''' on Chandler Avenue is gorgeous inside, with authentic and super fresh sushi. '''Sushi Sai''' on Atlantic holds a special place in my heart (my Japanese friend recommends their salmon skin salad).

    Drink

    Two words: '''Ten Ren'''. Super famous tea shop in Taiwan. Their Monterey Park branch is located across the street from Bank of America close to the intersection of Garvey and Garfield. Everything is good and made to order, so you can specify less sugar, extra ice, etc.

    '''Beard Papa''' along Atlantic Blvd and Garvey is great for freshly made cream puffs. Highly recommend those cream puffs but also the drinks, with great tea and coffee options, and you can add tapioca balls

    Sleep

  • Hotel Pacific - Monterey, California. 00 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940. 31-373-5700. ttp://www.hotelpacific.com. Hotel Pacific is a luxurious Monterey, CA hotel offering luxury accommodations, all-suite rooms, fireplaces, complimentary continental breakfast, high-speed Internet, superior amenities, and a downtown location near top area attractions.
  • Best Western Monterey Park Inn. 20 N Atlantic Boulevard. 1 626 289-5090. 1 626 281-6499. ttp://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=05285.

    Get out