Monterey Park, CA Road Trips

Known as "Little Taipei" in the 1980s, 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!

1 Barnes Park, 350 S Mc Pherrin Ave (1½ block south of Garvey, just west of Garfield. I-10 exit Garfield). The main park in the center of the city where many of the big events, like the 4th of July Celebration, Cherry Blossom Festival and May Days are held. Chinese New Year Festival. Usually takes place around January or February, depending on when the Chinese New Year falls for that year. 2 Cherry Blossom Festival, Barnes Park, 350 S Mc Pherrin Ave. A Japanese and Japanese American cultural festival that usually takes place in April in Barnes Park. Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Around May 5 in Barnes Park. The day features a wide variety of entertainers, including Folklorico Dancers, Mariachis, and other traditional Mexican music.

This is the San Gabriel Valley, which in Monterey Park primarily means: delicious, authentic Asian food. Asian style pastries and other baked goods from the many bakeries around town (try the mango cake). Mandarin Noodle House (At the intersection of Garvey and Chandler). JJ's Cafe (Garvey and Ynez). A Monterey Park classic, old school Hong Kong-style cafe. Sushi Sai, Atlantic. Recommended for their salmon skin salad. Daikokuya Monterey Park, 111 Atlantic Blvd #241. Japanese ramen house. +1 626-570-1930

Beard Papa (Atlantic Blvd and Garvey). 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

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.

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