Every year on June 26, we celebrate the San Gabriel Valley and the communities connected by the 626 area code. This year is especially memorable because the calendar only aligns as 6/26/26 once.

To mark the occasion, we asked the ActiveSGV team to share some of their favorite places across the San Gabriel Valley. The recommendations range from beloved community landmarks and neighborhood restaurants to hidden trails, local bookstores, and parks that have become part of our daily lives. Together, they offer a snapshot of the people, cultures, and places that make the SGV unique.

The San Gabriel Valley is one of the most diverse regions in the country. Within a few miles, you can experience cuisines, languages, traditions, and landscapes from around the world. It's also a place best explored at a slower pace. Many of the destinations on this list can be reached by walking, biking, rolling, or public transit, creating opportunities to connect with local communities along the way.

Whether you're looking for a new lunch spot, a weekend adventure, a scenic trail, or a hidden gem you've never noticed before, we hope this list inspires you to celebrate the 626 and explore somewhere new.

Here are some of the places we love throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

Alhambra

Whether you're stopping for pastries at Little Swan Bakery, enjoying a meal at Yang's Kitchen, or spending an afternoon at Almansor Park, Alhambra offers plenty of reasons to stay awhile. Team favorites also include Mancora Peruvian Cuisine, Pho Super Bowl, the classic lanes at Alhambra Valley Bowl, and a stop at Savoy for baked goods and snacks.

Arcadia

Arcadia combines nature, shopping, and local history. Staff recommendations include exploring the grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, browsing for treasures at Savers, enjoying ramen at Tekosu, and visiting Clocker's Corner at the historic Santa Anita Park. Don't miss Peck Road Park's Emerald Necklace trail connection.

Azusa

Gateway to the mountains, Azusa is known for outdoor adventure and community gathering spaces. Favorites include exploring Azusa Canyon, grabbing coffee at Pressed + Flowers Cafe, and visiting Cafe Cultura.

Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park is home to both local favorites and a piece of California history. Grab a coffee at Mas Cafecito, take a stroll through Walnut Creek Nature Park, and don't forget that the original In-N-Out location got its start right here.

Bradbury

Sometimes the best recommendation is the simplest one. In Bradbury, one staff member's favorite tradition is saying hello to the security guard at the front gate. 

Claremont

Spend a morning exploring the trails and native plants at the California Botanic Garden, then recharge with a meal at Daddy Ji Finest Indian Cuisine. Claremont offers a mix of nature, culture, and great food all within a walkable setting.

Covina

Covina's recommendations range from longtime favorites to unexpected finds. Enjoy a meal at Fonda Don Chon, spend time at Covina Park, browse Ikea, or check out Full Circle Kitchen and Sound for coffee, music, and community.

El Monte

El Monte is full of places that bring people together. The Jeff Seymour Family Center offers a bike park, a walking loop, and native-plant landscaping that make it a favorite local destination. Staff also highlighted Heroes Park, Cha Cafe, Ajos y Cebollas, and the Matilija Lending Library as places worth visiting.

Glendora

Whether you're grabbing a bite at Glendora Public Market, stopping by The Donut Man, exploring Rubel Castle, or hiking the South Hills Wilderness Trail, Glendora offers a little something for everyone.

City of Industry

The City of Industry might be known for warehouses and business parks, but staff recommendations reveal a different side of the city. Catch a movie under the stars at the Vineland Drive-In, hunt for treasures at the Vineland Swap Meet, or spend a day outdoors at Schabarum Park.

Irwindale

For a quieter outdoor experience, visit the Santa Fe Dam Native Gardens and enjoy one of the region's hidden pockets of habitat and open space.

La Cañada Flintridge

Nature lovers recommended exploring Cherry Canyon and spending time among the Ancient Forest and Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens.

La Puente

La Puente's food scene earned plenty of praise. Staff favorites include Feathered Serpent, Domestic BBQ, Caramelo Cafe, Chris's Burgers, Taco Nazo, and Ostioneria Colima. The Vineland Swap Meet also received another shoutout as a favorite weekend destination.

Monrovia

Downtown Monrovia continues to be one of the most beloved gathering places in the SGV. Explore Old Town, visit the weekly Street Fair, stop by the library, enjoy a coffee at Cafe de Olla, grab a bite at Yi Mei, or head into the hills via the Monrovia Hillside Preserve.

Montebello

Grab a meal at BLVD Market and explore a stretch of the Rio Hondo River Trail. Montebello offers easy access to both great food and active transportation routes.

Monterey Park

Some of Monterey Park's most beloved destinations are the ones that have served generations of residents. Staff recommendations include Mama Lu's Dumpling House, Banh Mi Hoa Phat, Jim's Bakery, Barnes Park, and even a visit to Divine's Furniture, a longtime local business with plenty of character.

Pasadena

Pasadena earned one of the longest recommendation lists, and for good reason. Staff highlighted Arlington Garden, the Rose Bowl Loop, Vroman's Bookstore, Octavia's Bookshelf, Kidspace Children's Museum, The Gamble House, Pasadena City Hall, and the Gabrielino Trail. Food favorites included Roma Market's famous sandwich, Connal's, Super Burger, Amara Cafe, and Loli Farms. Other recommendations included Pirate Park, the La Pintoresca splash pad, Neo Retro Arcade, Regency Academy Cinemas, Playhouse Village, Old Pasadena, South Lake Avenue, and the Arroyo Seco.

Pomona

Pomona's creative spirit shines through recommendations like the Pomona Art Walk, Cafe con Libros, Mi Cafecito, Lopez Urban Farm, and live music at The Glass House.

Rosemead

Rosemead staff favorites include Acai Joint, Da Vien Coffee, Banh Mi My Tho, Pho Pasteur, Summer Rolls, and the local skate park.

San Dimas

Spend a day outdoors at Bonelli Park or visit the Pacific Railroad Museum to learn a little local history and grab a bite at Rail Side Cafe. 

San Gabriel

No city received more food recommendations than San Gabriel. Favorites included Golden Deli, Yama Seafood, A Ri Rang Tofu House, Chong Qing Special Noodles, HK Macau Bistro, Bhanu Indian Cuisine & Market, Punjab Indian Market & Cuisine, Claro's Italian Market, El Pavo Bakery, Half & Half, and La Olla Cocina inside Blossom Market. Staff also recommended visiting Vincent Lugo Park, better known to many families as Dinosaur Park, the Grapevine Arbor, and Ogopogo Brewing.

San Marino

Spend an afternoon exploring The Huntington, especially the Chinese and Japanese gardens, relax at Lacy Park, visit the historic Old Mill, grab a coffee from Chapresso, or explore the small businesses along Mission Street.

Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre earned recommendations for its quieter side. Visit the historic cemetery and its beautiful heritage oak trees, then stop by Arnold's Hardware, a local institution that has served the community for generations.

South El Monte

South El Monte's recommendations highlight both recreation and community gathering spaces. Explore the Merced Avenue Greenway, visit Legg Lake, enjoy Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, grab a meal from Taco Nazo or Lolita's Fast Food, and check out the South El Monte Night Market.

South Pasadena

Staff favorites included Lower Arroyo Park, the South Pasadena Skate Park, Radhika Modern Indian, La Monarca Bakery, and the weekly South Pasadena Farmers Market.

Temple City

Families recommended Live Oak Park's playground, while food favorites included Alice's Kitchen, Happy Buddha Kitchen, and Dia Ho Restaurant.

Walnut

For a refreshing drink and a local hangout spot, the staff recommended GOOMO Tea Shop.

West Covina

West Covina favorites included Porto's Bakery and Namu Kitchen, as well as Haven City Market, STKR Store, and Thumbling.

The San Gabriel Mountains

The San Gabriel Valley wouldn't be complete without the mountains that rise above it. Home to Gabe the Sasquatch, recommendations included the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Chantry Flat, Adams Pack Station, Mount Wilson Observatory, Mount Baldy, the West Fork Scenic Bike Path, the closed section of Highway 39, and the legendary Bridge to Nowhere. 

Pick Your Own 626 Adventure

The best part about this list is that there's no wrong way to celebrate 626 Day.

Maybe that means grabbing a sandwich from a neighborhood shop you've never visited before. Maybe it's taking the train to a new city, biking a section of river trail, exploring a local park, or finally checking out a place you've heard friends talk about for years.

You could spend the morning hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains, stop for lunch in San Gabriel or Monterey Park, browse a bookstore in Pasadena, and end the evening at a night market, brewery, or drive-in movie. Few places offer the variety of experiences packed into such a connected region.

On 6/26/26, we encourage you to choose a destination from this list, leave the car behind if you can, and experience the people, cultures, and places that make the San Gabriel Valley so special.

This list represents only a small sample of the places that make the San Gabriel Valley unique. Every neighborhood has its own stories, traditions, gathering spaces, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Thank you to the ActiveSGV staff who shared their favorite spots, and thank you to the community members, small businesses, parks, libraries, and local organizations that help make the 626 such a vibrant place to call home.

Happy 626 Day from all of us at ActiveSGV. 🚲💚