Founded by Spanish missionaries in 1771, San Gabriel lies north-east of Los Angeles. It was originally inhabited by the Tongva people, who named the area “Shevaa”. San Gabriel is sometimes referred to as the “Birthplace of the Los Angeles region” due to the important role it played in the development of the city.
Things to do in San Gabriel
In the heart of the city is the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, which was founded by Franciscan Spaniards in 1771. It was designed by Antonio Cruzado with capped buttresses and tall, narrow windows, making it unique among the California missions. Visit the restored mission-era kitchen and stroll through the tranquil grounds, which are dotted with objects from San Gabriel’s past.
On the edge of San Gabriel is the Alhambra Golf Course, which offers 18 holes that are designed for a fun and relaxed experience. You can practice your swing on the double-decker driving range or develop your short-range game on the putting and chipping greens. In addition to a well-stocked pro shop, there’s an on-site grill that serves hearty meals.
San Gabriel makes an excellent base for visiting the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, which boasts an impressive collection of European and American art. Stroll through the tranquil Japanese Garden and admire the drought-tolerant species in the Desert Garden before experiencing the largest Chinese garden outside of China, Liu Fang Yuan. Also nearby is the Los Angeles County Arboretum where summer concerts are held.
Getting around San Gabriel
San Gabriel is 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Los Angeles and 45 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to San Gabriel while renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.