1. Monrovia Historical Museum

    1. Monrovia Historical Museum

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    Monrovia, CA

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    Monrovia Historical Museum

    4.3 (15 reviews)
    Closed 1:00 pm - 4:00 PM

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    Michael T.

    There are supposedly more museums in the US than Starbucks. I'd like to believe that's true, and if one really dives in and explores... it's not that hard to believe. We're always on the hunt to visit new museums and this week brought us to the Monrovia Historical Museum. For a FREE local history museum, they do a great job! This used to be the Monrovia Municipal Pool since WAY back, and when the pool grew too expensive to keep up, rather than destroy the building, they turned it into a museum! There are two wings, which were the women's and men's locker rooms respectively. There are all kinds of exhibits and rooms that show what houses, clothing, storefronts, music rooms, schools and more used to look like. One wing is more devoted to Monrovia history. The other currently has a WW1 exhibit and has a permanent Natural History collection that was donated by the owner when he passed. Even the old wooden boxes that store the items are cool as they are from the 1930s and were made to house the exhibit you're looking at! The telephone exhibit is especially cool. We had our five year old with us and they do have things kids can do. He liked dressing up as a policeman in the police exhibit. You can play with the phones in the telephone exhibit. There are a couple of cool touch boxes in the natural history collection... and even a desk set up where kids can color and play with Lincoln Logs. If you live in LA and are looking for a little day trip... I'd recommend planning a day trip and adding this to your list! You can visit the nearby downtown area by Liberty Park where there ALWAYS seems to be a festival of some sorts going on. There are cuts shops, restaurants and even a very cool antique store. Take a picture with the nearby Mark Twain statue on a bench in the park! Back to the museum... hedge expectations... this isn't Kidspace or The Natural History Museum or Discovery Cube... this is one of hundreds of small local museums... but they do a GREAT job! Visit!

    Great place for local history!

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    Ask the Community - Monrovia Historical Museum

    Review Highlights - Monrovia Historical Museum

    It is fitting then that a city who has been witness to the evolution of the San Gabriel Valley should have a museum that showcases this history.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon

    Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon

    4.7
    (192 reviews)
    8.8 mi

    Long and difficult hike but worth the view! About 10 miles…read moreround trip from Cobb Estate. Bring a hat, lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and BUG SPRAY. Me and my husband started around 7:30am and finished the whole hike around 1pm at a steady pace with about an hour break when we got to Inspiration Point. The hike from Cobb Estate to Echo Mountain was a breeze for us, but the hike from there to Inspiration was a whole other story. I recommend wearing long pants as the second half of the hiking path isn't as clear and pretty narrow on some parts. We took our time and treaded lightly but still got some minor scratches on our legs from all of the branches and leaves. My husband started getting irritated from walking into all of the spider webs lol. Not sure if the actual hike was 2 miles from Echo Mountain because it felt so much longer than that. We started getting really tired near the end from all the incline. We almost gave up until my husband saw the view of Inspiration Point. Once we got there, the views made it all worth it! Would we do it again? Maaaaaybe lol.

    Updated review: I've been to Inspiration Point twice now, most recently after the great Los Angeles…read more"blizzard" of early 2023. And how super intense and cool (figuratively and literally) it was! Total about 10mi from the top of Lake - Echo Mountain - Castle Canyon trail - Inspiration Point - Sam Merrill trail - Echo Mountain and back down to Lake. DEFINITELY a strenuous hike and would highly recommend hiking poles, sunscreen, water, and snacks! The view is incredible, especially with tons of fresh snow everywhere. Hiked this early March 2023 and the Castle Canyon trail leading off from Echo Mountain (a decent hike in its own right) is pretty challenging, if not a bit brutal in some areas: slippery snow, downed trees and bushes blocking the path, and a heavy incline. Again, highly recommend poles. Once at Inspiration Point the view is phenomenal. The Pacific Ocean, Palos Verdes, Catalina Island, and even Anaheim and Irvine are all visible from the top, and downtown LA too of course. Lots of picnic benches and photo-op-worthy view finders for major Southern California sites. Gorgeous San Gabriel mountains in the background. The Sam Merrill trail leading down the backside of the mountain (and then curving back around to the south/west) is much more tame (but still a bit precarious with 2+ feet of snow) and very sun-exposed all the way back to Echo Mountain. All in all probably one of the more butt-kicking Los Angeles hike. Takes about 4-5hrs round trip depending on your pace.

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    Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon
    Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon
    Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon

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    Queen Anne Cottage & Coach Barn

    Queen Anne Cottage & Coach Barn

    4.9
    (8 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    I've been an active member of the LA County arboretum for years and FINALLY got to explore the…read moreinterior of the Queen Anne cottage this holiday season (2025)! The inside is as beautiful as the outside and full of local history. The guides were thoroughly knowledgeable and enthusiastic in discussing the details as we meandered through the cottage - and I especially loved that they were dressed in Victorian era clothing! Elias Jackson Baldwin (aka Lucky Baldwin) was a very prominent figure in this area in the late 1800s. He owned over 13,000 acres here - land that included the present day cities of Arcadia, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Pasadena and San Marino. I always enjoy hearing about history involving Lucky Baldwin because he still technically has an easement on our property and his name is on the title to our house haha! He built this cottage and coach barn in the late 1870s for his 4th wife but apparently they split up not long after they were married so he turned it into a memorial for his 3rd wife who had passed away (drama drama lol). It was then used as a guest house for visitors to the ranch. The cottage is quite opulent with ornate fireplaces, ceilings, and chandeliers, as well as some of the most intricate and colorful stained glass window pieces I've ever seen! I absolutely loved them! They are all original to the house - as well as all the beautiful tile accents in the floors and around the fireplaces. There's some original redwood paneling in the bathroom that you'll also find in the coach barn which is gorgeous and in excellent condition. Unfortunately, Baldwin's daughter who inherited the house after his passing, threw out all their furniture and belongings. So all the other items you see are not original to the house - but are still period appropriate antiques belonging to the era. I believe they do suggest children not do the tour as there are many fragile items in cramped spaces so be aware. The tours are pretty brief as you can only explore the downstairs rooms and there aren't that many - the receiving room/entryway, the music/entertainment room, a small hallway room, a bedroom, bathroom, and the library with butlers pantry. But still definitely worth a visit! The stained glass windows in the library have portraits of Shakespeare and Lord Byron in the glass - those alone are worth going on the tour if you ask me! Several movies and TV shows have been filmed in parts of the cottage as well (of course) - such as Fantasy Island (from the 70s) and even an episode of American Horror Story! The coach barn is always open during garden open hours, but the cottage has been closed as long as I've been visiting (over 5 years now). So when I saw the member email saying they were offering tours, I jumped on it lol! The tours aren't available very often from what I read. So far, they've only offered the tours on weekends during the holiday season starting in November this year and it looks like they are sold out online for the rest of the season. But when I visited, they were offering tickets for tours on site so you may still be able to tour. There are staff in a blue tent outside the cottage to ask when you arrive. Online tickets do include entry into the garden as well, which is worth exploring in its own right - would make for a great day out! If you're at all into Victorian era architecture and culture and the local history, I'd suggest signing up for the arboretum newsletter and keep an eye out for when they offer tours of the cottage.

    I have been a member of the LA Arboretum in Arcadia for several years now. There is so much to see…read moreat this garden. I'm sure I haven't seen every cranny of this place as of yet LOL. Never once did I checked out the Queen Anne Cottage, Coach Barn, and Adobe until most recently. The cottage, barn, and adobe are located along side and/or around Baldwin Lake. Cottage was not open for tours at the time so I wasn't able to go inside. I admired its beauty from the outside and walked around its serene and calming perimeter. I did take a peek inside through its windows and snapped a few photos. Funny, I was actually hesitant to take photos of its inside... wasn't sure if an alarm was going to sound off LOL. Whew, no alarm! One thing I found peculiar is how small the bed is. It's not even the size of a full size bed... I think it's in between a twin and full size IMHO. Anyway, I read the cottage didn't even have a kitchen so the meals were prepared at the adobe. I walked around the abode, but didn't peek inside for some reason. I may have the courage to do so next time LOL. I also got a chance to walk inside and through the coach barn. Saw some displays of antique carriage and stuff. There were a few horse stalls. I didn't walk towards them for some reason. I guess the energy didn't call for it at the moment. Maybe I will next time. Be brave Linh! LOL Definitely, a lot of history surrounding the cottage, coach barn, and adobe. If you haven't been at the LA Arboretum or have been and just haven't seen the cottage, barn, and adobe, it's time to make it happen! Go get your cool morning stroll or a sunny afternoon walk or just an evening sit around visit!! I'll see you here...

    Photos
    The reception/entry room on the tour inside the Queen Anne Cottage! (Holiday season 2025)
    The reception/entry room on the tour inside the Queen Anne Cottage! (Holiday season 2025)
    Loved the antique typewriter in library room on the tour inside the Queen Anne Cottage! (Holiday season 2025)
    Loved the antique typewriter in library room on the tour inside the Queen Anne Cottage! (Holiday season 2025)
    Loved this unique chandelier on the tour inside the Queen Anne Cottage! (Holiday season 2025)

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    Loved this unique chandelier on the tour inside the Queen Anne Cottage! (Holiday season 2025)
    The Original In-N-Out Burger Museum

    The Original In-N-Out Burger Museum

    4.9
    (36 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    Love me some In N Out! Double double for the win! It all started from somewhere and this was…read moreit.... Sort of. A replica of the original, but very much serves the purpose. Couldn't imagine this amazing institution started from a small outhouse size building in San Gabriel, CA. The museum has limited open times (Thu-Sun 11a-2p). If you're a fan of In N Out, you really need to check this out! Keep on Yelp'n!

    This spot has been on my radar for a while, and I was really looking forward to visiting. We…read morefinally made it out that way and decided to stop in. Overall, it was a bit underwhelming, to be honest. It was cool to take photos in front of the old shop and explore inside, but there aren't many activities. I understand that from a liability standpoint, they likely want to limit interactive displays, but it left the experience feeling a bit limited. If you're a history buff, this spot is worth a visit just to chat with the staff member, Kenny. He is incredibly knowledgeable, personable, and clearly passionate about the brand's history. I would have loved to talk with him even longer, but he was busy engaging with other guests during my visit. I recommend grabbing burgers from the nearby working location and then coming here for a picnic to take in the sights. I truly appreciate when companies preserve their history like this so future generations can experience it.

    Photos
    6-29-23
    6-29-23
    Street sign
    Street sign
    Hanging out with Kenny, museum docent/ In N Out employee

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    Hanging out with Kenny, museum docent/ In N Out employee
    Neptune Fountain

    Neptune Fountain

    4.9
    (15 reviews)
    33.2 mi

    Wow! A beautiful and intriguing fountain in the middle of a small parking lot…read more The mermaids are in a peculiar stance and doing special things with their hands. Don't remember too much of those poses/statues in high school history classes.

    Dec. 2011 review update:…read more I'm obsessed with this fountain. I might need an intervention. I'm in Malaga Cove Plaza every couple days: post office, market, coffee shop, cafes, gift shop, newspapers....recently I was there to get my hair done. I got to Malaga 40 min early so I could check out fountain photo ops. I was almost late for my appt.. Two hours later, hair cut & colored, I'm back at the fountain waiting for sunset. I was freezing. I was hungry. Should've gone potty before I left the salon but was in a hurry to get back to the fountain....(TMI, apologies). Sometimes in the plaza I avoid looking at the fountain. Resist. Don't take that first pic, you'll be hooked. A couple times they shut off the fountain's water & I felt a sense of panic. Withdrawal symptoms. I never check-in here. People will get wise. She's at the fountain again. Complete transparency: I haven't posted all the pics I've taken, not even close. It's embarrassing. This has been going on for 8 years. I'm exhausted. That Beach Boys song, "Help Me Rhonda", plays in my head but I altered the words: Help me Neptune Help, help me Neptune Help me get him out of my head. I've seen a lot of beautiful fountains in my day (e.g., Chicago's landmark Buckingham Fountain) but none so captivating as this one. It's got me. And there are no barriers here to keep people at a distance. It's so easy to use the sky as a photo backdrop, as water squirts & drips from every cherub, mermaid & dolphin orifice. Flowering trees surround the fountain in late winter/early spring. And Neptune, the star of the show, appears to reach for clouds & contrails. Sometimes it looks as if they emanate from his giant hand. He's powerful. I'm smitten. Another Yelper managed to capture Neptune holding the moon, well done. And then there's that pic where the stature is purple, captioned "photo class". Creative. And btw....about that fig leaf: Originally Neptune was not wearing one, which apparently caused a bit of an uproar as did the topless mermaids which remain. I'm guessing that today, almost a hundred years later, there'd be an even bigger uproar over a completely naked Neptune in the middle of a parking lot. So we've got half-nekkid Nept with the girls spraying water from their bosoms & a crazy lady taking pictures & everybody's just doin' their thing. A glimmer of hope: I'm not tempted to take photos when it's raining. Yet. But whoa, what interesting shots those could be. Uh oh

    Photos
    Neptune Fountain
    03-22-2024
    03-22-2024
    1-20, pre-dawn sans H20

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    1-20, pre-dawn sans H20
    Ambassador Mansions and Gardens

    Ambassador Mansions and Gardens

    4.1
    (42 reviews)
    9.6 mi

    Ambassador Mansions & Gardens is a very quiet, peaceful, and truly beautiful place. It's hidden…read morebetween buildings, and if you don't know it's there, you might easily miss it -- which makes it feel like a secret garden in the middle of the city. The territory is incredibly well maintained, with huge mature trees, beautiful flowers, fountains, mini waterfalls, and small ponds where you can see fish and turtles. There is also a lovely grassy area in the center where you can sit, relax, or have a small picnic. Geese walk freely around the gardens, and colorful parrots fly overhead, adding even more charm to the atmosphere. In April, the garden looks especially stunning -- the pergola and trees are in full bloom (I wish I remembered the names of those gorgeous flowers!), and the whole place feels alive and magical. Honestly, this garden is beautiful in any season of the year. You can come here with dogs, which is a big plus, but it's important to respect the property rules: pets must be on a leash, owners are responsible for cleanup, professional photography requires a permit, and activities like skateboarding, drinking alcohol, or organized sports events are not allowed. These rules help preserve the calm and cleanliness of the space. There is also a secondary school located on the property, which adds to the unique character of the place. Parking-wise, we were able to find free street parking nearby without any issues. This is a perfect spot to slow down, enjoy nature, and escape the city noise for a while. Highly recommended for a peaceful walk or a quiet moment surrounded by beauty.

    What a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the grounds. It is a private property so make sure…read moreto follow the rules and don't litter. Ambassador gardens is a luxury residential community with beautiful homes and condos. The grounds are beautiful with big trees, water features and seating areas. We even saw turtles and big birds by the waterfall. Really lovely place to take a stroll at. We parked on Green Street and walked towards the ambassador auditorium... see my videos and pictures. So pretty.

    Photos
    Ambassador Mansions and Gardens
    Ambassador Mansions and Gardens
    Ambassador Mansions and Gardens

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    Monrovia Historical Museum - museums - Updated July 2026

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