15 Best Things to Do in Glendora (CA)

Glendora, otherwise known as Pride of the Foothills, is a city of about 51,000 people situated in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. It gets its nickname due to its location in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Glendora is known for its beautiful, year-round weather, its central location with easy access to downtown Los Angeles and the world-class beaches of the Pacific Coast and its lively downtown district.

In Glendora, there are many parks, hiking trails, cultural venues, restaurants, cafes and shopping areas. This include Glendora Marketplace Shopping Center, Glendora Village Gateway and Foothill Plaza.

Throughout the year, a number of festivals and events take place in Glendora including the Glendora Annual Chalk Fest, the Earth Festival, Heritage Festival and Gumby Annual Festival.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Glendora, California.

1. Learn About Local History at the Glendora Historical Society and Museum

The Glendora Historical Society strives to collect, preserve and display the history of Glendora in the museum that the society oversees.

In this museum, you’ll see exhibits showcasing many items from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s. Old photos, documents and artifacts, such as period furnishings, farming tools, office equipment and attire are some of the items on display.

Most of the items in this museum were donated by local people over the years. A gift shop where you can purchase books and souvenirs is also on site.

2. Spend a Day Outdoors in Galster Wilderness Park

Situated in nearby West Covina, the Galster Wilderness Park has everything you need for a day spent outdoors and away from the city.

Within this 42-acre nature area, you’ll find nature trails suitable for hiking and biking. You’ll also find wide-open green spaces and shaded areas under trees that are perfect for having a picnic or simply relaxing in the fresh air.

As you explore the park, you’ll be able to admire some of the most stunning scenery in the area. You’ll also find a museum and educational center where you can learn more about the park and surrounding area.

On certain days of the month, volunteers are on site to provide visitors with information about local wildlife, minerals and fossils.

3. Tee Off at Glen Oaks Golf Course

Since 1965, Glen Oaks Golf Course has been the preferred course in Glendora for a quick game of golf. The 9-hole, par-3 course also features a driving range and clubs are available to rent.

At Wally’s Grill, you can unwind after your game with some beer and delicious food including burgers and other traditional favorites.

4. Follow Your Baseball Dreams at Big League Dreams

Big League Dreams is a great place to visit, particularly if you are a baseball fan. This themed sports park in nearby West Covina features replicas of some of the most well-known baseball parks of America.

Some of the replicas include Wrigley Park, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium, and you can walk around these small-scale fields.

Baseball, softball and soccer games take place at this facility from time to time. The Stadium Club Restaurant overlooks the replicas and serves a wide variety of meals including burgers and sandwiches.

5. Enjoy Delicious Classic Fare at Frisella’s Roastery

Frisella’s Roastery is a long-standing eatery offering classic meal options at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Roast chicken and ribs are favorites among diners, but the extensive menu also offers a wide range of other items including appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches.

For your dinner entree, you can choose from a host of mouth-watering dishes including beef brisket dinner, pork spare rib dinner and roasted chicken dinner. A full bar is also available.

6. Have a Blast from the Past at Tilt 267

If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day or looking to escape the midday heat, Tilt 267 in nearby West Covina is a fun place to spend some time.

This arcade is a mix of old and new, but it’s the old school games that are really worth checking out, especially if you were around when video games first became popular.

On site, you’ll also find racing games, redemption games where you can win prizes, stacker games and air hockey.

7. Stay Active in Finkbiner Park

Keeping up with a fitness routine when you’re away from home can be a challenge. At Finkbiner Park, you have access to a range of facilities to help you keep fit while enjoying some fresh air.

Some of the facilities you’ll find on site include two tennis courts, four baseball diamonds, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a walking trail and exercise equipment.

Picnic tables with BBQ facilities, horseshoe pits and a playground are also in the park and there are restrooms available as well.

8. Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

Whether or not you’re interested in cars and racing, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in nearby Pomona is an interesting place to spend an afternoon.

As you browse the exhibits, you’ll see artifacts and memorabilia related to the auto industry and motorsports in American culture. Tours are available, and on one of these tours, you’ll learn more about racing and the items on display.

Throughout the year, several events are held at the museum including seminars and lectures.

9. Explore the Arcadia Wilderness Park

Situated just outside nearby West Covina, The Arcadia Wilderness Park is a popular place for visitors wishing to escape the urban landscape for a while.

The nature center is a great starting point as this is where you can learn all there is to know about the area.

The park is known to have some of the best hiking trails around, and as you explore the park via these trails, you’ll see many plants and have the opportunity to spot wildlife. There are also many wide-open grassy spots in this park where you can relax or have a picnic.

10. See the Architectural Wonders of Rubel Castle

It took 26 years to build, and today, Rubel Castle is an epic and historical masterpiece and architectural wonder unlike any other in the area and perhaps in the entire country.

The castle started as a dream that eventually became reality. Michael Rubel, with help from some of his friends, built it from recycled materials including scrap metal, bottles and anything else that he could salvage.

Today, people from all over the world visit this unique site to learn about the history and see the various parts of the property including the Bottle House, the Santa Fe Caboose, the Clock Tower and the Dungeon. Guided tours are available with advance notice.

11. Beat the Heat at Raging Waters Los Angeles

As the biggest waterpark in California, Raging Waters Los Angeles in nearby San Dimas is the place to be on hot days in the Glendora area.

Visitors of all ages come to enjoy an array of attractions spread out over 50 acres. Several water slides, the Wave Cove and the lazy river are just some of the water attractions on site.

A number of eateries are available, and you can pretty much find anything you want to eat including burgers, pizza and ice cream.

12. Learn About Trails and Railroad History at the Pacific Railroad Museum

Pacific Railroad Museum, San Dimas — Pacific Railroad Museum

The Pacific Railroad Museum in nearby San Dimas is situated in the historic former depot building which has been refurbished to look like a working railroad station.

As you browse the many exhibits, you’ll learn about the railroads, rail travel and industry history. You’ll also see many artefacts and old photos related to this history.

13. Indulge with a Spa-Day at New Vogue Spa

New Vogue Spa is unique in that it offers services that combine Chinese and American methods. Since 2012, this spa has been offering a variety of rejuvenating treatments in a relaxing atmosphere.

Professional staff take great care in ensuring that guests are comfortable and leave the spa feeling relaxed and renewed.

Some of the treatments that are offered at this facility include facials and body scrubs. A variety of massages are available as well including relaxation, essential oil and hot stone massages.

14. Satisfy a Craving at West Coast Cheesesteaks

If you’ve never had a cheesesteak before, you’re missing out. It’s a sandwich with steak, melted cheese and your choice of fillers. Sounds good, right? Well, you can try one out at West Coast Cheesesteaks.

This friendly, family-run eatery uses only the best ingredients available including bread that is delivered fresh daily, handcrafted sauce and top-quality beef.

When placing your order, you can choose beef, chicken or veggies and top it off with your choice of sauce and vegetables. You can also choose from a variety of side orders.

15. Go on an Adventure to the Bridge to Nowhere

Situated about a half-hour drive away near Azusa, The Bridge to Nowhere is a fascinating place to visit. Whether you are a hiker, a thrill-seeker or an observer, as long as you don’t mind a rugged ten-mile hike through the wilderness, the trip will be well worth your time.

The bridge was started in 1936 and was supposed to connect Wrightwood with the San Gabriel Valley, but the project had to be abandoned due to flooding.

Upon arrival to the bridge, you have the option to do a bungee jump with a local company that offers the service on certain days of the week.