15 Best Things to Do in Rosemead (CA)

Rosemead is a suburb with a population of about 54,000 in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. It has a strategic location that allows easy access to the city of Los Angeles and many world-class attractions.

Rosemead is a constantly evolving modern urban area but it has managed to hold onto its traditions, giving the city a small-town feel.

In Rosemead, there are many restaurants, cultural sites, parks, and shopping areas, including Rosemead Place Shopping Center, Rosemead Plaza and The Shops at Montebello. The Rosemead Annual Moon Festival is one of the events that take place in the city every year.

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

1. Spend a Day in Rosemead Park

As the city’s largest park, Rosemead Park has plenty of facilities and wide-open spaces to keep the whole family busy on a nice afternoon.

Facilities include a swimming pool, several playgrounds, picnic areas with barbecue facilities and two softball fields. A half-mile walking trail is also located in the park and washroom facilities are available.

2. Get a Lesson in Local History at Dinsmoor Heritage House

Built in the late 1920s, Dinsmoor Heritage House is a Spanish-style home showcasing a variety of exhibits.

On display in the house are many antique items, including furniture, glassware, china, artefacts related to the former owners of the home, and the history of Rosemead.

Throughout the year, a variety of events take place at the museum, including cultural events featuring local music and art.

3. Feast on Fresh Seafood at The Boiling Crab

When you’re craving fresh seafood, The Boiling Crab is the place to be in Rosemead. Enjoy a feast of crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels, and much more in an inviting, laid-back atmosphere.

Choose your desired catch from the extensive menu, top it with your choice of delicious sauce and spices, and complement it with a cold beer.

4. Enjoy Live Entertainment at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center

Founded in 2012, the Arcadia Performing Arts Center hosts a wide variety of live performances, including plays, dance shows, musicals, and community events.

This spacious cultural venue is one of the busiest in the region. It can hold up to 1,153 people in its state-of-the-art concert hall and 125 people in the more intimate theatre.

5. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

One of the prettiest attractions in the region is the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. This 127-acre historical site at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains is home to a vast collection of native and exotic plants.

When it was established in the late 1940s, there was just one greenhouse and 1,000 trees. Over the years, the site has expanded to include the Tropical Garden, The Jungle Garden, The Aquatic Garden, and displays of oak, palm and bamboo trees.

6. Browse the Rosemead Certified Farmers’ Market

The best-quality produce you can find in Rosemead is at the Rosemead Certified Farmers’ Market. Once a week, vendors from around the region set up at this market and offer a wide range of local products.

Besides fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll find nuts, honey, packaged food items, and other homemade goods.

7. Visit the Ramona Museum of California History

In nearby San Gabriel, the Ramona Museum of California History displays a variety of items relevant to California’s vibrant history since the early 1970s.

Items were collected for over 100 years by Ramona members before they were showcased for the viewing public to enjoy.

Some of the items in this extensive collection include clothing and personal care items from the mid-1800s, artefacts related to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and old photos.

8. Get Outdoors at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

Experience the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains, and participate in a wide range of outdoor activities at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area.

This stunning natural area in the foothills has many vast green spaces where you can relax in the great outdoors.

If you prefer something a little more exciting, hiking, biking, fishing, bird-watching, and swimming are all popular activities at this park. Picnic facilities are also located around the area.

9. Get a Bird’s Eye View with UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours

Los Angeles is a huge city that stretches out over a large area and includes dozens of suburbs.

The best way to experience this urban sprawl is with a helicopter tour through UAA Los Angeles Helicopter Tours.

These tours leave nearby El Monte and last between 30 and 60 minutes. During your flight, you’ll see the city and surrounding areas, and also get a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the coastline.

10. Take a Tour of The American Military Museum

California has an interesting military history and you can learn all about it at the American Military Museum in nearby El Monte.

Several permanent exhibits display a variety of artefacts and memorabilia. Military uniforms, old photos, and documents containing personal stories are just some of the things you’ll find at the museum.

You can tour the facility on your own or take a guided tour with a knowledgeable staff member.

11. Escape into the Great Outdoors at the Angeles National Forest

It’s not hard to find nature in the area around Rosemead. One popular nature area is the Angeles National Forest in neighbouring Arcadia.

This mountainous forest is vast and consists of several beautiful wilderness areas. A variety of outdoor activities can be enjoyed in this park, including, hiking, biking, and skiing during the colder months. Picnic and camping areas are also available.

12. Tee Off at Whittier Narrows Golf Course

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, golfers of all levels appreciate what Whittier Narrows Golf Course has to offer. With a total of 27 holes, the course has a diverse landscape coupled with many challenges.

If you have the time, the 18-hole course is a great choice. If you only have enough time for a quick game, the 9-hole course is just as fun and challenging. Some of the features you’ll be up against include sand traps and fairway bunkers.

Both courses are set against the stunning scenery of the San Gabriel Mountains and a section of the Whittier Narrows Park.

The facilities feature a driving range, putting area, chipping area and practice green. Lessons are available and a golf shop is on-site.

13. Visit The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage

Since 2001, The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage has been showcasing a variety of exhibits to tell the story of the history, culture and people of the area.

The main exhibit outlines the area’s history, starting with the Native Americans. You’ll also see exhibits dedicated to well-known people from Arcadia and the city’s role on the big screen.

14. Admire Beautiful Art at the Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum in nearby Pasadena houses one of the most striking private art collections in California.

The collection features more than 10,000 works but only a fraction of the collection is displayed at any given time, and the exhibits rotate.

Temporary exhibits feature items on loan from other museums, and many events, including workshops and lectures, take place throughout the year.

15. Explore the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn

The series of buildings at the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn in Arcadia are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

These beautifully-restored Victorian-era structures were built in the mid to late-1800’s, and you can explore them and the surrounding property on your own or with a guided tour.