15 Best Things to Do in Baldwin Park (CA)

Baldwin Park is a city and suburb of Los Angeles with a population of around 76,000 people. Its central location in the San Gabriel Valley, with proximity to other major cities like Anaheim, allows for easy access to major attractions in the region.

Baldwin Park has all the amenities of a big city, but it also has many of the things that are harder to find in bigger centres, such as beautiful hiking trails and lots of parks and green spaces.

The city is also home to many restaurants, cultural attractions, and shopping areas, such as Baldwin Park Towne Center Shopping Center, Park Plaza on Maine, and Sierra Center.

Baldwin Park hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Summertime in Baldwin Park Concert Series.

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

1. Get a History Lesson at the Baldwin Park Historical Society Museum

If you would like to learn about the history and culture of Baldwin Park before you do anything, the Baldwin Park Historical Society Museum is where you should start your visit to the city. This museum combines fun with education suitable for all ages.

During a walk-through or guided tour, you’ll see period clothing once worn by local people, antique shoes, military uniforms, maps, radios and household antiques. All in all, there are more than 1,000 artefacts on display ranging from the years 1850 to 1959.

2. Escape into Nature at Arcadia Wilderness Park

City life is exciting, but sometimes you just want to escape the noise and crowds and sink into a quiet place surrounded by nature.

Arcadia Wilderness Park is only a short drive away from Baldwin Park and provides the perfect escape from the city. The park has a pond and large grassy fields with picnic areas. Several hiking trails said to be among the best in the area, are also on-site.

The park’s nature centre features a variety of plants and animals, and guided nature hikes and overnight camping are available.

3. Dine on Delicious Italian Cuisine at El Appetiz

El Appetiz in Baldwin Park is a family-run eatery offering delicious traditional Italian dishes with a modern flare. Meals are served in a friendly, laid-back environment. On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of items, including salads, sandwiches, appetizers, pasta dishes, grilled items, pizzas, and calzones.

4. Spend a Day on the Greens at Arcadia Golf Course

Arcadia Golf Course is an 18-hole par 3 course situated near the foothills of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains. Golfers of all skill levels enjoy this relaxing, beautifully-maintained course that features challenges along the way, including a number of bunkers.

The course lights up into the evening for golfers who prefer to play later in the day. A FootGolf course and practice facility are also on-site, and lessons are available.

5. Spend an Entire Day at Disneyland Resort

One of the top attractions in this region is the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, which is only a short drive away from Baldwin Park.

With attractions for all ages, it’s the perfect place to embark on a family adventure.

There are many themed areas, including Tomorrowland and Star Wars: Galaxy Edge. There are also attractions and rides such as Space Mountain and the Millennium Falcon.

As you make your way around the park, you’ll see Disney characters roaming around and greeting visitors. After dark, there’s a fabulous fireworks display.

6. Walk the Pretty Grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

The historic Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden stretches for 127 acres across a beautiful plot of land in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The property started with 1,000 trees and has grown to include the Tropical Greenhouse, the Native Oaks display, the Aquatic Garden, the Palm and Bamboo Collection, and Jungle Garden. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll admire the diversity of these gardens. All plants are categorized by geographical location to make it easier to know where they came from.

Also on site is the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn, a group of Victorian-style buildings built in the late 1800s. You can take a walking tour of this historic property to learn more about the original owner and the history.

7. Travel Back in Time at Medieval Times

At Medieval Times in nearby Buena Park, diners and history buffs can enjoy a fun and exciting dinner theatre complete with jousting and horseback riding. The characters, which include knights, are decked out in authentic period costumes.

As you watch these knights battle it out, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner, which typically includes roast chicken with sides and a choice of vegetarian options.

8. Explore the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Not far from the hustle and bustle of Baldwin Park and nearby cities is the beautiful, pristine nature area of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The fairly new national monument covers 345,000 acres of land that passes through the Angeles National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest.

Relaxing in nature surrounded by spectacular views is no doubt the biggest draw to this park area, but visitors can also participate in a wide range of activities.

Catch a glimpse of outer space at the observatory and see ancient rock art at several archaeological sites. There’s also camping areas and miles and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.

Crystal Lake is another prominent feature in this park; it has 16 hiking trails, 100 campsites, a general store, and a cafe. Check out the United States Forest Visitor Center to learn more about the area.

9. Visit the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

Situated in the Carnegie Library in nearby downtown Anaheim, the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is where visitors can learn all about the history and culture of the city.

The striking displays outline the history and give visitors a taste of its creative side. Local art is featured in the museum galleries, and the beautiful building that houses all this is a historic exhibit in itself.

10. Go on an Adventure to the Bridge to Nowhere

The Bridge to Nowhere is an intriguing attraction in nearby Azusa. It’s called this because the bridge project started in 1936 as a link across the San Gabriel River, but because of flooding, the project was never finished. However, the remnants of the work that was done are still standing.

Visitors can reach the bridge with a ten-mile hike there and back. More adventurous souls can opt for a tour with Bungee America that includes transportation to the San Gabriel Canyon, the hike into the bridge, safety training, and an incredible, once-in-lifetime jump off the bridge.

After your epic jump, you can spend time swimming in the river before hiking back to the parking area. During this tour, you’ll have access to filtered drinking water and bathrooms.

11. Catch a Show at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center

Since 2012, the Arcadia Performing Arts Center has been staging world-class performances from well-established and emerging artists.

The spacious contemporary venue is one of the most popular theatres in the San Gabriel Valley. Enjoy a concert or theatrical performance in the grand concert hall or the cosy black box theatre.

12. Browse Vintage Treasures & Antiques Arcadia

You never know what you’ll find at Vintage Treasures & Antiques Arcadia. Whether you’re seeking one-of-kind items or the perfect gift to take home to a friend, you’re bound to find something suitable here.

The racks and shelves are seemingly endless and filled with vintage clothes, antique items, unique jewellery, funky hats, and rare household furnishings.

13. Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Center Street Promenade

In downtown Anaheim, there’s a trendy little area where people come for an afternoon stroll, a beer, a meal, or an afternoon of shopping. This is the popular Center Street Promenade, lined with luxury boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants that host live entertainment into the evenings.

14. Try Bubble Tea at Boba Tea Lounge

Boba Tea Lounge in West Covina specializes in traditional Taiwanese bubble tea – or Boba Tea, as it’s known locally. The lounge offers a wide variety of milk tea blends complete with tasty tapioca pearls.

15. Spend the Day Outdoors at the Oak Canyon Nature Center

The Oak Canyon Nature Center near Anaheim comprises 58 acres of wilderness where visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking.

The goal of the park is to introduce visitors to the natural habitat of the region; this is done through a number of interpretive panels located throughout the park.

Four miles of hiking trails pass through various scenic areas, including a stream and the Roadrunner Ridge.