Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Montebello, CA

  • Published 2022/12/20

Discover what the city of Montebello has to offer if you’re visiting Los Angeles County, California.

Montebello, which means beautiful hills in Italian, is just a short drive from the bustling city of Los Angeles and is situated southwest of San Gabriel Valley.

It was originally an agricultural community for its fertile soil, abundance of water, and suitable climate until the early 20th century, when it became a major contributor to oil production.

Montebello is a great place to live and welcomes travelers and families on vacation to explore its many interesting sites.

Here you’ll be treated to gratifying shopping experiences, relaxing hours in scenic parks, engaging tours in top attractions, and dining in delectable restaurants.

Learn more about the best things to do in Montebello, California!

Reflect on the Past at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument

People approaching the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument

Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

In the center of Bicknell Park on Via San Clemente stands an elegant monument that’s 75 feet high and consists of eight cement columns.

The Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument was presented to the public in 1968 and was erected to remember those who perished during the Armenian Genocide and all victims of crimes against humanity.

Every year, Armenians from southern California would visit the monument to commemorate the genocide committed by the Turkish government from 1915 to 1921.

People placing flowers at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument

Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

The Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument is a first of its kind outside Armenia and is situated on public land.

Pay respects and offer prayers to the victims honored by this monument.

Have a stroll on the open, tranquil space surrounding the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument, or take time to meditate and reflect on life.

Daytime view of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument

Serouj, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Step Back in Time inside Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Museum

Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Museum sits on the site of the oldest residence in the city and was a part of 2,363-acre fertile ranch land.

The adobe dates back to 1845 and is located approximately one mile from the original San Gabriel Mission, which was previously found around the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and San Gabriel Boulevard.

Montebello Historical Society manages the historic site and museum containing memorabilia from Juan Matias Sanchez’s family who resided at the adobe, plus artifacts and collections from the 19th and 20th centuries.

See and take photos of the remaining oldest structure in Montebello featuring architecture of the mid-1800s!

Learn Montebello’s humble beginnings and significant events through the artifacts and historical photos displayed at Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Museum, which you’ll find on North Adobe Avenue.

Enjoy a Pony Ride at Montebello Barnyard Zoo

Montebello Barnyard Zoo is home to various animals like ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats, and ducks.

Most of the lovely animals here were rescued, while the zoo acquired some.

This family-friendly place provides annual check-ups and vaccinations to the animals to ensure their good health.

It’s also open for kids’ birthday parties and school field trips.

Pet and feed farm animals at Montebello Barnyard Zoo, and adore ducks wading in the pond.

Try all the rides available on sites, such as pony rides, merry-go-rounds, and train rides.

Have a fun learning experience at Montebello Barnyard Zoo along Rea Drive.

Have a Picnic at Grant Rea Park

After meeting farm animals at Montebello Barnyard Zoo, you can take a restful afternoon at the nearby Grant Rea Park.

It has picnic areas, sports fields, basketball courts, and a playground to amuse parkgoers in the city.

Pack your favorite snacks, drinks, and picnic blanket, and enjoy a feast outdoors at Grant Rea Park!

During summer months, kids can also cool down in the splash pad after having a blast at the playground.

Play a game of your choice in one of Grant Rea Park’s sports amenities and open spaces, or practice your swings at Montebello Batting Cages.

This full-sized outdoor facility has automatic ball loaders, so you won’t have to pick up and load balls.

The softball cages feature wheel-type machines, while the hardball cages utilize arm-type machines.

Montebello Batting Cages is located at Grant Rea Park off Rea Drive and is open year-round except in December.

Walk among Giants at Dinos Alive

Explore a different world at Dinos Alive, which brings you back to the Jurassic era!

Dinos Alive off North Montebello Boulevard features more than 80 realistic, life-sized moving replicas and a fully themed environment to give you an immersive learning experience.

Stand alongside gigantic creatures such as T-rex, Stegosaurus, and Velociraptor, which once roamed the planet.

Navigate your way through the jungles from million years ago, and meet ancient sea giants up close in Dinos Alive’s digital aquarium.

Bring kids to the “Budding Experts” interactive space created just for them, where they can be paleontologists for a day and learn more about dinosaurs!

Visits to Dinos Alive usually take around 60 to 75 minutes.

Indulge in Retail Therapy at The Shops at Montebello

The Shops at Montebello is an indoor regional shopping center along Montebello Town Center Drive, just east of downtown Los Angeles and close to Pomona 60 Freeway.

Featuring a modernized atmosphere, it houses some global brands and more than 150 retailers, plus great dining selections for mall-goers.

Check out the stores inside The Shops at Montebello, and you might find something for yourself, like clothes, jewelry, shoes, furniture, and more.

Some shops offer services for your health and wellness, such as relaxing massages and haircuts.

After hours of walking and shopping, feast in one of the many restaurants.

Watch out for exciting events here, especially during the holidays!

Enjoy the Games at Bowlero Montebello

If you’re looking for indoor game entertainment, drop by Bowlero Montebello along West Beverly Road.

Global media company Bowlero Corp, which owns several bowling centers worldwide, operates this establishment.

Unwind in a retro-inspired hangout at Bowlero Montebello and have fun bowling in its lanes with black lights and soft lounge seats.

While you play, munch on your favorite finger food like mozzarella sticks, wings, fries, and pizza.

Aim for the highest score at the interactive arcade games, where you’ll find lots of old-school classics and popular titles.

Other features you can enjoy at Bowlero Montebello include billiard and ping pong tables and a sports bar serving craft beer, wine, and cocktails.

Catch the Latest Flicks at AMC Montebello 10

AMC Montebello 10 on North Montebello Boulevard is the go-to place in the city for watching movies and blockbuster hits.

Moviegoers love this theater for its signature recliners, quality audio and screen, comfortable atmosphere, organized service, and other unique amenities.

AMC members can also enjoy great deals and discounts on selected days.

Watch the latest films at AMC Montebello 10 and experience the magic of movies with your family, friends, or special someone.

Order something from the bar with beer, wine, and cocktails selections, or savor mouth-watering foods and drinks aside from the classic popcorn and soda combo.

Raise Your Glasses at Angry Horse Brewing

Angry Horse Brewing has been brewing and offering artisan craft beer since it was launched in 2016.

It was established “on the idea of community and giving back” and aims to create local and sustainable brewing practices.

Have a glimpse of Montebello’s night scene by chilling out with others over a beer at Angry Horse Brewing on West Whittier Boulevard.

Groove to the live music, and dig into your favorite comfort food served by the brewery’s food trucks and pop-up vendors.

Angry Horse Brewing also holds events in its taproom and a beer education series to keep the excitement going for its customers and enthusiasts.

Have an Outdoor Retreat at Montebello City Park

Also on West Whittier Boulevard is Montebello City Park, loaded with recreational facilities, where you can have a laidback afternoon or get active and play around.

Entertain yourself with a game of basketball, tennis, or soccer on one of its sports courts and fields.

Learn basic moves or practice your tricks at the skate park.

There’s also a playground where kids can climb, swing, and slide.

Paved paths are also available if they want to jog or take a peaceful stroll.

Place a blanket on the open, grassy area and take a breather as the scenic park views surround you.

Featuring an outdoor amphitheater, Montebello City Park also hosts many of the city’s special events, festivals, and movie nights.

Stay tuned to its social media page when you’re around the city!

Indulge Your Cravings at BLVD MRKT

BLVD MRKT prides itself as a “carefully curated food hall” in downtown Montebello that will excite your taste buds with delectable dishes inspired by different cuisines.

Savor wood-fired pizzas, oven-roasted chicken, classic tacos, and other all-time favorites and comfort food.

There are also stalls serving rich coffee, chocolate drinks, and artisan beer and wine.

Feast on food and drinks while listening to live music hosted at BLVD MRKT, located along Whittier Boulevard.

The BLVD Brunch at this food hall is also available on weekends.

Spice up your Instagram feed with photos of your visit to BLVD MRKT, and, more importantly, build special memories with your family and friends.

Your fur babies are welcome here as well!

Bring Energetic Kids to Little Dimples Playground

If you’re traveling with kids, you may want to include Little Dimples Playground in your itinerary.

This fun, stylish, and safe environment accommodates toddlers and kids up to eight years old.

Little Dimples Playground features a two-level playground for the energetic young ones, while parents can find a modern café to hang out and chill while watching the kids play and socialize.

The kids will love the giant ball pit, trampoline, spiral slide, and plenty of toys for interactive play.

At the café, parents can sip tea, coffee, or specialty drinks and grab a bite of desserts and pastries.

Little Dimples Playground is located on North Montebello Boulevard.

Enjoy Italian Favorites at Salvatore Italian Restaurant

Salvatore Italian Restaurant has been in service for decades and started as a small deli and pizzeria in 1975.

Now a crowd favorite, it specializes in Southern Italian-style cuisine and offers a full-service bar, online delivery, curbside pick-up, and catering services.

Its generous portions will fill your stomach; there are plenty of dishes to try on its menu, consisting of flavorful appetizers, pizzas and calzones, pasta, and entrees.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of pie or cake, and enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle of beer.

If you visit on Friday or Saturday, you’ll be treated to lovely piano music at Salvatore Italian Restaurant.

The restaurant is located on North 6th Street, just a short drive or walk from Montebello City Park.

Try Chinese Specialties at Canton City Restaurant

If you’re craving traditional Chinese food, dine at Canton City Restaurant.

This restaurant along North Garfield Avenue has been serving scrumptious dishes for more than 40 years.

Some of the crowd favorites are fried rice, chow mein with bean sprouts, orange chicken with special sauce, and egg foo young that may come with meat, seafood, and mushroom.

Check out its lunch specials and deals for Chinese-style family dinners at affordable prices.

Customers also enjoy the casual atmosphere and praise the friendly staff of Canton City Restaurant.

Practice Your Swings at Montebello Golf Course

Located along Via San Clemente, Montebello Golf Course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for both beginners and professional golfers.

It was established as an enterprising country club during the 1920s and was eventually acquired by the city in 1941.

It underwent renovation in 1998 to include the addition of cart paths, new greens, bunkers, and lakes.

Book a tee time at Montebello Golf Course and play your best round on the 18-hole public championship course sprawling around 120 acres.

Improve your shots and swings at the driving range, and you may also take lessons to level up your skills.

As of writing, Montebello Golf Course is temporarily closed to give way for improvements in its design, architecture, and functionality.

Renovations are expected to be finished by September 2023.

Final Thoughts

The city of Montebello, California, has many things in store for different types of travelers, whether you’re searching for learning experiences, indoor and outdoor recreational activities, or great restaurants serving authentic cuisines.

There are the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Museum and Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Monument for history buffs, while families with kids can tour Montebello Barnyard Zoo, Dinos Alive, and the city’s beautiful parks.

Meanwhile, food lovers can visit the long-standing Salvatore Italian Restaurant and Canton City Restaurant.

In addition to these attractions are the festivals and special events celebrated in the city.

The next time you take a vacation in Los Angeles County, check out these best things to do in Montebello, California!

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