News

If you are planning a move to Southern California, you may want to consider the San Gabriel Valley. This area northeast of downtown Los Angeles County is home to vibrant communities such as Arcadia and Monrovia with entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

Santa Anita Park

If you like horse racing, Santa Anita Park is a place you will not want to miss. Whether you want to bet on the horse races or you just want to soak up its rich history, Santa Anita is a great place to visit.

This year’s grand opening of Santa Anita was last Saturday, December 26, so you’re in luck! Be sure to take home an officially licensed American Pharoah t-shirt commemorating the first ever Grand Slam champion of horse racing!

Of course, the Pharoah himself won’t be there. But you can learn about another equine track star who made it to the Big Screen. Seabiscuit Tours are every Saturday and Sunday morning during racing season. This free tram ride takes you to see things such as Seabiscuit’s original stall and barn, stable areas, the saddling paddock, and the walking ring. You will also get the opportunity to see areas used for the filming of the movie about the champion thoroughbred.

Even if you are not a horse racing fan, Santa Anita Park hosts other events throughout the year, including concerts, a farmers market, and activities for children.

 The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

With 127 acres of plants, animals, and historic buildings, The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a fun place to visit no matter your age. Visitors will see an assortment of birds, including ducks, geese, herons, hawks, gulls, and peacocks. The variety of plants from around the world is astonishing.

While some plants and flowers will be familiar to most visitors, other flora will be less-familiar. With different plants blooming throughout the year, the gardens are constantly changing and offer a valuable learning experience.

The Arboretum is not just a great place for those who enjoy plants and animals. If you are a history fan, you’ll enjoy some of the historic structures on the grounds. Queen Anne Cottage, for instance, which was likely a honeymoon gift for Lillie Bennett, the teenage bride of wealthy businessman Elias Jackson “Lucky” Baldwin, is open for tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Advance tickets are suggested, since tours often sell out.

Westfield Santa Anita Shopping Center

If you love shopping, Westfield is one place you will not want to miss in Arcadia. This three-story mall is open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and on Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm. Whether you are looking for shoes, clothing, electronics, books, toys, jewelry, or just about anything else, there is at least one store to serve your needs.

Entertainment opportunities are also available at the mall. For example, Jump ‘n Jammin is a place where kids (and adults) can run around and play in a foam play area which includes a climbing wall. The mall also includes AMC Santa Anita 16, where you can watch the latest movies. If you are a parent of a child with autism or other sensory issues, you may also want to check out the AMC Sensory Friendly Films, which take place the second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday of every month. With the sound turned down and the lights turned on, kids with sensory issues can watch and enjoy movies without disturbing other movie guests.

If you are looking for a home in the San Gabriel Valley, contact us. Our 17-unit luxury townhouses at Griffin will soon be completed as will 13 other town homes at Lotus Court in Monrovia.