Hacienda Heights is a city of about 55,000 people situated in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. The city is actually a suburb of Los Angeles but despite its proximity to such a major city, Hacienda Heights maintains a small-town feel.
It was once known for its agricultural industry, but today it’s known for its strategic location that provides easy access to many world-class attractions including the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Coast.
Hacienda Heights is also known for having many parks and green spaces including the network of hiking trails in the La Puente Hills.
Hacienda Heights is also home to many restaurants, cafes, cultural attractions, and shopping areas such as Puente Hills Mall, Bixby Hacienda Plaza, and Hacienda Center.
Many events take place in and around Hacienda Heights each year including the I Love America Parade.
Below are 15 of the best things to do in Hacienda Heights, California.
1. Rejuvenate at Truebella Spa
Source: Africa Studio / shutterstockWhether you flew, drove or sailed into Hacienda Heights, you’re likely in need of some rest after your trip.
At Truebella Spa, trained and professional staff take care of your mind, body, and spirit while you relax in calm surroundings.
There are seven treatment rooms on site and some of the relaxing services available including lava rock therapy, facials, and deep tissue massages.
2. Learn about local history at the Whittier Museum
Source: Whittier Historical Society & Museum / FacebookThe main goal of the Whittier Historical Society is to acquire, preserve, and display items of historical value to the city of Whittier and surrounding areas and most of these items are showcased at the Whittier Museum.
Some of the exhibits that are on site include a Victorian home furnished and decorated as it would have been in the late 1800s, an old barn, a blacksmith shop, and a display devoted to the life and times of former president Richard Nixon.
There are also several interactive exhibits that are of particular interest to children.
3. Spend some time outdoors at Vista Del Valle Park
Source: GaudiLab / shutterstockIn Nearby La Habra you will find the perfect escape in a peaceful green space. With ten acres of parkland, Vista Del Valle Park is the perfect place to duck away from the noise and crowds and take some time for yourself.
Besides plenty of open space, this park also has a pretty gazebo, benches, and a playground. A short walking trail also passes through the park.
4. Dine on Asian cuisine at Foo-Foo Tei Noodle House
Source: Foo Foo-Tei / FacebookFoo-Foo Tei Noodle House is an Asian restaurant specializing in traditional dishes.
On the menu, you’ll find many items including appetizers, ramen, teriyaki, dumplings, tempura, seafood dishes, and a number of rice-based dishes.
The beverage menu features soda, beer, a variety of teas, and traditional sake.
5. Explore Galster Wilderness Park
Source: jesse? / Flickr | CC BYNearby West Covina is home to a beautiful nature area that crosses 42 acres of green space. Galster Wilderness Park is where you can admire the beautiful scenery, get fresh air, learn about local flora and fauna, and relax away from the urban surroundings of Hacienda Heights.
A series of hiking and biking trails pass through this park area and the on-site museum features exhibits about the park and its natural features. Throughout the year, a number of educational programs take place in the park.
6. Admire local art at the Whittier Art Gallery
Source: Azer Merz / shutterstockAt the Whittier Art Gallery, you’ll be able to admire beautiful works of art created by artists from around the region.
Since the late 1930s, the gallery has been displaying the art of up-and-coming and established artists across permanent and rotating exhibits. Lyn Azali and Yukiko Avila are just a couple of the artists showcased.
Throughout the year, a wide variety of events takes place at the gallery including workshops, special exhibits, and lectures.
7. Take to the greens at Westridge Golf Club
Source: Mikael Damkier / shutterstockWestridge Golf Club might be suitable for golfers of all levels, but it does feature a diverse landscape full of challenges that will keep you on your toes to the very end.
This 18-hole, par-72 course is surrounded by incredible and contrasting views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the City of Los Angeles. Dozens of sand bunkers, a few water hazards and one gorge crossing are just some of the fun challenges that await.
Also on-site are a driving range and a pro golf shop. The Bar and Grill has an array of delicious meals, snacks, and beverages available.
8. Enjoy live entertainment at the Mysterium Theater
Source: Matusciac Alexandru / shutterstockNo matter what type of live entertainment you enjoy, there’s bound to be something on Mysterium Theater’s schedule that suits your taste.
This unique entertainment venue in nearby La Habra showcases a wide variety of shows including stand-up comedy routines, children’s shows, magic shows, musicals, and plays from every genre you can think of.
Performances are held in an intimate environment. Some of the well-known shows that have taken place recently include The Little Mermaid and Dancing at Lughnasa.
9. Taste Local Craft Brews at the Whittier Brew Co.
Source: Whittier Brewing Company/ FacebookAs the first brewery to start up in nearby Whittier, you can expect to find an assortment of high-quality craft beers.
Some of the brews that are available on tap in the cozy taproom include Bohemian Lager, Boi Luppolo, Doc Brown, Nelson IPA, and Mangolorean.
If beer isn’t your thing, fine wines are also available.
10. Have a fun day out at The Children’s Museum
Source: Children's Museum at La Habra / FacebookYes, it’s a children’s museum but adults are welcome to join in on the fun that’s to be had at The Children’s Museum in La Habra.
Across seven interactive galleries, children can learn an array of new things through displays and hands-on activities.
The main subjects they will learn about are the arts, math, language, and science. Of course, it won’t feel like they are learning because they’ll be having so much fun.
Some of the exciting exhibits include a model train village, a steam lab, a science lab, and a fossil-digging area.
11. Visit Pio Pico State Historic Park
Source: Epolk / Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 4.0As a California Historical Landmark, Pio Pico State Historic Park is an interesting place where you’ll learn about the history of this property, as well as the city of Whittier and surrounding area.
Situated on this five-acre property is the Pio Pico Adobe which is the former home of prominent resident, Pio de Jesus Pico.
It was constructed in 1853 and has since been renovated to restore it to its original state. Inside this 15-room home, you’ll see many exhibits and artefacts. Guided tours are available on certain days with advance notice.
The outside grounds are a beautiful place to spend some time. As you explore these grounds, you’ll see colourful gardens and many species of birds. It’s also a popular spot for picnicking.
12. Shop for One-of-a-kind Items at King Richard’s Antique Vintage Center
Source: Martin Bergsma / shutterstockIf you enjoy collecting all things old or prefer to wear items that can’t be found anywhere else, you’ll be on cloud nine at King Richard’s Vintage Center in nearby Whittier.
At around 60,000-square-feet, this antique and vintage centre is the biggest in the whole state. As you browse the thousands of items, you’ll find furnishings, books, jewellery, art, clothes, memorabilia, and an extensive collection of vinyl records.
Even the building that all this stuff is stored in has historical significance. Throughout the year, a number of events are held here including workshops and art classes.
13. Have some Fun and Excitement at Adventure City
Source: Adventure City / FacebookThere are so many fun things to do at Adventure City in nearby Anaheim. A climbing tower, an arcade, a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel and a petting zoo are just some of the attractions you’ll find on site.
While much fun is to be had at Adventure City, you also have the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with the 1930s mini railroad and the carousel from the 1940s.
14. Race Against the Clock at Red Lantern Escape Rooms
Source: graletta / shutterstockEvery escape room is different and at Red Lantern Escape Rooms in nearby La Habra, you have two more opportunities to add to your growing list of conquered rooms.
If you’ve never done an escape room, the concept is simple although the process of actually escaping the room can be a challenge.
You and your party are locked in a themed room and you must find clues and solve problems that will help you escape before your time is up.
15. Play Some Old-school Games at Tilt 267
Source: iChzigo / shutterstockTilt 267 is an arcade in nearby West Covina but it isn’t just any arcade. This fun place is a mix of old and new but, of particular interest to many visitors are the old school video games that were popular way back when the world of video games was in its infancy.
Also on-site are air hockey tables and those nostalgic claw machines that were once a staple in arcades and mall waiting areas.
