Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a concert, comedy show or a round of golf, the San Gabriel Valley has more options for entertainment and recreation that you can imagine. From scenic landscapes to family entertainment venues, you’ll find plenty to do in the SGV no matter what you’re looking for.
Two days of world fame and fortune
The world’s greatest have to start somewhere. And for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, that somewhere was Hollywood Park, 30 years ago. What began as a one day, 7-race event has grown into a two-day, $27 million extravaganza attracting the best horses, trainers, and owners from across the globe. It has also become the unofficial end and culmination of the thoroughbred-racing season, often with the Breeders’ Cup Classic being the deciding factor in Horse of the Year. And while these two days have seen legends born, history made, and fortunes won, the greatest part is that the best is still yet to come.
This year’s Breeders’ Cup — its 31st running — will again be run at glorious Santa Anita Park. This storied California track was the site of Seabiscuit’s last race and Zenyatta’s Classic triumph. And it has been a favorite stomping ground of Hollywood celebrities. Now, it’s your turn. Secure your seats to this year’s Breeders’ Cup and be a part of history.
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
With an enviable Southern California location, an unparalleled commitment to superior service and a $150 million expansion now complete, the Pasadena Convention Center is the ideal spot for meetings, events and weddings. A new, state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall is divisible in two sections and can be combined with the adjacent 25,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom to create flexible spare up to 80,000 square feet. The Grand Ballroom is divisible in 10 section of varying combinations, making it perfect for banquets, fundraiser, weddings and more. The Conference Center offers 18 well-appointed meeting rooms on two levels and the Civic Auditorium is long considered to be one of the finest performance halls in the nation. www.pasadenacenter.com
Pacific Palms Resort, Industry
The game’s greatest players have graced the greens at Industry Hills Golf Club, making it a destination for more than 25 years. With more than 650 acres of lush green carpet for their valued guests, the course’s championship links have been completely upgraded and modernized to provide the most compelling golf experience on the West Coast and was voted the “best golf course in the USA” 2010 by the NGCOA. www.pacificpalmsresort.com
Bowlmor, Pasadena
300, it’s bowling – with a twist. What’s the twist? It’s everything entertainment under one roof: state-of-the-art lanes, floor to ceiling video screens, casual-dining and your favorite local hangout with friendly servers asking “how’s that 10-lb ball treating you?”.
Devil’s Gate, La Cañada Flintridge*
In 1920 flood engineers built the first flood control dam in Los Angeles County — Devil’s Gate Dam in the Arroyo Seco. Located in Pasadena between La Cañada Flintridge and Altadena, Devil’s Gate is named for a rock outcropping that resembles the face of a devil.
Flapper’s Comedy Club, Claremont
Flapper’s Comedy Club is a comedy club venue that provides world class comedy and food. They offer comedy workshops and training for aspiring comedians! Come out and join Flapper’s for a night of pure laughter.
Fox Theatre, Pomona
Since it was completely renovated and reopened in 2009, the Fox Theatre Pomona has staked out a reputation as one of the nicest live music venues on the west coast and is located in a historic neighborhood known as the Pomona Arts Colony. It is a glamorous, architectural landmark, well-managed and safe, just big enough for a great audience experience, and just small enough for performers to personally connect with their fans. The Fox and its shows have been given high marks by the Los Angeles Times, the LA, OC, and IE Weeklies, Rolling Stone, MTV, top performers and truly dedicated music fans. www.foxpomona.com
Ice House, Pasadena
Opened in a little alley 50+ years ago, The Ice House Club quickly became the place to go for up-and-coming comedians. Since its inception, comedians like Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, George Lopes, Ellen Degeneres, Tim Allen and numerous others have passed through its doors. The great music, comedy and drinks can still be found today.
Irwindale Event Center, Irwindale
A brand-new, state-of-the-art, motorsports / entertainment event facility named Irwindale Event Center that features 6,000 comfortable seats, twin paved oval race tracks (banked 1/2 and 1/3 mile), great sound and lighting systems, paved parking for over 3,000 cars, convenient snackbars and 12 exclusive Corporate “Sky Box” Suites. www.irwindalespeedway.com
Kidspace Museum, Pasadena
Kidspace features many fun, educational, interactive programs and activities throughout the year that combine exhibit themes with learning initiatives. Kidspace’s indoor exhibits and outdoor learning environments offer many opportunities for visitors to explore and investigate the natural world and express themselves in creative ways. www.kidspacemuseum.org
Raging Waters,San Dimas
Raging Waters, California’s Largest Waterpark , ranked #3 nationally by the Travel Channel in its Top 10 ranking of US Water Parks. With over 50 beautifully landscaped acres and 36 slides and attractions, plus a sand beach, there is outrageous fun for guests of all ages. Grab a board and catch a wave on the new Flowrider or race for the win on the super fast Ragin’ Racer. Younger guests will never tire of Kids’ Kingdom and Splash Island. Whether mild, wild or in-between, all ages always have a raging good time at Raging Waters San Dimas. www.ragingwaters.com
Speed Zone, Industry
Get behind the wheel on one of 4 Racing Tracks including Real Dragsters that take you from 0 to 70 in 3.5 seconds. Race into action at Electric Alley, our state-of-the-art game room, and don’t forget to refuel at the SpeedZone Café and Bar. www.speedzone.com
Santa Fe Dam, Irwindale
The dam, which offers a wonderful view of the San Gabriel Mountains, is a popular tourist attraction. The Park’s recreational activities at the park include swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, cycling, bird watching, and hiking. It is also hosts the annual Renaissance Pleasure Faire, which is held on Saturdays and Sundays in May and June.
Sky Zone, Covina
The world’s first indoor trampoline park with trampolines as far as the eye can see. Trampolines provide one of the greatest workouts combined with awesome, blood-pumping, healthy fun. Experience the weightlessness of bouncing, flipping and landing in a pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes!
The Exit Game
Recently opened, Exit Game is a real life video game with three missions to complete is modeled after the large-scale escape games in Japan. The gist: you’re in a private group of about 10 people and the goal is to escape the rooms by solving interactive puzzles and mind games. You have an hour to escape. Ready Go. www.theexitgame.com
Vineland Drive-in Movie Theatre
Located in the City of Industry, this classic drive-in movie theater is open seven days a week and shows the latest blockbusters under the night’s sky. A swap meet by day and a movie venue by night, the admission is notably cheaper than regular theaters and the benefit is you get to watch from the comfort of your own car. With sound broadcasted via FM radio and a ultra-large screen, you can be sure that the experience will be like no other. And, if you don’t like the movie you are watching, you can drive over to the other one. The site can hold up to 1,500 cars and is one of the few remaining drive-ins in Los Angeles. www.vinelanddriveintheater.com
Whittier Narrows, El Monte
Two strands of the San Gabriel River run parallel from the San Gabriel Mountains before they pass through a gap several miles wide between the Montebello Hills and the Puente Hills, on their way to the sea. This gap, the Whittier Narrows, is like the drain of the vast bathtub of land that is the San Gabriel Valley. A wildlife sanctuary of several hundred acres, with a Nature Center, is is also nearby on the west bank of the San Gabriel River. Its four lakes attract migrating birds. The Nature Center is well worth a visit. The surrounding county park makes a great family outing for bird walks, picnics and exploring.