Best Recreation Centers in El Monte, CA

One of the best parts of being local to Los Angeles is your endless access to recreational activities. With so many towns incorporated within LA county, the region is full of rec centers and parks designed for community outdoor activity and events. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous outdoor excursion or a relaxing day at the pool, everyone in the El Monte area can find something fun to do with their free time right here in our community. 

Our team at Longo Toyota has put together this list of the top five recreation centers near El Monte, California, so you and your loved ones can have plenty of great options the next time you’re looking for a fun, local outing. 

Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

The first spot on our list is the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, located near the city of El Monte in South El Monte, California. This 1,492-acre park is one of the largest and most popular recreation areas in all of LA County. No matter your age, you can have a great time at Whittier Narrows. With a partner or group, you can play games on the park’s baseball fields, soccer fields, volleyball courts, and tennis courts. Or, you can enjoy the BMX track, equestrian center and trails, disc golf courses, fishing lakes, hiking and mountain biking trails, and fitness courses. 

The park also has plenty to offer your little ones, including tram tours and train rides, children’s play areas, and dance and theater arts lessons. Whittier Narrows has seasonal bike and boat rentals, a nature center, and the American Military Museum. There’s a vehicle entrance fee on weekends and holidays of $7 per day and annual permits of $150 are also available for frequent visitors. 

Location: 750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte

Phone: 626-575-5526

Peck Road Water Conservation Park

The next recreation center on our list is the Peck Road Water Conservation Park, located nearby El Monte in Arcadia, California. This humble five-acre park has served the El Monte, Arcadia, and Temple City communities for over 25 years and has become a symbol for local recreation in the area. Some amenities you can take advantage of at Peck Road Water Conservation Park include barbecues, picnic tables, and restrooms, offering everything you need for a successful picnic or park day. 

If you’re looking for more adventurous recreational activities, you can try the mountain biking trails and hiking trails at Peck Road. This park is what’s referred to as a “passive use park,” meaning there aren’t any scheduled activities led by the County. Instead, you can use the park’s amenities at your own discretion, whether that involves taking a bike ride along the park’s trail, going on a leisurely stroll, or grilling up some tasty treats on the barbecue. 

Location: 5401 N. Peck Road, Acadia

Phone: 626-334-1065

San Angelo Park

Just south of the City of El Monte is San Angelo Park, a recreation center in La Puente, California. This park is another great choice if your group includes a variety of ages, interests, and abilities.

Your sports enthusiasts can burn energy on their baseball fields, basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, and softball fields. The park also offers lessons for baseball, t-ball, cheerleading, flag football, martial arts, and dance. Or bring your little ones to the children’s play area or splash pad while you make use of the park’s complimentary picnic shelters and barbecues. 

The park also offers indoor community resources, including computer labs and multipurpose rooms for meetings and lectures. And they host other community amenities, such as their after-school programs, various sports lessons, summer lunch program, and free concerts. Whatever you’re looking for in a recreation center, we’re confident that San Angelo Park will surpass your expectations. 

Location: 245 S. San Angelo Ave., La Puente

Phone: 626-333-6162

Avenue Park

The next spot on our list is Avenue Park, which, like San Angelo, is located south of El Monte in La Puente, California. This park has plenty to offer in terms of recreation and is sure to satisfy your needs, regardless of your age or interests. Your young children can spend their time running around the park’s two large playgrounds. You and your older kids may enjoy the unique skate park, where local kids gather to exercise and practice. 

Much like the other recreation centers in LA County, Avenue Park has many complimentary amenities available to guests. These include picnic tables, restrooms, group picnic shelters, and barbecues.

This park also draws in visitors thanks to its beautiful and scenic walking paths with freshly manicured landscapes and native Californian flowers. Avenue Park takes reservations, so if you’re planning on hosting an event, like a birthday party or other gathering that uses one of their picnic shelters, secure your spot by calling ahead. 

Location: 553 S. Fourth Ave., La Puente

Phone: 626-333-6162

Reservations Phone: 888-239-6700

Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area

The final spot on our list of the top five recreation centers is the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area just north of El Monte. With the beautiful backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, this 836-acre area park is a great place for your whole family to find fun and scenic recreational activities.

If everyone needs a break from the heat, you can bring them to Santa Fe’s 70-acre lake to play in the water, boat, or fish year-round. There’s also a five-acre chlorinated “swim beach” and play area. There’s no better place to cool off on a hot day. 

You also may enjoy the park’s hiking trails, sailing areas, camping sites, and nature walks. Their Nature Center provides informative walking tours about the area’s native plant and animal species. Other amenities include boat launches, equestrian trails, concession stands, picnic shelters, biking trails, sports courts, bird walks, and pedal boating. 

Location: 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Baldwin Park

Phone: 626-334-1065

So, there you have it. That’s our list of the top five recreation areas in the El Monte area. We hope you found this article helpful and can use it the next time you’re searching for a fun rec center in our community. Did we leave out one of your favorite recreation spots in El Monte? Have a suggestion for a future article about fun things to do in the Los Angeles area? Contact us today at Longo Toyota, and a member of our dedicated team will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Tags: Local, Parks, Recreation Centers
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