Irwindale CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Irwindale, California.
1. Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND NATURE
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area is the top attraction in Irwindale, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking around the 836-acre park with its 70-acre lake. The recreation area also features picnic areas, a nature center, and hosts various events throughout the year.
2. Irwindale Event Center
RACING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Irwindale Event Center is a popular motorsports facility that hosts various racing events throughout the year. The venue features a 1/2-mile paved oval track and a 1/8-mile drag strip that attracts racing enthusiasts from across the region. Spectators can enjoy NASCAR-sanctioned events, drift competitions, and other automotive shows in this exciting venue.
3. YouRaceLA
THRILLING RACING EXPERIENCE
YouRaceLA offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience high-speed driving on a professional racetrack. This attraction allows guests to get behind the wheel of performance vehicles or ride along with professional drivers for an adrenaline-pumping experience. The facility provides all necessary equipment and instruction for both beginners and experienced drivers looking for an exciting automotive adventure.
4. Jardin De Roca Park
SERENE COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Jardin De Roca Park is a peaceful community park offering residents and visitors a tranquil escape in Irwindale. The park features well-maintained green spaces, walking paths, and various recreational facilities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playground equipment, and open spaces perfect for relaxation or family gatherings.
5. Irwindale Aquatic Center
REFRESHING WATER RECREATION
Irwindale Aquatic Center provides a refreshing escape from the Southern California heat with its modern swimming facilities. The center features a large pool with swimming lanes, splash areas for children, and ample deck space for lounging. Swimming lessons, water aerobics classes, and special aquatic events are regularly offered to the community.
6. Irwindale Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Irwindale Park is a comprehensive recreational facility offering numerous amenities for community enjoyment. The park includes the Dan Diaz Recreation Center, swimming pool, Alfred F. Herrera Softball Field, playground equipment, and multiple picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoor basketball court and sand volleyball court, making it perfect for active families and sports enthusiasts.
7. San Gabriel River Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The San Gabriel River Bridge is a historic structure built in 1922 that carries Foothill Boulevard across the San Gabriel River. The bridge represents an important piece of Route 66 history and offers views of the river's alluvial fan composed of sand and gravel. Visitors can walk or drive across this piece of transportation history that has connected communities for over a century.
8. Turnbull Canyon
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Turnbull Canyon is a popular outdoor destination near Irwindale offering spectacular panoramic views of Los Angeles County. Hikers and cyclists navigate challenging trails through a mix of natural beauty while enjoying the surrounding landscape. The canyon combines outdoor recreation with historical intrigue, making it a favorite for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure close to urban areas.
9. Duarte Bike Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Duarte Bike Trail is a dedicated off-street cycling path built on a section of the former historic Pacific Electric Railway route. Cyclists can ride past an arched bridge that once carried Red Trolley Cars while enjoying a car-free experience. This well-maintained trail connects to larger regional biking networks, making it perfect for recreational riders and commuters alike.
10. San Gabriel River Bike Path
SCENIC RIVERSIDE CYCLING
The San Gabriel River Bike Path offers cyclists a scenic route along one of Southern California's major waterways. The path extends for miles, allowing riders to experience diverse landscapes from mountains to urban areas. When reaching the end near Irwindale, cyclists have options to extend their journey by connecting to other regional trails.
11. Bosque del Rio Hondo
TRANQUIL RIVERSIDE FOREST
Bosque del Rio Hondo, Spanish for "Forest of the Deep River," is a quaint green area offering a natural escape near Irwindale. Located just off from Whittier Arrows lakes & Recreation Area, this peaceful spot provides a refreshing contrast to the urban surroundings. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, native vegetation, and opportunities for birdwatching in this riverside forest.
12. Renaissance Pleasure Faire
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL
The Renaissance Pleasure Faire is a seasonal event held at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale that transports visitors to 16th century England. The faire features costumed performers, period music, artisan crafts, themed food and drink, and interactive entertainment spread across a village-like setting. Running for several weekends each spring, this immersive experience attracts thousands of visitors looking to step back in time while enjoying theatrical performances and period festivities.
13. Miller Brewery
HISTORIC BREWING FACILITY
The Miller Brewery in Irwindale was a significant industrial attraction offering tours of its large-scale beer production facility. Visitors could learn about the brewing process from grain to bottle while exploring the massive production plant. Though the facility closed in 2020, it remains an important part of Irwindale's industrial heritage and economic history.
14. Baldwin Park Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Baldwin Park Historical Society Museum preserves and displays the rich history of the eastern San Gabriel Valley region including Irwindale. The museum houses photographs, documents, artifacts, and exhibits chronicling the area's development from agricultural beginnings to modern suburbia. Visitors can explore rotating exhibits featuring notable local events, influential residents, and the cultural heritage of this diverse community.
15. Huntington Library and Gardens
ART AND BOTANICAL WONDERLAND
The Huntington Library and Gardens is a world-renowned cultural institution located a short drive from Irwindale. The 120-acre property features spectacular botanical gardens representing various global landscapes, from Japanese gardens to desert collections. Visitors can also explore the art collections housed in the mansion and the extraordinary library containing rare manuscripts including a Gutenberg Bible and an original copy of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.