Overview
Alhambra is a city in the San Gabriel Valley. There is a large ethnic Chinese population (both from Taiwan and Mainland China), though not as much as in neighboring cities like Monterey Park.
4 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Alhambra
Renaissance Plaza
Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America
Ramona Convent
Wing Lung Bank
Was the largest glass tile mural in North America in 2008.
Lunar New Year Celebration
One of the largest Lunar New Year's celebrations in Southern California takes place in Alhambra, preceded by a three-week art exhibit at city hall. Nearly 25,000 people turn out to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the cit…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Jun. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Very hot (Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby Pasadena)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BUR Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport, Burbank — 15 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HHR Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Hawthorne — 16 mi away. Directions
The closest and most convenient airport is the Burbank/Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, which is 18 miles from Alhambra. Other nearby airports are Los Angeles International Airport and airports in Ontario, and Orange County.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Renaissance Plaza, Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America, Ramona Convent
- Lunch The Hat
- Afternoon Wing Lung Bank, Lunar New Year Celebration
- Dinner Twohey's Restaurant
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Alhambra has a number of underrepresented Asian cuisines, due to the city's immigrant population. Look out for Malaysian, and regional Chinese food.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Get in
By plane
The closest and most convenient airport is the Burbank/Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, which is 18 miles from Alhambra. Other nearby airports are Los Angeles International Airport and airports in Ontario, and Orange County.
By train
Alhambra is just 6 miles from Union Station in Downtown L.A.. Metro Local Bus Line 76' runs from Union Station to Alhambra.
By car
Alhambra is intersected by the east/west Interstate 10 with exits at Fremont Ave, Atlantic Blvd, and Garfield Ave, the main north/south arteries of the city. Interstate 710 has its northern terminus at Valley Blvd., at the western edge of Alhambra. Cars traveling to Pasadena or South Pasadena exit the 710 here and must take side streets (Valley Blvd. east to Fremont Ave. north).
By bus
Las Vegas Express Bus operates a daily service to and from Las Vegas, which has a stop just south of Alhambra in neighboring Monterey Park.
Get around
Alhambra is a walkable city in some areas (Main St, Valley Blvd) but you are likely to want to rent a car to see the surrounding areas as well. The bus is a cheaper, but slower option.
By bus
Alhambra is accessible by LA Metro Bus routes 76 (Valley Blvd) and 78 (Main St), as well as the Metro Express 760. Although inexpensive, expect it to be much slower than automobile. Detailed routes and schedules are located at the LA Metro website.
The city runs a few of its own buses, the Alhambra Community Transit (ACT). There are two lines, Green and Blue. The fare is only 25 cents.
By car
Car rental will be your best bet. Car rentals from all the major companies are at the Los Angeles Airport as well as two in Alhambra.
See
See Renaissance Plaza
See Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America
See Ramona Convent
Do
Do Lunar New Year Celebration
One of the largest Lunar New Year's celebrations in Southern California takes place in Alhambra, preceded by a three-week art exhibit at city hall. Nearly 25,000 people turn out to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the city's main Chinese commercial district on Valley Blvd with booths, activities, workshops, cultural demonstrations, giveaways and food.
Eat
Alhambra has a number of underrepresented Asian cuisines, due to the city's immigrant population. Look out for Malaysian, and regional Chinese food.
Sleep
The few hotels in Alhambra are not well reviewed. The Days Inn on First St. is probably the best bet. There is a Hilton not to far away in San Gabriel on Valley Blvd., though you will probably feel more like you are in Taipei than California. Airbnb offers local rentals, which may be your best option if you want to stay in the city limits.
Stay safe
Alhambra is a safe city, with its own police force, the Alhambra Police Department (APD). The APD is professional and courteous, and will respond quickly. Do not drink and drive: they are serious about it, and you will go to jail. The most likely crime one can encounter is minor property theft. Lock your bicycle, and normal stuff like that. As in all of America, for emergency services call 911. The APD non-emergency number is +1 626-570-5151.
Nearby
Monterey Park
City / town · 12 listings · 2 mi away
San Gabriel
City / town · 5 listings · 2 mi away
South Pasadena
City / town · 4 listings · 2 mi away
Rosemead
City / town · 4 listings · 3 mi away
San Marino
City / town · 2 listings · 3 mi away
Pasadena
City / town · 64 listings · 6 mi away
City of Commerce
City / town · 5 listings · 6 mi away
El Monte
City / town · 3 listings · 6 mi away
My experience
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