Things To Do
in West Covina

West Covina is a sunny, family-friendly suburb in Los Angeles County, located southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It blends residential neighborhoods with bustling shopping centers and diverse dining options. The city sits at the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, offering quick access to outdoor trails and scenic views.

Visitors can enjoy parks, markets, and a welcoming, diverse community.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the West Covina City Hall, an architectural gem surrounded by well-kept gardens. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the nearby parks, soaking in the morning sun and the local flora. Grab a fresh breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local favorites such as avocado toast or a breakfast burrito.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the West Covina Historical Society Museum to delve into the rich history of the area. Explore the exhibits, which showcase artifacts and photographs from West Covina’s past, providing insight into its development. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the nearby Plaza West Covina, where you can shop and enjoy a cup of coffee.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at one of West Covina's popular restaurants, perhaps trying some authentic Mexican cuisine. After your meal, catch a local performance at the West Covina Performing Arts Center, where you might experience live theater or music. Wind down your evening with a leisurely walk around the city, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

day 2
Nature Trails and Picnics
morning
:

Begin your day with a hike at the nearby Bonelli Park, where the fresh air and scenic trails will invigorate you. Enjoy the serene environment as you take in views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Pack some snacks for a mid-hike break, allowing you to recharge while surrounded by nature.

afternoon
:

After your hike, find a picturesque spot in the park for a delightful picnic lunch. Enjoy sandwiches, fruits, and refreshing drinks as you relax under the shade of the trees. Consider renting a pedal boat to explore the lake further, providing a fun and unique perspective of the park.

evening
:

As evening approaches, head back to West Covina and treat yourself to dinner at a family-friendly pizzeria. Share a variety of pizzas with friends or family while reminiscing about the day's adventures. Wrap up the night by visiting a local ice cream parlor for a sweet treat to cool off.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🏠1-bedroom apartment in city center$1,800-2,400 / month
🚗Gasoline (per gallon)$4.50-5.50
🛒Groceries for a week$60-120
Coffee to go$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Diverse dining options reflecting LA’s cultural mix
  • Proximity to multiple attractions in the San Gabriel Valley and greater LA area
  • Accessible shopping and family-friendly activities
  • Heavy traffic typical of the LA region
  • Car-dependent layout; limited walkability in outer neighborhoods
  • Costs of living can be higher than some nearby suburbs

Places to Visit in West Covina

Visit one of these nice places.

Vincent Lugo Park

A green oasis with ponds, palm-lined paths, and colorful landscaping—perfect for candid family shots and golden-hour photography.

Grijalva Park overlook

Hillside viewpoints and open spaces ideal for cityscape and sunset photography.

Plaza West Covina area

Vivid storefronts, street activity, and urban textures for dynamic street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in West Covina

West Covina’s dining scene reflects the wider San Gabriel Valley with diverse cuisines, generous portions, and family-friendly atmospheres.

West Covina Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Carne Asada Tacos

Grilled steak tacos with cilantro, onions, lime, and salsa, best enjoyed at casual taquerias around Azusa Ave.

Must-Try!

Korean BBQ

Marinated beef varieties like bulgogi or galbi cooked at the table, paired with banchan and rice.

Dim Sum

Steamed dumplings and buns—great for sharing at a Cantonese-style spot.

Filipino Pancit or Lechon

Stir-fried noodles or crispy roast pork reflecting the area’s diverse communities.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Plaza West Covina Market (food stalls)

A cluster of local eateries and stalls offering a mix of street-food options and snacks.

Eastland Center area food stalls

Casual street-food vibes with accessible options for a quick bite after shopping.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer highs typically reach the 80s–90s°F (26–34°C); winter lows hover around the 40s°F (4–9°C). Spring and fall are pleasant with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Santa Ana winds can bring hot, dry periods in fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and politeness

Common courtesy in the LA area—say please and thank you; a friendly greeting goes a long way.

Cultural sensitivity

Respect personal space and local norms; be mindful of traffic and busy public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

West Covina is generally safe in residential and commercial areas, but petty theft can occur in crowded places. Keep valuables secure, use well-lit streets at night, and stay aware of surroundings when using ATMs or rideshares. In case of emergencies, call 911; local non-emergency numbers are available for reports.

Tipping in West Covina

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Standard US practice: 15-20% at restaurants. Rideshares and taxis may add small fees; check the receipt.

Payment Methods

Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; mobile wallets and contactless payments are common at many venues.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with abundant sunshine; stay hydrated, seek shade, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Fall

Warm days with cooler evenings; Santa Ana winds can bring dry, breezy days—carry water and sunglasses.

Winter

Generally mild with occasional rain; light jackets are enough, but be prepared for brief shower days.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscaping; ideal for hiking, parks, and outdoor events.

Nightlife Guide

West Covina at Night

West Covina’s nightlife is relaxed and family-friendly, featuring casual bars, cafes, and live-music options in surrounding cities. Expect neighborhood spots rather than large clubs; nearby Covina, Walnut, and La Puente offer additional after-dark options.

Hiking in West Covina

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Monrovia Canyon Park – Monrovia

Short, family-friendly trails with a waterfall and scenic canyon views.

San Gabriel Mountains foothills – Azusa/Arcadia area

A range of hikes from easy walks to moderate hikes with valley viewpoints.

East Fork Trail/Chantry Flat – Angeles National Forest

Accessible trails with lush forests and canyon landscapes a short drive away.

Airports

How to reach West Covina by plane.

LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Approximately 25-40 miles northeast; typically a 30-40 minute drive, longer during peak traffic.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Approximately 25-40 miles west; travel time varies with traffic, often 45-60 minutes or more.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Approximately 45-60 miles south; longer with freeway congestion.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is strongest around the city center and major shopping areas like Plaza West Covina. Sidewalks and pedestrian zones exist in these hubs, but many neighborhoods are spread out and require a car for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hispanic/Latino

A large portion of the community; influences local cuisine, cultural events, and businesses.

Asian American

Significant presence of Korean, Filipino, Chinese communities contributing to a diverse food scene.

White and other ethnic groups

A mix of long-term residents and newer arrivals; adds to the city’s cultural vibrancy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball/Softball

Strong youth and amateur leagues; local parks host games throughout the year.

Basketball

Indoor and outdoor courts are common; community centers offer leagues and open play.

Soccer

Popular at schools and parks; many rec leagues and turf fields available.

Transportation

Traffic

LA-area traffic can be heavy, especially on major corridors like the 10 and 605 freeways during rush hours. Public transit exists but is often slower than driving for short trips; many residents rely on cars for daily commuting. Ridesharing is widely used and convenient for late-night travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting West Covina.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer veggie dishes; look for veggie bowls, salads, and plant-based plates. Ask for meat-free broths and sauces when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible with multiple hospitals and clinics in the broader LA County area, including Citrus Valley Medical Center in Covina and nearby San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland. Major networks such as Kaiser Permanente and various urgent care centers provide coverage and access for residents and visitors. Expect standard ER and urgent care services with typical wait times depending on the day.

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