Introduction to La Puente, California
La Puente, California, in Los Angeles county, is 2 miles NE of Hacienda Heights, California (center to center) and 12 miles N of Anaheim, California. The residential community is situated in San Gabriel Valley and is regarded as a working-class town. The majority of the population is Hispanic. The municipality has easy access to freeways.
La Puente History
In 1769 the European, Gaspar de Portola expedition party along with Father Junipero Serra constructed an important bridge across the San Jose Creek. in 1884 the region was given the name Puente, which translates to "bridge" in Spanish. In 1841 European settlers from New Mexico acquired the vast acreage known as Rancho Puente and established a community. During the 1930's fruits and walnuts were the primary agricultural products grown in the area. The town was home to one of the largest walnut packing plants in the world.
La Puente Attractions
- La Puente Valley Women's Club is included in the National Register of Historic Sites.
- The Star Theater is an historic structure.
- La Puente Park offers a variety of recreation facilities.
- Arbor Day.
- Spring Egg Hunt.
- Movies in the Park.
- Cinco De Mayo Celebration.
- Concerts in the Park.
Popular nearby attractions include the well known Tournament of Roses Parade, the Rose Bowl game, the Pasadena Playhouse, Old Town Pasadena, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Raging Waters. Other notable regional destinations include Descano Gardens, Downtown Covina, Frank G. Bonelli Regional County Park, Homestead Museum, Irwindale Speedway, Los Angeles County Arboretum and the Norton Simon Museum.
The Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, is the second biggest Buddhist temple and monastery located in the Western Hemisphere. The nearby San Gabriel Mountains provide opportunities for boating, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and other recreational activities. Golfers enjoy the region's quality courses.
La Puente Higher Education
Residents have opportunities to attend college at nearby Alliant International University, Azusa Pacific University, California Institute of Technology, California State University Los Angeles and numerous other colleges.
