Introduction to Monterey Park, California
The California city of Monterey Park is located in Los Angeles County. Situated in the San Gabriel Valley just 9 miles east of Los Angeles, the city is adjacent to three major thoroughfares: Interstates I-10 and I-710 and California State Highway 60. Monterey Park is bounded by Alhambra (to the north), Rosemead (to the east) and Montebello (to the south).
Incorporated in 1916, Monterey Park got its name from an old government map which associated the name Monterey Hills with the area's oak-covered hills. A period of expansion developed in the 1920s when the real estate industry attracted many investors and developers to the city. Although the Depression Era put a halt to the development boom, things perked up again after World War II. Monterey Park today boasts a very diverse demographic makeup, which includes a large and varied concentration of Asian American residents and a steady but significant multigenerational American-born Latino population. The city's major industries are auto sales, banking, medicine and education.
Things to do in Monterey Park
Monterey Park's diversity is reflected in its wide varieties of dining, shopping, and special events. The Chinese New Year Lantern Festival celebrates the arrival of the Chinese New Year and heralds the beginning of spring with elaborate floral arrangements, lively entertainment and delicious food. April's Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japanese and Japanese American culture with traditional Japanese dancing and music, martial arts demonstrations, hand-made crafts, Asian food and cultural displays. The Cinco de Mayo Celebration is a Mexican festival with Folklorico Dancers, Mariachis and samplings of Mexican cuisine. Harmony Festival, an October celebration of Monterey Park's cultural diversity, features several events including a Car Show, a City Hall Open House, tours of the Police Station, a petting zoo, theatrical performances, food, music and much more. Cultural sites to visit in the city include the Monterey Park Historical Museum, which offers free weekend tours. In addition, Monterey Park's central location within the San Gabriel Valley puts it in close proximity to Los Angeles, home to its own abundance of places to visit and sights to see.