The Best Places to See When Driving From Altadena, California to Gardena, California
Are you planning to hit the road and explore the beautiful state of California? Whether you're a local looking for an exciting road trip or a tourist visiting for the first time, there's plenty to see and do between Altadena and Gardena. This route boasts breathtaking scenery, interesting landmarks, and amazing food. With so many fantastic destinations, you might wonder where to even begin. Fear not! We've put together a list of the top places you must see during your drive from Altadena to Gardena.
Beautiful Parks and Gardens
California is known for its stunning natural landscapes and fabulous garden attractions. Take a break from the highway and recharge in one of these parks and gardens:
- Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena
This garden attraction features one of the most significant collections of plants in the world. Stroll through the art galleries or explore the 120-acre botanical gardens, which includes over 16 themed gardens including the beautiful Japanese Garden. Make sure to stop by the gift shop for unique souvenirs.
- Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge
Located in the foothills overlooking Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens is a remarkable botanic experience featuring terraced gardens, woodlands, a lake, and bird sanctuary. Experience natural beauty and take a guided tour to learn about the history of California and the plants that grow there.
- Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, this urban oasis offers breathtaking views of downtown LA's skyline. Go for a breath of fresh air and take advantage of an array of activities like boating, fishing, or simply relaxing on the lush lawns.
Iconic Landmarks
No road trip is complete without a few stops at iconic landmarks. Check off a few bucket list items with these must-see destinations:
- The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
Sitting atop a hill in Griffith Park, the observatory is one of the most popular landmarks in Southern California. Take a rooftop terrace walk to enjoy panoramic views of LA’s skyline, or visit the planetarium to learn about the cosmos.
- The Watts Towers in Los Angeles
A masterpiece of outsider art, the Watts Towers is a series of 17 interconnected sculptures. Built by Simon Rodia over three decades, the towering steel spires covered in colorful pieces of glass and ceramic tiles can be seen from miles away.
Fun and Exciting Activities
Looking for something fun to do during your drive from Altadena to Gardena? Check out these locations:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
Step into the magical world of Hollywood and explore the sets of popular movies. Go on thrilling rides like Jurassic World - The Ride or wanders through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Don't forget to catch a live-action show and go behind the scenes.
- The Queen Mary in Long Beach
A transatlantic passenger liner turned into a flaming ship, the Queen Mary has a long and fascinating history. Explore the ship's deck, see the original ballrooms, and even sleep on board on one of the elegant staterooms.
Mouthwatering Restaurants
No California road trip would be complete without the opportunity to taste the amazing food. Here are some places that are perfect for getting your fix:
- M Grill in Los Angeles
A churrasco steakhouse in the middle of Koreatown, M Grill serves the best meats in town. Choose from a variety of cuts cooked to perfection in a Brazilian barbecue style with an exclusive wine list to pair.
- El Sauz Tacos in South Gate
This small stall has won multiple awards for serving the best tacos in Los Angeles. You can choose among traditional meats like carne asada, al pastor, or Mexican specialities.
Conclusion
The journey from Altadena, California to Gardena, California might seem like a long stretch of road, but it offers so many great places to see and activities to do. You will encounter beautiful natural wonders, world-famous landmarks, exciting thrill rides, and authentic Californian cuisine. So, pack your bags and venture out on this road trip for an unforgettable experience.