Top 10 Things To Do In Irwindale, CA


Although Irwindale, California may not be as famous as some of the other places in the state, this city offers a variety of activities, especially for individuals who love the outdoors.

Irwindale was founded in 1860 and is known for having a “small town” feel while being close to the big cities. Originally, settlers Gregorio Fraijo and Fecundo Ayon first established their presence in Irwindale, and the city grew over time as their family members continued to live in the same area.

Irwindale is known as a sand and gravel mining town. Major areas of industry have since expanded into manufacturing and technology, although the city’s mining roots are still apparent.

Where exactly is Irwindale?

Although Irwindale is a much smaller community compared to the major cities of California, it is actually only 20 miles away from downtown Los Angeles and is located within Los Angeles County.

The current population is about 1,466 people, with around 1,242,962 individuals living within a 10-mile radius of the city.

Travelers should add Irwindale to their list of places to visit because the city provides opportunities to get away from the hustle of LA and to enjoy some of the beautiful nature that California has to offer.

Things to do in Irwindale, CA

1. Irwindale Speedway

Irwindale Speedway  - Irwindale, CA

Visitors looking for something exciting to do should consider going to the Irwindale Speedway to watch a race, enjoy a concert, or even ride along in a real racecar.

The Speedway is located in San Gabriel Valley and offers a variety of shows, food accommodations, and even “Skybox Suites” for a more indulgent experience.

This facility can seat a total of 6,000 guests and regularly holds events such as car shows and races. There are also opportunities for guests to drive their own cars or bikes on the dragstrip.

Adrenaline junkies should consider opting for one of the racecar driving experiences offered by the Speedway, including opportunities to drive a car, ride along with a driver, or even take a course in learning to race competitively.

2. Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area - Irwindale, CA

The Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities to accommodate all ages. It is located at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains and includes a spacious swim beach as well as a splash pad and a water play area.

Visitors looking to enjoy the water should also consider renting a kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat. Some of the rentals are even able to accommodate up to eleven passengers!

For those looking to stay dry, there are also plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.

The nature center offers walking tours for those who would like to learn more about the flora and fauna of the land.

Be sure to check out the events before your visit, as this area also offers concerts and theater arts as well.

3. Peck Road Water Conservation Park

Peck Road Water Conservation Park - Irwindale, CA

Our next attraction is also a part of the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation department. The beautiful Peck Road Water Conservation Park is located in Arcadia, California, about 15 minutes from Irwindale.

This park does not hold organized recreational activities and may be a better fit for visitors looking to have a relaxed afternoon and just enjoy being in nature. It is a whole five acres in size and provides trails for hiking and mountain biking as well as lakes and picnic areas.

Visitors are sure to enjoy playing a game of horseshoes before they use the barbeques to make dinner.

Enjoying the outdoors doesn’t need to be complicated, and this park offers exactly what you need to enjoy a sunny day.

4. Duarte Recreational Trail

In continuation with our active lifestyle theme of the past several recommendations, we also suggest visiting the Duarte Recreational Trail. Located fewer than 10 miles from the city of Irwindale, the trail is accessible to beginner hikers and is just over three miles in length.

Popular for local residents, the trail is utilized by bikers, runners, and walkers and is relatively flat. In addition, the trail is mostly paved and is very easy to navigate.

Typically, walkers take a little over an hour to complete the trail, but this is dependent upon speed, fitness level, and number of stops.

Bringing an animal with you? Dogs are also allowed on this trail, as long as they are leashed.

5. The Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Renaissance Pleasure Faire - Irwindale, CA

(photo: Matthew Dillon)

Do you plan on visiting Irwindale in April or May? Be sure to check out the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire! This seasonal fair occurs at the Santa Fe Recreation Area.

At a full 21 acres, the fair offers 13 different stages, plenty of options for shopping, and a variety of themed foods. Feel free to come dressed in costume as a pirate, a princess, or even a wench!

In general, this festival is family friendly, but there is also a pub crawl option for adults. If attending on a particular weekend, guests may be eligible to participate in the pirate costume contest for a chance to win the “Pirate Booty” prize at the end of the afternoon.

Visitors can also make reservations to have tea with the queen. You may want to watch a jousting show or explore the arts and crafts available, depending on your interests.

Be sure to check the website prior to attending the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, as it is only available seasonally, and there are also recommendations for parking and purchasing tickets.

6. Vineland Drive-In

vineland drive in - irwindale, ca

Drive-in theaters can be incredibly nostalgic, and the Vineland Drive-In is definitely worth a visit if you plan to travel to Irwindale, California.

The theater is only a 9 minute drive from Irwindale and is open nightly. Please note that an FM radio is required to tune into the movies. If your car does not have a radio, you are able to purchase an FM radio at the concession stand.

The concession stand also offers a variety of snacks, including traditional movie popcorn, ice cream, nachos, and pizza. Combos are available for visitors who want to share or are hungry for more than just a snack.

The drive-in theater can be a unique and fun experience, especially for those who enjoy going to see movies in traditional theaters.

7. Angeles National Forest

angeles national forest

(photo: Geographer)

Visitors are encouraged to add the Angeles National Forest, home of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, to their list of places to go. The forest is made up of beautiful mountains, canyons, and streams and has a rich history.

There are 548 miles of trials in this forest, some of which are more challenging than the others on this list due to the increased altitude. Hikers should expect to see some spectacular views.

A wonderful escape from the city, this forest offers campgrounds for individuals wanting to stay through the night as well as opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, weather permitting.

If you are a hiker, the Angeles National Forest should definitely be on your list of places to visit, especially if you are interested in the nature and wildlife of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, which is mostly located within this forest.

8. Glen Oaks Golf Course

Glen Oaks Golf Course - Irwindale, CA

Golfers looking to improve their game will not want to miss playing at the Glen Oaks Golf Course, which is about 20 minutes east of Irwindale. The course is open daily and offers very reasonable rates, with special deals for seniors and children.

Additionally, this course features a driving range with balls that are able to be tracked for speed and distance, allowing visitors to track their progress and to objectively compete with friends and family.

Golfers who are new to the sport (as well as those who would like to improve their skills) may want to schedule a one-on-one lesson with one of the experts at the course.

Visitors should also know that the Glen Oaks Golf Course includes an on-site kitchen that provides snacks, such as wings, sliders, and mozzarella sticks, with different discounts available each day during the week.

9. Glendora Public Market

Glendora Public Market

One of the greatest parts of visiting a new city is enjoying local foods and drinks. The Glendora Public Market is about 15 minutes east of Irwindale and provides options from small business vendors and even offers delivery.

Breakfast lovers should check out Penny Coffee Roaster and Cassidy’s Corner Café for a cappuccino and a hearty bagel. Some of the lunch and dinner options include Dog Haus, The Taco Man, and Bushi. The market even offers fancy desserts at Crepes and Shakes, a specialty shop for extravagant milkshakes and creative flavors of sweet crepes.

Don’t miss out on having at least a meal from the Glendora Public Market on your trip to Irwindale, as the variety of food and drink offerings allows for something for everyone who may be traveling with you.

10. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

The last place on our list is certainly not one to be missed. The Lost Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located in Arcadia, is an absolutely beautiful place to visit.

Guests can walk through a tropical green house, a rose garden, and aquatic gardens in the same visit. Individuals interested in seeing particular flowers and greenery should check out the bloom calendar to plan their trip according to the season.

The garden is also a wildlife sanctuary and is home to a variety of birds (including stunning peacocks and snowy egrets) in addition to reptiles and mammals.

If you plan your trip accordingly, you may be able to participate in one of the unique organized activities that the garden offers, such as goat yoga, oil painting, or Tai Chi.

Mariska Lee

Mariska is a recovering attorney who gave up her professional job to discover new perspectives of life while traveling in a 2009 Ford Transit. She has been living the van life for 3 years and has not looked back since.

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