Ten miles east of Downtown, Monterey Park boasts a thriving Chinese American community whose culture permeates to the core of the city. Distinguished by culinary prowess, Monterey Park brims with restaurants that infuse its wide boulevards with flavour. The city's cascading green spaces and convenient commercial centres provide citizens with plenty of options for everyday activity. Visit during a cultural holiday and you're in for a surprise—Monterey Park's quiet streets enliven with public parades and spirited festivals.
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On the Map
Monterey Park is bordered by Rosemead, Alhambra, San Gabriel, South San Gabriel, Montebello, East Los Angeles, and El Sereno
Multicultural In Monterey Park
Ten miles east of LA's Downtown, the men and women of Monterey Park celebrate their city's diversity.
Its quiet, residential streets come alive during festivals and parades that commemorate cultural holidays like Chinese New Year and Cinco de Mayo.
When Monterey Park's residents aren't home, they're often patronising one of the city's best dim sum restaurants or take-out spots.
Mini malls line Monterey Park's commercial boulevards.
They're simple to get to by car, city bus, or tram.
Culinary Traditions In Monterey Park
Monterey Park's multiethnic community shares their culinary traditions at tables, buffets, and take-outs.
Sampling dim sum, sipping tea, and choosing the next steamy treat is part of the fun.
Vast restaurants stay busy, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sticky buns, steamed dumplings, and rice noodle rolls contribute to Monterey Park's savoury reputation.
Monterey Park: A Street View
Nearly half of Monterey Park residents are of Chinese descent.
The Chinese community accounts for the largest concentration of Chinese Americans in any United States municipality.
Chinese is often the dominant language in Monterey Park.
Despite its cultural and community ties, newcomers are made to feel welcome in Monterey Park.
Mandarin oranges are considered good luck. They're often given as gifts on special occasions.
Monterey Park's grocery stores are sensitive to the city's culinary proclivities. They stock essential Chinese cuisine ingredients.
Weekends In Monterey Park
Fly balls, bouncing basketballs, and spontaneous games of tag comprise the weekend soundscape in Monterey Park.
Garvey Ranch Park's baseball fields, picnic facilities, tennis courts, museum, observatory, and community centre attract families to its grassy knolls and public fountain, colloquially called "The Cascades."
Residential In Monterey Park
Quiet bungalows and single-story clay-tiled homes comprise Monterey Park's residential streets.
Fifteen minutes away from LA by car, the big-city life feels miles removed from Monterey Park.
Photography
Airbnb works with local photographers to capture the spirit of neighbourhoods all around the world. The photography on this page includes work by:
Lauren Devon
Lauren Devon is an editorial and commercial lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. She loves the adventure of her work, as well as the creativity and collaboration that goes with it. With the help of locals, Lauren explored the heart of each community for Airbnb, and discovered neighbourhood gems that made each story diverse and fresh.