San Gabriel, CA

The beginnings of San Gabriel date back to 1771 when Spanish priest Junipero Serra built a mission there with the Tongva people. The San Gabriel Mission District still stands as a reminder of the city's rich history and cultural diversity. San Gabriel became L.A.'s original township in 1852, and it was incorporated as a city in 1913.

After seeing the Mission, browse the artifacts at the Hayes House museum, a reverend's home that was built in 1887. Be sure to check out the Mission Playhouse to see an upcoming performance. Perhaps there's no better way to experience the local culture than attending the Mission's annual Fiesta de San Gabriel. Experience a re-enactment of Walk to Los Angeles once completed by the founding families, and join your neighbors for live music, shopping, a beer garden and more.

Walk around San Gabriel to discover an international culinary scene. Choose from a rich collection of restaurants serving everything from Taiwanese and Szechuan to Korean BBQ and Japanese sushi.

If you're looking for a traditional hotpot establishment for a laid-back lunch on the patio, give Jackpot Hotpot a try. Each hotpot offers your choice of specialty sauce and meat, and the servers give you a free green or black tea to sweeten the deal. If you're not sure what to try, the miso with fish and the beef noodle soup never disappoint.

Head to Boston Lobster to experience a fusion of American seafood dishes and Asian cuisine. You rarely have to wait more than 15 minutes for your meal, and the lobster with noodles, the Kung Pao shrimp and the big platter of basil clams are sure to keep you coming back. The former executive chef of Newport Seafood runs this place, so you'll find a similar menu to the popular restaurant. Finding a parking space in front of the restaurant can be difficult. Park in the plaza lot across the street to save yourself the hassle.

For genuine Taiwanese cuisine, stop into Taipei Bistro. Be sure to try the fried tofu and pork fried rice, and order a jasmine tea to complete your experience. Lunch only costs around $5 for fresh-cooked meals piled into plastic dishes. Keep in mind that this bistro only accepts cash and closes earlier than most of the other nearby cafes.

Residents enjoy a diverse nightlife scene in San Gabriel with a scattering of lounges, clubs and karaoke bars serving up drinks until the early morning hours. Locals hang out at Cheers Bar & Grill for a night of karaoke, live music or talented DJs. Play a game on the beer pong tables while enjoying the bar's huge selection of cheap shots.

Whether you're headed to work or going shopping at San Gabriel Square, hop in your car or take the bus to navigate the city's streets. The 10 Freeway runs through the southern part of town, providing a 20-minute commute to downtown once you've entered the on-ramp. Take advantage of free street parking throughout the neighborhood, or grab an overnight parking permit from a 24-hour vending machine for less than $5. For a quick ride to the airport, use Uber or call up a San Gabriel taxi.

The Metrolink bypasses San Gabriel with no stops between El Monte and Cal State, but the Metro buses make frequent stops along the city's major streets. Bicycle enthusiasts find no bike paths here, but San Gabriel Valley's Master Bike Plan is in the works to create more bike-friendly roads in the coming years. If you're running your errands on foot, enjoy a short walk to most major amenities.

When you need a break from shopping and dining, stop by one of San Gabriel's free public parks to kick back with a good book. Located just down the street from the Mission, Smith Park has plenty of tables for a family picnic, and the lighted basketball and tennis courts attract sports enthusiasts night and day. This park also has two playgrounds geared toward toddlers and older kids.

If you really want to make your kids' dreams come true, head over to Vincent Lugo Park where you find huge cement creatures. Let your kids slide down the dragon's back, walk into the mouth of a whale or climb onto the neck of a sea monster. This is also a great place to walk your dog in the morning while you watch locals practice yoga and tai chi.

San Gabriel residents enjoy a cost of living that falls below average for the L.A. metro area thanks to its affordable housing and convenient amenities. If you're looking to rent, expect to pay around $1,000 for a basic one-bedroom apartment. Gas prices generally hover 11 percent above the national average, and reaching the L.A. city center by Metro bus costs you $1.75 for a one-way trip with free transfers. Entertainment prices are generally low with a glass of beer at Cheers costing $3 to $4.

For a taste of the city's retail flavor, head to San Gabriel Plaza. Browse an assortment of department stores, gift shops and fashion boutiques sprinkled in with supermarkets and Chinese restaurants.

Stop by Nostalgic Books and Comics to find a collection of vintage comics, hundreds of new titles, bobbleheads and t-shirts. This popular hangout even sells Heroclix figures. Check out the used-book section for cheap reads starting from $1. If you can't find what you're looking for, the staff are happy to order it for you at a discounted rate.

For your weekly groceries, enjoy an international selection of ingredients at San Gabriel Superstore, or head to Mitsuwa Marketplace for Japanese food supplies. Check out the seasonal farmers' market to grab some avocados and a hot Gourmet Vegan meal.