7 Most Enjoyable Things to Do in Monrovia, CA

It’s a city we’ve come to know well—close enough for day trips, and even more familiar thanks to family who lived here and got involved in the local community. We spent plenty of time tagging along to events, trying restaurants, and enjoying the small-town feel.

Old Town Monrovia, centered on South Myrtle Avenue, is where most of the action is. Nicknamed Mayberry Street, it’s often seen in film and TV for its charming look and mountain backdrop. The city may be low-key, but it’s big on community—hosting Friday Night Street Fairs, wine crawls, holiday parades, carriage rides, and breakfast with Santa.

The street fair is always a favorite—packed with food vendors, live music, and a mix of locals and visitors. Monrovia also has great spots to eat. We always stop by Merengue for café con leche and a Cuban pastry, grab brunch at Nano’s or Cafe de Olla, or head to The Diplomat for Mediterranean food and cocktails. Our latest favorite: empanadas from Lord Empanada.

Take a quick drive west on Canyon Blvd, and you’ll hit quiet neighborhoods where deer sometimes gather in front yards. It’s the peaceful pocket that feels a world away from Los Angeles, even though it’s still part of it.

Explore Historic Old Town Monrovia

The heart of Monrovia is its charming downtown, known as Old Town, which spans about 10 blocks. Its main street, Myrtle Avenue, which we affectionately call “Mayberry, USA,” draws visitors in with its small-town vibe and backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains.

As you enter from the south, a metal archway across Myrtle welcomes you into the historic district. You’re immediately met with mountain views, vintage lampposts, and tree-lined sidewalks that set the tone for a relaxed stroll.

Old Town is filled with restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and small businesses—making it a great spot for a weekend walk, family outing, or date night. Several historic buildings have been preserved or restored over the years, including the Box Jewelers Clock that’s stood since the 1920s. In spring, the area is especially pretty when the crepe myrtle trees burst into pink blooms.

Attend the Monrovia Friday Night Family Street Fair

One of the best things to do in Monrovia is head to the Friday Night Family Street Fair. Every Friday night of the year, three blocks of Myrtle Avenue close down to make way for this lively, family-friendly event.

The fair runs weekly—rain or shine—so you don’t have to wait for a special occasion. It’s a safe, welcoming event with something for everyone. You’ll find food trucks, local food stands, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, produce, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and more.

Live music plays on various corners, adding to the upbeat vibe. A local favorite, The Kattywompus String Band, performs every Friday at 8 p.m. in front of 517 S. Myrtle Ave.

We mostly go for the food. One of our must-stop spots is Me Gusta Tamales—we always grab the chile & cheese and chicken tamales. It’s become part of our Friday night routine in Monrovia.

🕔 Every Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Update 2026: The movie theater has sadly closed.

Monrovia’s movie theater has been a part of Old Town since the 1920s, evolving with the times while remaining a community staple. It’s been renovated multiple times, most recently by Studio Movie Grill, and is now operated by LOOK Dine-In Cinemas.

While the exterior still has a retro vibe, the inside is modern, clean, and comfortable, complete with a full bar and lounge seating for pre-movie drinks. LOOK Dine-In shows current releases and offers a full menu of food and drinks—ordered from your seat and delivered during the film.

It’s an easy and fun night out in Monrovia, any day of the week.

One free thing to do in Monrovia is stop by the Monrovia Historical Museum. It’s a small but interesting museum with artifacts and exhibits highlighting the city’s past.

The rotating displays cover a mix of local history—from founding families to Native American artifacts, fossils, and even a WWII exhibit. One wing focuses on early Monrovia leaders, while others explore different eras of community life.

🕐 Open Thursday & Sunday | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
💵 Cost: FREE

Right along Historic Route 66 in Monrovia stands one of L.A. County’s more unusual landmarks—the Aztec Hotel. Built in 1925, this 44-room hotel is known as much for its unique Mayan Revival architecture as it is for its colorful (and sometimes eerie) history.

The hotel has long been tied to stories of crime, legal troubles, and paranormal activity. It’s not currently operational for overnight stays and has been under renovation for years—but it’s still worth stopping by, especially at night when the building takes on a slightly spooky vibe.

Right next door, the Mayan Bar & Grill is open and welcoming. They serve drinks and a full menu. If patio seating is available, take it—you’ll get a glimpse into the hotel’s outdoor garden area.

Small private tours of the Aztec Hotel have popped up in the past. Bizarre LA has hosted a few, so if you’re curious about the history (or the hauntings), follow them on Instagram or check their website to see if tours return.

On a beautiful day, Library Park is a great spot to slow down and enjoy some fresh air. Pack your own lunch or grab takeout from one of the many nearby spots in Old Town, then find a picnic table, park bench, or bring a blanket for the open grassy area.

This charming park surrounds the Monrovia Public Library and features green space, a classic water fountain, and one of California’s oldest Moreton Bay Fig trees—over 100 years old. On hot days, parking beneath its massive canopy offers perfect shade.

A playground tucked behind the library is also great for families with kids. Occasionally, the park hosts community events in collaboration with the library.

Sometimes, events occur at Library Park in conjunction with Monrovia Library and the community.

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue is one of Monrovia’s lesser-known gems. A colorful set of rainbow stairs leads down into the park from Grand Avenue, and once you’re there, it feels completely separated from the streets above.

The park is clean, safe, and spacious—great for a picnic, a soccer game, or letting the kids run around. You’ll find picnic tables, plenty of grass, and a playground.

🐾 Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
🕒 Open from sunrise to 8 p.m.

Keep Monrovia Canyon Park on Your Radar

Monrovia Canyon Park is finally open.

The park covers 80 acres and offers scenic trails for hiking and biking, along with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife—including deer and the occasional bear. One of the main highlights is a 30-foot waterfall, which is especially beautiful after rainfall. There’s also a small Nature Center at the top of the parking lot.