What is the San Gabriel Valley in California?

Nestled beneath the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains and located east of downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley is a sprawling, diverse region that covers a significant portion of Los Angeles County in Southern California.

The San Gabriel Valley, often simply referred to as "the SGV" by locals, is bordered by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the Puente Hills to the south, the San Rafael Hills to the west, and the Chino Hills and San Jose Hills to the east. The valley spans several cities and communities, many of which are independent municipalities. Here are all the cities that are in the San Gabriel Valley.

Altadena
Alhambra
Arcadia
Avocado Heights
Azusa
Baldwin Park
Bassett
Bradbury
Charter Oak
Citrus
City of Industry
Covina
Diamond Bar
Duarte
East Pasadena
El Monte
Glendora
Hacienda Heights
Hillgrove
Irwindale
La Puente
Los Angeles (El Sereno)
Mayflower Village
Monrovia
Monterey Park
North El Monte
Pasadena
Pomona
Ramona
Rosemead
Rowland Heights
Rose Hills
San Dimas
San Gabriel
San Marino
San Pasqual
Sierra Madre
South El Monte
South Pasadena
South San Gabriel
South San Jose Hills
Temple City
Valinda
Vincent
Walnut
West Covina
West Puente Valley

Historically significant, the San Gabriel Valley's roots can be traced back to the Tongva people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region. It was also the site of the mission system's establishment, with Mission San Gabriel Arcángel being founded in 1771. This mission played a critical role in California's colonization by the Spanish, ultimately becoming the fourth of 21 missions that would span the length of California.

Today, the San Gabriel Valley is known for its rich cultural diversity, with a substantial Asian-American population, particularly Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese communities. This multicultural infusion has led to a unique blend of cuisines, traditions, festivals, and business establishments that make the SGV a cultural hotspot. Areas like Monterey Park, Alhambra, and Rowland Heights have transformed into hubs for Asian cuisine and businesses, with diners and shoppers traveling from all over Southern California to sample the offerings.

The natural beauty of the San Gabriel Valley is undeniable. The San Gabriel Mountains, which were declared a National Monument in 2014, offer an extensive network of hiking trails, camping sites, and skiing opportunities. The valley also contains parts of the Angeles National Forest, where locals and tourists alike can immerse themselves in California's native flora and fauna.

Moreover, the San Gabriel Valley is also a center for arts, science, and education. Pasadena, one of its most famous cities, hosts the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl football game. The city is also home to institutions like the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), both of which have contributed enormously to the fields of science and space exploration.

In conclusion, the San Gabriel Valley is a melting pot of cultures, history, and natural beauty. It's a region that encapsulates the essence of California: a blending of the old and the new, the natural and the developed, all under the sunny skies of the Golden State. Whether you're a resident, a visitor, or simply someone curious about California's many treasures, the San Gabriel Valley is a destination not to be missed.

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