Hotels in Monrovia

Monrovia: San Gabriel Valley Gateway at the Foothill Edge

Monrovia sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County, roughly 20 miles east of downtown LA along the 210 Freeway. Founded in 1887 by William Monroe, the city retains a walkable historic core centered on Myrtle Avenue, where early-20th-century storefronts house independent restaurants, breweries, and weekend farmers' markets. The Monrovia Canyon Park, just 2 miles north of Old Town, opens into native oak woodland and a 1.5-mile trail to a small waterfall — a draw for hikers based in the greater Pasadena corridor.

Where to Stay

Hotels in Monrovia cluster near the 210/605 interchange and along Huntington Drive, offering straightforward access to the Arcadia retail district and the Santa Anita Park horse-racing venue less than 3 miles west. The Gold Line light rail (now the A Line) stops at Monrovia Station, connecting guests to Pasadena in roughly 15 minutes and to downtown LA in under an hour without a car.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: The A Line light rail runs every 12 minutes peak hours from Monrovia Station.
• Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) for cooler hiking conditions on canyon trails.
• Parking: Old Town Myrtle Avenue has free public lots on Lime Avenue and Primrose Avenue.