Part of our California guide.
Covina’s six best experiences—from its top eateries to its family-friendly parks—are laid out below, with each section covering a different side of the city.
Related travel guides: West Covina Travel Guide, 18 Must Visit Places In Tracy, Summerville Travel Guide, 35 Must Visit Places In Rockville, and 35 Must Visit Places In Richardson.
30 Must Visit Places In Covina
Start with the historic downtown, where you can walk along Citrus Avenue and browse independent shops. For outdoor time, head to Covina Park or the scenic Galster Wilderness Park, which offers trails and picnic areas. The Covina Valley Historical Society’s museum, housed in a 1911 bungalow, gives a quick look at the area’s citrus-ranching past. Don’t miss the Covina Center for the Performing Arts—catch a live show there if you can. These 30 spots include everything from the local library’s reading garden to the weekly Farmers Market, so you can mix history, shopping, and green space over a weekend.
11 Best Local Eateries In Covina, California
Food in Covina runs from family-run Mexican taquerias to modern gastropubs. The Brew & Meatball Co., in the heart of the city, serves gourmet meatballs and a rotating list of craft beers—try the spicy pork version with their house-made marinara. For breakfast, the classic diner at the Covina Café has been flipping pancakes since the 1950s. You’ll also find a solid pho spot on San Bernardino Road and a popular Hawaiian plate lunch joint near the 10 freeway. These 11 eateries cover lunch, dinner, and dessert, so you can eat your way through the city without repeating a single cuisine.
7 Vibrant Festivals/Events To Attend In Covina, California
Mark your calendar for the Covina Fourth of July parade, which has run for over a century, and the fall Covina Valley Harvest Festival, where you’ll find carnival rides and local crafts. The city also hosts a monthly Art Walk downtown, plus a summer concert series in Covina Park. The annual Taste of Covina brings together more than 20 local restaurants for one evening of samples. These 7 events are the ones locals mark on their own calendars, so check the city’s event page before you visit to see what’s on.
10 Family-Friendly Activities In Covina, California
Families can spend a full day at the Covina Aquatic Center, which has a lazy river and splash pad open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Covina Public Library runs free story times for toddlers, while the nearby Heritage Park offers a vintage carousel that costs just a dollar a ride. For a bit of nature, try the easy loop trail at Galster Wilderness Park—it’s stroller-friendly on the paved section. These 10 activities are designed for kids from toddlers to teens.
12 Relaxing Retreats To Enjoy In Covina, California
When you need to unwind, book a massage at one of the day spas along Azusa Avenue, or spend an afternoon at the Covina Botanical Gardens, where the rose garden is in full bloom from April through June. For a quiet reading spot, the library’s courtyard has shaded benches and a small koi pond. Several hotels near the 10 freeway offer pools and quiet courtyards, but the most peaceful retreat is the Japanese Garden at the Manzanita Park—it’s free and rarely crowded on weekdays. These 12 retreats give you a break from the city’s busier attractions.
8 Thrilling Adventures To Try In Covina, California
For a dose of adrenaline, head to the San Gabriel Mountains foothills just north of town, where you’ll find the secret trails in California that locals use for hiking and mountain biking. The 3.5-mile loop at Galster Wilderness Park climbs steadily for views of the valley, and you can extend it to a 6-mile out-and-back if you want more of a challenge. Closer to town, the Covina Hills area has a few unpaved fire roads perfect for trail running. For a different kind of thrill, try the indoor rock climbing gym on Cypress Street, which has routes for all skill levels. These 8 adventures range from a quick hour-long hike to a full-day excursion, so you can fit one in no matter your schedule.
