EXPLORE THE ALHAMBRA AREA

The gateway to the San Gabriel Valley, Alhambra is one of the oldest suburbs in Los Angeles County, dating back to the arrival of the transcontinental railroad and the boom of the 1880s. Its placement between Monterey Park and Pasadena reflects the current mix of Chinese, Latin, and old school Americana that come together to create the spirit of the city. Named after Washington Irving's book Tales of the Alhambra, Alhambra existed as an unincorporated area during the mid-19th century and was founded as a suburb in 1903. The western portion of the settlement featured extensive vineyards, and its San Gabriel Winery was reputed to be the largest in the state, possibly the world. Alhambra was originally promoted as a "city of homes," and many of its houses have historical significance. They include Craftsman, bungalow, Spanish Mediterranean, Spanish colonial and Italian Beaux Arts styles. Several residential areas have been designated historic neighborhoods. There are also a large number of condominiums, rental apartments, and mixed-use residential/commercial buildings, especially in the downtown area. Each year, Valley Boulevard hosts the San Gabriel Valley Lunar New Year Parade and Festival, broadcast worldwide. Alhambra's main business district, at the intersection of Main and Garfield, has been a center of commerce since 1895.