Where is South El Monte, California

South El Monte is a city in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California and part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Located about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, the city sits near the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River corridors. South El Monte is known for Whittier Narrows, Legg Lake, nearby parks, and its location between the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles.

Location Map of South El Monte, Los Angeles County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of South El Monte in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California.

South El Monte Map, California

Where is South El Monte Located?

South El Monte is a city located in Los Angeles County, California, the United States. It lies in the western San Gabriel Valley, about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and 7 miles southwest of West Covina. El Monte borders the city to the north, while Whittier is about 8 miles south. South El Monte is located at 34.0517° North latitude and 118.0467° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 19,567 residents. The city covers about 2.84 square miles (7.36 square kilometers), with most of its area consisting of land. Whittier Narrows forms an important geographic corridor just south of the city, connecting the San Gabriel Valley with the Los Angeles Basin. Legg Lake and Whittier Narrows Recreation Area provide nearby opportunities for fishing, walking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The city also developed around transportation, manufacturing, and commercial activity. A unique feature of South El Monte is its location at a narrow geographic transition between the San Gabriel Valley and the coastal Los Angeles plain.

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South El Monte City Facts

Distance from South El Monte, CA to Nearby Cities

• El Monte, CA – 3 miles (5 km)
• Rosemead, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Temple City, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
• West Covina, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
• Monterey Park, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
• Whittier, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
• San Gabriel, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
• Alhambra, CA – 9 miles (14 km)
• Pasadena, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
• Downey, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
• La Puente, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
• La Verne, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Pomona, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Glendale, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
• Los Angeles, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Long Beach, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Anaheim, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Santa Monica, CA – 30 miles (48 km)

Top Attractions in South El Monte, California

• Whittier Narrows Recreation Area – A large regional recreation area with lakes, trails, picnic areas, sports facilities, and open spaces between the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Basin.
• Legg Lake – A popular lake in Whittier Narrows used for fishing, walking, boating, picnicking, and wildlife observation.
• Whittier Narrows Nature Center – A nearby nature center with exhibits and educational programs focused on local wildlife, habitats, and the natural history of the San Gabriel Valley.
• Whittier Narrows Dam – A major flood-control structure that forms part of the Los Angeles County flood protection system and the surrounding recreation area.
• Whittier Narrows Golf Course – A nearby public golf course with a driving range and views of the surrounding San Gabriel Valley landscape.
• Rio Hondo River – A major local waterway running through the San Gabriel Valley and connecting with the Los Angeles River system.
• San Gabriel Valley – The surrounding valley includes numerous parks, historic communities, cultural attractions, and views toward the San Gabriel Mountains.
• Mission San Gabriel Arcángel – A historic California mission in nearby San Gabriel founded in 1771 and known for its preserved church and early California history.
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden – A major botanical garden in Arcadia featuring plant collections, historic structures, gardens, and wildlife habitats.

Airports Near South El Monte, California

• Long Beach Airport (LGB) – 25 miles
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – 25 miles
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 30 miles
• Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 30 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official South El Monte city website and local government records.

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