Just east of Los Angeles, two extraordinarily different destinations make for a memorable day trip: the palace-like Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, which is the largest Buddhist temple in North America; and King Richard’s Antique Center in Whittier, California’s largest antique and vintage center.
The two destinations are just under 6 miles away from each other, offering an itinerary that combines two of L.A. County’s most unique experiences into one entertaining outing. Begin the morning wandering beneath golden-tiled roofs and through serene gardens, pause for a $10 vegetarian buffet lunch, and then drive down the road to go treasure hunting at hundreds of antique-dealer booths.
Here’s a closer look…
Hsi Lai Temple
Since 1988, Hsi Lai Temple has towered above Hacienda Heights as the North American headquarters of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order. Its name translates to “coming west,” reflecting the order’s mission of sharing Humanistic Buddhism and Chinese culture with Western audiences.
The 15-acre complex is designed in the style of historic Chinese monasteries, drawing from Ming- and Qing-dynasty architecture with elaborate gates, yellow roofs, balanced courtyards, ornate statuary, and landscaped terraces. Admission is free, so visitors can take their time moving through the grounds, stopping by the Main Shrine, Bodhisattva Hall, meditation spaces, library, art displays, and peaceful garden corners.
Hsi Lai’s dining hall serves a rotating $10 Chinese Buddhist vegetarian buffet featuring rice, noodles, vegetables, greens, soup, fried dishes, and fruit. Dining hours may shift during major prayer services, so it’s worth checking before going.
📍 Location: 3456 Glenmark Dr, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
⏰ Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Art Gallery and Memorial Pagoda are closed Mondays.
🎟️ Admission: Free; donations are welcome.
🥗 Vegetarian buffet: $10 per person. Served Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
🚫 Know before you go: Dress modestly. Visitors should avoid tank tops, short shorts, short skirts or dresses, flip-flops, and slippers; coverings may be provided for entering the Main Shrine. Photos and videos are only permitted outdoors and for personal use.
🌐 Learn more: Read our article about Hsi Lai Temple
King Richard’s Antique Center
A short drive down the road, King Richard’s Antique Center occupies the former Whittier Citrus Association packing house, a landmark industrial building constructed in 1902. These days, it is a monument to old furniture, retro fashion, collectible glassware, lighting, records, Americana, artwork, clocks, and delightfully unclassifiable finds.
The center has been operating since 1979 and now contains more than an acre — or 57,000 square feet — of antiques and vintage goods across roughly 302 dealer booths. In other words: it is less a quick shop than a full-blown expedition.
📍 Location: 12301 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, CA 90602
⏰ Hours: Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday–Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. The upper and lower floors close 30 minutes earlier than the main level.
🚫 Know before you go: Backpacks, large purses, and non-service dogs are not allowed.
🌐 Learn more: Read our article about King Richard’s Antique Center
