Tankland!

Many tanks greet you as you enter the American Military Museum.

Filled with actual military vehicles from across history, the American Military Museum is nestled behind a stand of trees off of Rosemead Blvd in South El Monte that you could have driven past a hundred times and never noticed.  However, this jewel of a museum is worth spending a day exploring!  From tanks to helicopters, jeeps to amphibious vehicles, the museum manages to cram years of history onto a few acres of land.  When you pay your admission, a reasonable $5 for adults, you are given a guide book to use that tells the history of each item in the park.  Prop helmets, belts and jackets are available if you want to take a picture and tell all of your buddys about the day you stormed the beaches of Arcadia.  They even host parties for the young, or young at heart.  There is not a lot of shade, so bring sun screen and wear comfortable shoes, but parking is free!