Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden — Attraction in Arcadia

Great little gem in the city of Arcadia, of a large botanical garden in the city! I'm pretty familiar with the area and surprised that it has only been a couple of times. I was meeting up with a friend, enjoying the morning stroll of all kinds of plants with plenty of shade and seating to chat!

I bought a year membership (that expires next year at the end of the month that I purchased my membership) that my ticket purchase could go into, so I'm looking forward to more trips to walk and draw. The membership includes all year free admission, free admission to other gardens throughout the US and Canada (that are in AHS reciprocal Garden Network) early admission, and discounts to events! Rose was very informative and helpful in signing up for membership. I was tempted to get a family membership (for +$25 more) to get +1 adult/+2 children's admission whish would be great for friends and family with kids!

I'll definitely come more often when it cools down, since it was sweltering hot by the time noon came around! They said they are open all year round, except for Christmas day.

There is lots of free parking on site and its handicap friendly, with flora, fauna, and peacocks galore! Parking is busy on weekends, and there are many families enjoying the preserved botanical land from Baldwin. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, some light snacks and a bottle of water.

They are currently renovating and refitting some of their buildings (the buildings at the historic circle) as well as the gift shop, which I remember enjoying and hope they open all of them soon.

I saw that the Santa Anita Train Stop had transferred and rebuilt a few blocks from its original location from the 70s as it was going to be bulldozed down for what is now the 210 freeway. It was awesome to see a piece of history of another time, which some of the train tracks preserved as well. Florence was a great docent, telling me all about the technology of the kitchen and the station masters office!

I spent an easy couple of hours here, and I hadn't even seen a fourth of the gardens, so...

🌿 Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden – A Tranquil Escape into Nature 🌺🦚 If you’re looking for a breathtaking escape from the city, the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia is the perfect place. This 127-acre garden oasis features lush landscapes, exotic plants from around the world, and historic landmarks, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and families.

🌟 Why It’s Worth Visiting 🌴 Explore Diverse Gardens – Walk through tropical rainforests, desert landscapes, and beautiful themed gardens from Asia, Africa, and Australia. 🦚 Meet the Famous Peacocks – The Arboretum is home to hundreds of free-roaming peacocks, adding to its magical charm. 🏡 Historic Queen Anne Cottage – Recognize this charming Victorian house? It’s famous for being in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island. 💦 Waterfall & Serene Lake – Enjoy a peaceful walk by Baldwin Lake and admire the stunning Meyberg Waterfall. 🌿 Great for Families & Picnics – Kids will love exploring the open spaces, wildlife, and hidden garden trails, and there are plenty of spots for a relaxing picnic.

✅ Pro Tips for Visitors ✔ Best Time to Visit: 🌸 Spring for vibrant blooms and cooler weather, or early mornings in summer to beat the heat. ✔ Tickets & Discounts: 🎟️ General admission required, with discounts for seniors, students, and kids. Free admission on the third Tuesday of every month! ✔ Parking: 🚗 Free parking on-site. ✔ What to Bring: A camera, comfortable walking shoes, water, and a picnic blanket for a relaxing day.

🔥 Final Take The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a hidden paradise just outside LA, offering a peaceful retreat filled with nature, history, and incredible photo opportunities. Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or learn about rare plants, this garden is one of the best outdoor experiences in Southern California. A must-visit for nature...

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 127 acres ,was founded in 1947. Admission is a bargain at only $15.00 per person. Students with ID & Seniors: $11.00. Children age 5-12:$5.00, and children under 4 years: Free. We were so thrilled that they were still open during the Pandemic, because it's so hard to find anything open. Parking is free- a great bonus! There is a lot of walking, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes. Masks are required, but Arboretum staff aren't patrolling the grounds on mask patrol- which was nice. The Meyberg Waterfall is majestic, and the focal point of the venue. There is seating near the waterfall, where we relished the peacefulness. An additional bonus: it was quite warm on the day we visited, and the waterfall distributed a wonderful cool breeze. The Rose Garden didn't have many flowers in bloom, due to the season, but I imagine it's amazing in Spring/Summer. We were looking forward to the orchids in the Tropical Greenhouse, but it was closed. The gift shop was open, and we went inside to purchase cold water. There was a lot of great browsing opportunities, but the store was already at capacity due to Covid guidelines. There are many wonderful trees with species from all over the world. Peacocks roam freely throughout the property, adding a delightful splash of color. The Peacock Cafe looked lovely, but we didn't visit because it was take out only, due to the Pandemic. My only critique would be that the signage be better. Maps weren't available at the front gate, and we weren't sure where we were at a few times. I am wholeheartedly give the Arboretum 5 Stars for being a wonderful place for families and couples to get some fresh air and exercise and ESPECIALLY during Covid. There are many beautiful things to experience at a very reasonable...