Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

I had such a wonderful experience visiting the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia that I felt compelled to share it. This place is truly a hidden gem in the San Gabriel Valley—a perfect escape from the noise and rush of everyday life. From the moment I entered, I was amazed by how peaceful and beautifully maintained the grounds are. You can tell the staff and volunteers put so much care into every detail. The Arboretum is huge—over 100 acres—and every section has its own charm. I started my visit near the main entrance and immediately noticed the gorgeous peacocks roaming freely. They add such a magical touch, especially when they fan out their feathers or call to each other across the gardens. It felt like walking into a living painting. One of my favorite areas was the tropical greenhouse. The variety of plants and the humidity inside made me feel like I was deep in a rainforest. The waterfalls, orchids, and vibrant greenery were stunning. I also loved exploring the desert garden with its unique cactus and succulents—it’s amazing how they manage to thrive side by side with lush palms and water lilies just a few steps away. The historical Queen Anne Cottage and the lake nearby are must-sees. The cottage looks straight out of a movie (and in fact, it has been featured in several!). The lake area is so peaceful, with ducks gliding across the water and peacocks strutting along the path. I found a shady bench under a tree and just sat there enjoying the view for a while—it’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time. What really stood out to me was how clean, organized, and family-friendly everything was. The pathways are wide and easy to navigate, so it’s perfect for strollers or wheelchairs. There were plenty of rest areas, clean restrooms, and signs that make it easy to find your way around. I also appreciated that the staff were friendly and knowledgeable—they were happy to answer questions and share interesting facts about the plants. The gift shop was another pleasant surprise. It’s filled with unique garden-themed items, books, and plants you can actually take home. I picked up a small succulent and some local honey as souvenirs. The café had light snacks and drinks, which was great after a few hours of walking. Overall, the Arboretum is a perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, families, or anyone needing a peaceful day outdoors. Whether you want to take a scenic walk, learn about plants, have a picnic, or just unwind, this place has something for everyone. I left feeling refreshed and grateful that such a beautiful, well-kept garden exists right here in Los Angeles County.

A-MAZE-ING Arcadia Escape! If you haven't been to the **LA County Arboretum in Arcadia**, you are seriously missing out on Southern California's best-kept secret—if that secret included 127 acres of pure tropical chaos and roughly 200 very loud celebrities. It is absolutely gorgeous. You can wander through a primeval jungle (where they actually filmed *Tarzan*!) and then stumble upon the historic **Queen Anne Cottage**, which is famously the house from *Fantasy Island*. So basically, you're hiking through Hollywood history with better air quality. But the real stars? The **peacocks**. They are everywhere, they are stunning, and they have zero concept of personal space. Expect to be dive-bombed by feathers and judged by their intense, glittering eyes as you try to enjoy your picnic. They are the most majestic, spoiled, and dramatic birds you will ever meet, and they are worth the price of admission alone. SN: Admission is free with Snap/Calfresh benefit card! **Go. Get lost. Take pictures. Just don't make eye contact with the peacocks, or you'll owe them your lunch.**

beautiful large garden with lots of different sections full of plants and wildlife. also saw fish, turtles, frogs, and peacocks! they also have a cafe and a small gift shop. only con i’d say is this place is so big that it’s a little hard to navigate or tell where you are. i went here for the queen anne house and was pleasantly surprised with everything surrounding it. $14 for a student isn’t bad.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a truly enchanting place where you can easily spend the whole day. The gardens are beautifully maintained and showcase an incredible variety of plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world. Every path feels like a little adventure, leading you to new landscapes and hidden corners. The free-roaming peacocks add such a magical and unique touch — it feels like you’re walking through a storybook. It’s peaceful, spacious, and perfect whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or just enjoying some quiet time alone. A real sanctuary in the middle of LA, and an absolute must-visit.

This place is beautiful. It's a big place that's great for exercising and looking at all the cool trees and plants. There are a lot of peacocks and geese. There's a nice big water fall in one area and if you walk up the stairs, you'll find a smaller water fall. You will see some fish and turtles. They have a big water fountain where the geese hangout at. Overall, I usually spend about 2 hours here. Wear walking shoes. Bring water and bug spray. It gets hot in the summer and the bugs come out at night. The free parking lot is fine until they throw an event. That's where you may have a hard time finding parking.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is one of those treasures that feels almost impossible to believe exists in the middle of Los Angeles. Spread across 127 acres, it’s more than just gardens—it’s a living museum of plants, architecture, and history. You can easily spend an entire day wandering the themed gardens: the waterfalls tucked into lush greenery, the expansive succulent and desert gardens, the tropical greenhouses, and even the peaceful bamboo groves. Every corner feels like a different world, and yet it all flows together into one incredible open space that makes you forget you’re minutes from the freeway. It’s also a cultural hub. This weekend I attended the Inter-City Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale, one of the best plant events in the country, filled with knowledgeable growers, amazing specimens, and pottery that blurs the line between art and nature. But beyond the special events, the Arboretum is always worth a visit. The historic Queen Anne Cottage (famous from TV and movies) is a beautiful centerpiece, and the Baldwin-era architecture scattered throughout gives you a sense of California history alongside the natural beauty. Families will love the wide-open lawns and trails, kids are fascinated by the free-roaming peacocks, and plant lovers can get lost in the collections for hours. An annual membership is a no-brainer—it’s not just admission, it’s access to one of the most inspiring and restorative spaces in Los Angeles.

It’s very spacious and beautifully planned out. It has a calming vibe and plenty of spaces to sit with nature. I have lived in Los Angeles my entire life and I had no idea this place existed until a recent google search. I’m very grateful to have found this gem.

This place is really cool. If I lived locally I would be a member for sure. There's always more to see with the seasons. There are paved areas that are very easy to traverse and most of the unpaved areas are pretty smooth. There are ample places to sit and water fountains.

Looking for a nice stroll in the park? This is one of my favorite places to stroll if I have a nice morning to walk without any errands/ pressing appointments. One of my favorite places is the waterfall. The volunteers are also very nice and informative. Tip- Reserve early for free admission day (3rd Tuesday of each month).

Very beautiful botanic garden that is well maintained and always have really cool events going on. (The Fray performing, sound baths, Barks and Brews, Lightscape, Goat yoga etc.) Staff who work here are the sunniest people. They are so happy to help whenever I have questions and just always really nice to me whenever I stop by. If it's your first time, can easily spend an hour and a half roaming around the different gardens, gawking at peacocks, or just chilling at their cafe. Admission prices starts at 15$ for adults and they have a huge private parking lot. First Tuesdays of the month are free but come early!

Take time out from your routine to immerse yourself in nature's beauty. This is what I did on a recent Saturday that was also an unveiling of a photography exhibit and celebration of the grand opening of their Gift shop. The Arboretum hosts workshops, classes, lectures, tours, and concerts. Today was special in that my friend, Hannah had some of her photographs showcased in the Library. Nikki and I met up with Hannah, and with her permission, I am posting a few of her pieces. Other amenities: Meyberg Waterfall, Queen Anne Historical Cottage, Baldwin Lake, Peacock Cafe, exotic plants, flowers, and many species of birds. There is a $15 admission fee ($11 seniors) that goes towards the ongoing programs and upkeep of the botanical gardens. Admission is free on the third Tuesday of the month or if you are a Member of the Arboretum Foundation. There are several types of memberships suited for everyone from Individuals, Family, Seniors, Garden Sponsor, and Benefactor levels for sustaining members. Your membership includes FREE admission, discounts at the Peacock Cafe and Gift Shop. Come with family and friends and don't forget to tell'em that Rosemary, Nikki, and Hannah sent ya!

The LA Arboretum is beautiful and the volunteer staff are always enthusiastic to talk about the plants and the arboretum in general. They've recently refurbished the Queen Anne Cottage and it looks fantastic. There is definitely still work being done in the arboretum and you will notice some construction, especially near the buildings. Don't stick to the main path-there are lots of side paths, and that's where the plants look the best. We went during the Christmas market and were impressed by the decorations, carolers, and the variety of vendors. I wish there were more food options, like coffee or hot chocolate, but I hope they go even bigger next year and create a true Christmas market!

What a wonderful way to spend a beautiful Fall Sunday in LA! Located just off the 210 freeway on Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia, you can find "Serenity now!" Nature at its best! We started off our visit at the Peacock cafe for a bite to eat then headed for a walk around the arboretum to see the flowers, rose garden and cottages. Very peaceful here as we passed by many families enjoying the grounds. We definitely got our steps in for the day while taking in the beautiful scenery. It was nice to sit on one of benches to chat and watch the geese. *$15 for non members (a tad pricey) *Memberships are available w/early access privileges *The library is opened only Monday through Saturday (which was a bummer since I wanted to see my Sister B Hannah's photos being displayed)! *The cafe doesn't serve any breakfast items after 10:30 am

We met up with friends today for a play date. I can't remember when I had been there last but I'm sure it was more than 15 years ago. The gardens grounds are huge and it was a beautiful day. We were there for three hours and only explored half the grounds. The kids had so much fun and so did the adults I wish I lived closer so I could become a member and come here every week

It really pays to be a member here! I've been to the Arboretum numerous times growing up in the area, often schools bring students on field trips to this beautiful park. My family recently bought a membership and every single day I'm so glad we did! The nature here is gorgeous and there are so many varieties of plants that we've never seen before. The central lake is currently being drained and under construction with adjacent historic buildings filled with antiques. When you come here you see a paradise with squirrels and peacocks frolicking together. There's a beautiful rose garden, jungle path, redwood path, and eucalyptus grove and so much more! Overall it's a beautiful place for morning walks, dates, even a wedding reception. Members pay one rate for the whole year of access with one hour earlier entry than the public. We paid about $90 for two adults and one child's membership, and it's been the best weekend and workout activity. Like a beautiful oasis in the city!

Founded in 1947, this historical Arboretum & botanical garden spans 127 acres. However, it wasn't open to the public until 1956. The picturesque grounds feature natural landscapes which house rare & endangered plants. Each section is grouped geographically. It is also a sanctuary for wildlife and an extensive array of bird species - especially raptors, peafowl, and waterfowl. The later migrate to Baldwin Lake on an annual basis. In fact, about 260 different bird species have been sighted here. Dozens of movies have been filmed here too. (The Queen Ann Cottage is seen in the opening credits of Fantasy Island.) You could spend an entire day exploring the grounds. A tram tour is also available for $8. I came here to see the Birds of the Arboretum Photo Exhibit, which is displayed in the library. My beautiful Sister B, Ms. Hannah S had some of her photos featured in the exhibit. I'm in awe of her photography skills, so it was nice to see her receive recognition for her amazing work. The exhibit runs until December 31st and the photographs on display are spectacular. Our darling friend Rose F met us there and we spent time checking out all the photos and chatting with some of the other photographers whose work was also showcased. As we were exiting the library we saw a Peacock that was molting. He paused to say, "Hello." The day I was there also happened to be the grand opening of their gift shop. I'm surprised that they didn't have one. The shop carries a variety of cute stuff from local artists such as jewelry, clothing, & accessories. You'll also find locally made honey, teas, lotions, books, stationary & more. It's all nicely curated and the layout is visually appealing. The staff are friendly and eager to assist. It's located outside the entrance so you can stop by anytime to purchase a gift or treat yourself to something nice. *Every third Tuesday of the month admission is free with reservations in advance. *Free parking lot on site.

If you have a membership and young children definitely make sure you check out the Members pumpkin party. Tickets are affordable. $8 for adults and $5 for children and they get a free small pumpkin and goodies. There are booths for games, reptiles, photos, and food. Highly recommend bringing a blanket and a picnic basket. They do have food trucks and other snack options, but nothing like a family picnic. Overall, I had a great time and look forward to next year's event!

LA ARBORETUM finally opened their Gift Shop! I was really happy , excited and impressed with the quality of the merchandise they have in the gift shop. They have local honey with different aroma,Tea Forte, cups, mugs, plates, olive oil, elegant stationary, books, children books, socks, T-shirts, clothing, pretty accessories, hats, aprons, umbrellas, fashion jewelries, cute stuffed animals to mention a few. I enjoyed going around every corner of the gift shop. It is highly organized and neat. The staff were very enthusiastic and very welcoming too. Shoutout to all the employees who were working hard to have everything done perfectly. What a great addition to the LA ARBORETUM!

My grandma lived in Arcadia, so as a child I came here a lot with my family. It's still amazing in my adult years. My favorite time of year to come is April/May. (That is when these photos are from.) You'll see a lot of male peacocks trying to court the females. Until you see these birds up close and personal, you have no idea just how stunning they are. They are everywhere! Since it was spring, there were so many baby ducks, geese, etc... I came with my mom this trip. We decided to take the tram tour. It was supposed to be previously recorded information, but the tour guide was so amazing! He ditched the prerecorded content and chatted to everyone! He presented so much amazing information over the speaker to everyone. He was funny, informative, and interesting. I wouldn't have wanted to hear about this place any other way! He knew so much. He mentioned he had worked there for many years. 25 if I remember correctly. I feel awful, but I forgot his name. It was something like Allen? He made our day. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone! Flat walking, a tram ride option for just a few bucks a person, friendly staff, beautiful animals, scenic, nature, and the list goes on!

The Arboretum is a hidden gem - it's HUGE (I spent 4 hours there yesterday and could have spent more) and the sheer variety of trees and flowers is very impressive. If you need to get a snack or lunch while you're there, the cafe is fine although the service could have been friendlier. The highlight of my most recent visit was going to the Santa Anita Depot - apparently, it's been there for years but only open certain hours. It's a must-see! Tony and Norma, the two volunteers who worked there yesterday, are friendly and knowledgeable. My brother and I had a delightful time talking to them. Forever grateful.

This is an overdue review. I've been to several botanic gardens in the area, including the infamous The Huntington (Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens) and Descanso Garden. By far, this one is my all-time favorite that keeps me coming back. It is right in the middle in terms of sizes and varieties without it being too overwhelming or tiring. You can see all sorts of creatures (TURTLES, birds, ducks, PEACOCKS, squirrels, lizards, and KOI FISHES) along with a vast collection of plants. There's even a tropical greenhouse, and a few historic establishments you can go through that's pretty neat. If you decide to stop by, don't forget to check out their neat little waterfall. If you have time, do stay for the mountain view near sunset (it's quite a beautiful sight -- the perfect way to end a date or family outing!).

There is, honestly, no more beautiful place than the Arboretum. It's a love letter to Mama Nature. There are shady and secluded spots & sunny wide-open spaces. It's, perhaps, the DNA of LA County & part of the soulful memories of every LACSD school kid who went on the annual school field trip.

Show me how you grow it And I promise you, I promise that I'll run away with you... (maybe they'll tell me their secrets) Great staff on hand! Had some questions about the daily tickets and membership, think we are leaning for the annual membership as it is a lot bigger than we thought. My wife and kids really enjoyed the waterfall and the turtles, they gave them Ninja Turtle names. They call the peacocks Kevin like the bird from Up. There is a lot to see and we love being outdoors. You can walk around just for the walk, admire the nature and animals. If you get tired they have a cafe in hand, although we didn't try it this time around. Lots of space for the kids to run, paths and grass. See you next time Rafael, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello!

The gardens are well cared for with easy to follow maps and signs. I love the variety of gardens from aquatic and native plants and historical buildings. Plan to spend a half a day here to see it all. Also it is free on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

The arboretum giftshop is remodeled and open. Lots of cute trinkets, toys and art. Even sells some local jam and honey.

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 I'll be back!

It's so big here at 127 acres, so there is a lot to explore and get lost in all the different gardens. My favorites were the lake, peacocks roaming around, waterfall, and rose garden. The rose garden here is not as impressive or manicured as the one at the Huntington or Descanso but it had a more rustic feel situated next to an orange and lemon grove. Some of the roses were dead when I went in June, maybe they can't handle the Arcadia heat as much. There are tons of benches throughout the park so it felt very meditative, and you could always see the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance. I wouldn't recommend it as much for a tourist that is staying and doing stuff in Hollywood/Santa Monica/Disneyland area since it's a bit out of the way but perfect as an LA local staycation activity. For more rose gardens checkout my list: https://bit.ly/44hoyZR

When my bestie Idy T. was visiting I decided to take her to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden since she enjoys nature and long walks. I'm not personally a nature-person but this was one of the better arboretums we have visited. As we pulled into the parking lot we saw a peacock strolling around freely. Admission was $15/adult to enjoy this stunning 127 acre botanical garden and historical site. The arboretum is divided into 6 main areas: Tallac Knoll, Meadowbrook, Historic Circle, Idea Gardens, Africa and Australia. I had to take my allergy pill but I enjoyed the walk around the arboretum. Meadowbrook was my favorite area, especially the waterfall. I was also intrigued by the Australia section since there were plants I had not seen prior. I liked the peacocks and squirrels wandering around. It was overall very relaxing and peaceful. There were some construction so we were unable to see Queen Anne's cottage. We also skipped the rose garden since there were some caution tapes and the gardeners warned us about a bees nest on the path towards the rose garden. We both looked at each other like PASS we've seen roses before, not worth getting stung up. Especially when it isn't roses season yet. A great spot for locals or those who love nature. I'll refrain from my personal feelings of nature. I can say this is one of the nicer arboretums I have visited and it is very well maintained.

I highly recommend coming here for the following: 1. Beautiful and extensive collection of plant species that make for great nature shots. You can definitely spend the whole day here 2. Peacocks...a lot of peacocks 3. Very peaceful and relaxing. Not a lot of noise (other than the sound coming from the peacocks), especially if you want to de-stress and enjoy some quiet time.

I went with my friend for an afternoon outing and found it to be a very pleasant place. There are some defined areas and others that blend into one another. Not too many "attractions" outside of the few structures/houses (which are lovely) and a picturesque waterfall. Don't expect an array of overly manicured gardens like the Huntington. However, it also felt less crowded and more leisurely than the Huntington. I especially enjoyed the roaming peacocks (although I could do without people trying to touch them). A tad pricey for admission, but there are student/teacher discounts, and I found the staff very friendly!

So I had been to the Arboretum as a kid, but never as an adult. My boyfriend wanted to see what this place was all about since we passed by it nearly every week we took an afternoon during the week and enjoyed a walk and gorgeous scenery together. To say that we enjoyed ourselves would be putting that very lightly. As we walked about, we were able to see two white owls, perched in the tree, protecting their babies nest. That was a sight to be seen. Then we walked around a bit more and saw the old fantasy Island house. I am continuing about, and just took in the environment and had a fantastic show from Peacock . I have to say if you need to decompress this is definitely the place to be. Fresh air, green space and the freedom to disconnect. Well worth visiting! Sidenote, they even offer classes there, if one was interested. Take a visit you won't be disappointed.

Beautiful treasure of nature located in the Middle of Arcadia? While it isn't as large and extravagant as the Huntington, it is well worth to come here for a stroll with friends and family. Or even take yourself on a solo day date. I came here with a friend and her son on a whim as I wanted to be in nature versus going to eat out and to my surprise, there were a lot more visitors than I expected (it did not feel crowded at all). It was 15$ for entry and there is a student discount if you are a student. It took a few hours to leisurely stroll around the Arboretum. Although the rose gardens and some areas were barren because my visit took place right after days of rain, it was still extremely refreshing to walk around. The bathrooms were kept clean and apparently there are cool events like Goat Yoga going on here I've lived locally for close to 5 years now and still can't believe it took me so long. I will definitely be back. A big plus is that parking is free (so nice especially here in LA) and it wasn't hard to find parking. PS: My engagement photographer recommended the LA Arboretum as a site, and although I didn't end up picking it - I would still highly recommend coming in the spring for photos! The setting is perfect for gorgeous photos

Great way to get steps in for the day with my uncle. It's nice and flat so it's easier for older people to get around. There are a lot of shaded areas and cool water features to avoid overheating. Finding plumeria trees was a very nice touch.

Recently visited the L.A. arboretum for the 2nd and 3rd time ever and could not recommend it enough. I came here as a kid and vaguely remembered there were a lot of peacocks and greenhouses. My recent visits I went with no expectations except for to walk around and hang out with family, but I left feeling so refreshed. My second visit I ended up thinking too much and crying by the waterfall about my dog dying earlier in the week. That's what happens.! It's weirdly therapeutic in a way. It's also huge! They filmed Fantasy Island here amongst other films, tv shows and music videos. My third visit here they had goat yoga by the barn. People pay to do yoga while goats jump on top of you to test your form. Mt. Sac. was here selling various plants and trees and they had an interesting selection. I highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to get out of the city but still be in the city. They have a tram that offers tours of the place so if you have elderly folks with you, that would be a great option for them. It feels like you're in another world and you could easily do a photo shoot and pretend you're in Hawaii. Check their website for the many events they hold here and definitely visit if you're looking for something to do by yourself or with the whole family.

Calling all Plant and outdoor lovers!! Immerse yourself in nature this summer!! The LA County Arboretum & Botanical Garden is a natural and historic wonder! It's one of the nation's top tourist destinations! FREE DAY is the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Reserve online. Limited to 5 tickets per reservation. No outside food is allowed in the gardens. They offer activities including concerts, nature and gardening classes. Arboretum Summer Nights with live music on select Fridays on the event lawn. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and have a picnic. They also have Goat Yoga with Hello Critter. @hellocrittercare For all activities, reserve online to ensure that you don't miss out!! There's so much beauty all around. It's hard to see everything so enjoy and take your time!

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a fantastic destination offering a unique blend of natural beauty and engaging activities for families, couples, and lovers alike. Our girlfriend was very kind to secure tickets for us group of girls and we spent the whole day there enjoying the beautiful gardens! Weather was hot but had lots of trees for shades but make sure to wear your sunscreens and hats and bring water with you! We brought some food and we had a little picnics by the rose garden and it was so fun! For Friends and Families: The Arboretum is a great place for families to explore. Kids will love the sprawling grounds, including the picturesque Queen Anne Cottage, which often serves as a backdrop for seasonal events and educational programs. The Arboretum's diverse plant collections, including a spectacular tropical rainforest and a charming Australian section, provide plenty of learning opportunities. Families can enjoy leisurely walks or picnics in designated areas. For Couples: Couples will find the Arboretum to be a romantic escape from the city. The serene gardens, including the tranquil Japanese Garden and the colorful Mediterranean Garden, offer perfect spots for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment together. The scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a great place for a romantic picnic or a leisurely afternoon. For Lovers of Nature: Nature enthusiasts will be enchanted by the Arboretum's extensive plant collections and themed gardens. The Arboretum hosts various seasonal events and educational programs, making it a vibrant place to explore different aspects of horticulture and botany. Don't miss the opportunity to discover rare and exotic plants from around the world. Activities: Gardens Exploration: Wander through themed gardens like the Tropical Rainforest, Australian Garden, and the historic California Garden. Educational Programs: Participate in guided tours, workshops, and special events designed to enhance knowledge about plants and nature. Seasonal Events: Enjoy various seasonal festivals and exhibits throughout the year. Hours of Operation: * Daily: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM * Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Fees: * Adults: $15 * Seniors (65+): $11 * Youth (5-12): $5 * Children under 5: Free * Members: Free admission Parking: * Parking is available on-site for a fee of $5. The parking lot is spacious and well-maintained, making it convenient for visitors. Overall, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden offers a rich experience for visitors of all kinds, combining natural beauty with educational and recreational opportunities. Whether you're looking for a friends or family outing, a romantic date, or a nature-filled adventure, the Arboretum is a splendid choice.

I still can't believe this is in the middle of the SGV. I feel like all the beautiful gardens or sightseeing spots are far out on the Westside or in the OC, but this is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Southern California in my opinion. We love this place so much that we have a Family annual pass which is well worth the money if go more than once. Free parking is a bonus! There's so many pockets to discover something new each time you visit. My family has come over a dozen times in the last year and there's always something new to soak in. The latest find was the cute children's area in the library. Definitely recommend for anyone looking to entertain out of town guests or looking for a festive seasonal activity as there's always some event going on.

Coming here was a great way to spend a sunny and serene Saturday. I was amazed by the vast variety of trees and plants growing in close proximity to one another. There are different sections of the arboretum that are meant to evoke different regions, such as the Mediterranean, Africa, and Australia, just to name a few. There is an endless amount of wilderness to look at and take in. There was a jungle-like area that had bamboo trees. The beautiful flora there kind of reminded me of hiking trails I've been to on the Road to Hana in Maui. We also came across an area with a small stream. The sound of the water flowing over rocks was so tranquil to listen to. We enjoyed the Coach Barn, which had an old stable and carriage. It gave us a glimpse of how people lived over a hundred years ago, which was interesting to see. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when planning your visit here. It gets really hot and you will do a lot of walking, so definitely bring plenty of ice-cold water or purchase some at the Peacock Cafe near the entrance when you arrive. Don't forget to wear plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and comfortable footwear. You can probably get away with wearing sandals, but keep in mind that there are some dirt paths. The beautiful peacocks scattered throughout the arboretum were a lovely sight.

4 stars I haven't been here since I was a kid on a school field trip! So, I was happy to be invited by some family friends for a walk through this garden again. I thoroughly enjoyed meandering about this place and loved the rose garden and the mountain view area. Least favorite was probably the Australia section since there really wasn't any shade. Will definitely come back in the future.

This place is huge, and really nicely landscaped. I'd rank it between the Huntington and descanso gardens. Much nicer than descanso but not quite as nice as the Huntington, though close. Definitely worth a trip. There are plenty of grassy areas to picnic, nice paved flat trails to run or walk and cool forested areas as well. There's a small tropical garden with some orchids, not nearly as nicely done as The Huntington . We really liked the waterfall and pond next to it with ducks. Tons of Canadian geese which is annoying bc lots of bird poop. Took a little while to leave because I had to chase a peacock away from our car and he kept returning. Be careful not to hit any peacocks in the parking lot. They're not afraid of cars or people so they won't move. I'll echo what many other reviews have said about the nasty employees here. There was a mean old lunatic on a golf cart who came plowing through and almost hit a bunch of people, he had absolutely no regard then started yelling at everyone. If you don't have to interact with the employees then this is a nice place. Also note there are only 2 bathrooms which is not enough!

Came here with my family on a weekend. Plenty of free parking, we got a great spot near the entrance. We did a lot walking saw a lot of beautiful trees, plants, and flowers. Beautiful nature walk my kids enjoyed seeing the peacocks. Next time I will bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn. Also a hat for the unshaded areas. I might come back again I was here 2 hours and felt I saw plenty.

This place never gets old and is definitely reminiscent of my childhood and my daughter's childhood as well!! Caught a break from the heat here today with my daughter and my fiancé and her Mom!! Gorgeous as always and will have to come back when the lake is redone!! We also got some really good education from the docents as well! Beautiful peacocks to greet us as well!

This place is so relaxing and awesome! We've been here a couple of times, and every time we visit, we find something new or that we didn't notice before. It's a nice sized arboretum where even my 6 years old appreciated it. There is a spot here where every time we visit, we go to. It's hidden, and you have to walk up the stairs by the mini waterfall. Once you reach the top, don't follow the path, and go to where there's a small opening to the other side. There you'll see a marbled bench where you can enjoy the scenery. I highly recommend!

Visited the arboretum for the first time this Holiday season. Have wanted to go here for years and never made it. Decided to go during the day to see the gardens in the sunshine and then bought tickets for their Holiday light show that evening. The gardens themselves are beautiful, it is much larger than I expected and lots to see and a lot of walking which was nice. They do have a tram offered, but it is an additional charge to ride it, which I don't like and it should be included in the price. It liked the walking, but I know some may not want to walk as much or can walk as much. $8 per person additional is pretty steep in my book for the tram. With that said, the day prices are very reasonable, but these extras seem just a bit tacky. The light show was really cool, gardens lite up, music playing are through the park, they have it set up so the flow of people can only go in one direction which keeps it organized. But if you miss something or want to go back, they won't let you, you have to take another lap. Although it was very pretty and they did a very good job, I think the tickets for the light show alone got pricey. Family park for 4 people is almost $150, that does include parking though. I still think probably closer to $100 with parking is reasonable for what you get, but nice to see it at least once. There are peacocks wondering all over and other wild life to see in addition to the gardens, very pretty. They also have the Peacock Cafe you can eat at, which we had an early dinner there and then visited the Santa Anita Mall a bit while waiting for them to open the light show. You guessed it, I'm a broken record, but the cafe will set you back a pretty penny. I would recommend the Arboretum, if you have never been, book a tour and cross it off your bucket list, or come back again. Enjoy!

Beautiful place amongst such a sprawling urban landscape. Came on a day where they had a free visit day. Reserved timed entry tickets in advance. What I love most about the arboretum is the various flora from different countries/environments planted in sections around the property. You get to see plants from Australia, walk a short distance, then see a tiny orange grove familiar to all Californians. Second favorite thing about the arboretum? All the peacocks roaming the property! There's a lot of history about the arboretum, so make sure you stop and read the plaques and signs located on the various walking paths. There's a big parking lot, but if it's busy, you might have to circle a couple times to finally snag a spot.

This is a great place for walks in the morning. You're safe inside, away from cars. And if you're lucky, you get to see peacocks like we did today. Absolutely gorgeous views and beautiful flowers everywhere.

Attended a job-related safety training here on a recent Friday and always love this place! Parking was easy. I must visit more often. The colorful and vocal peacocks are everything to me. Coworkers enjoyed lunch at the cafe on-site. They had hamburgers and sandwiches. I drove 5 minutes away to the mall for fast food. Overall, great visit. Lots of summer camp visitors. Concert series sounds pretty good. My coworker already got tickets to attend one of the concerts with her family. So much to do here.

This place is the ultimate date setting Beautiful Autumn day Friday 85 degrees what a beautiful place shade everywhere benches everywhere in the perfect spot My wife and I had a great day walking throughout this beautiful gigantic garden of flowers and scents we sat on one of the many benches relaxing and a gorgeous peacock is standing in front of us saying hello Thank you to the entire staff you guys are great at taking care and telling us all about the Arboretum

Beautiful scenery, loved the peacocks they are all over even seen one in the parking lot. This is a great place to get your steps in. Child friendly, safe maker sure to bring a snack and water bottles miles and miles of beautiful scenery. There is also a cafe if you'd like to grab a bite,

3 miles away from Huntington Library. Almost same size, less expensive tickets, no need for reservations. Less trace of artificial landscaping, more natural scenery. Forest path with tall trees, and even a few sequoia! Will go back

Beautiful gardens and trees. We enjoyed our stay walking around the gardens. It's such a relaxing place. There are lots of interesting varieties of plants. The turtles were fun to watch. The peacocks were stunning.

The arboretum is a beautiful place to spend a nice day out with family and friends. Be prepared to walk around and enjoy all the beauty around you. I recommend getting in early if you want to try to avoid the heat. You'll run into beautiful peacocks, unique plants, and even a nice waterfall. They also have a nice cafe for you to enjoy some light bites in case you get hungry from your walk. They have events that happen here too. You can check out their list of events through their website.

If you are in need of quiet, peace, beautiful scenery and animals and some exercise the LA arboretum is your place! My friend invited me here to go forest bathing ( google it) and we decided to come an hour or so early to walk around. The peacocks were definitely my favorite part and they are beautiful and loud at times lol and just minding their business. We walked near the bamboo forest, rose garden, a couple waterfalls, cactuses and an old house turned mini museum where you can look through the windows. The forest bathing was a unique experience and we had an excellent guide with Ben which we learned was his last tour so that was an honor! The total cost was $35 which included entry and our ticket to the forest bathing although I think it's a bit cheaper than that if you are just going to visit the arboretum. The only thing I'll warn about it the mosquitos. I didn't put any bug spray on and got bit up although I was pretty covered up.. so put your bug spray on yall!!

Love this place! There are so many open spaces which are good to explore but also can get really hot. The free roaming peacocks are so unique and such a cool experience. A few tourists got too close, but generally everybody is respectful of the area.

ARTIST Sanctuary 5 Stars all day. #100th of 100 review challenge for 2023 I accomplished it YAY!!! #418th review all time #204 5 Stars***** review 100TH CLUB :) This place is a tmeless Haven for Nature and Inspiration. I recently renewed my membership for the Baldwin Circle Benefactor at the LA Arboretum botanical gardens, marking 34 years of consistently delightful experiences. These gardens are nothing short of majestic, tranquil, and utterly charming--qualities that have remained unchanged over the past 35 years of my visits. In the 90s, during my conceptual background painting for the Lion King, this place was a wellspring of inspiration, and it's heartening to see that many spots still evoke that same magic today. I'll be sharing some snapshots that capture the essence of those inspiring moments. The Queen Anne Cottage, Coach Barn, and the enchanting trees and gardens continue to be perfect canvases for artists. Whether you're a painter, photographer, or simply seeking peace and quiet, the Arboretum offers an abundance of picturesque spots to fuel your creativity. This place is a solid 5 stars in my book. It's not just a beautiful escape for seasoned visitors like myself; it's also an ideal destination for families, providing a serene environment that both kids and artists can appreciate. If you're in search of inspiration or just a peaceful retreat, the LA Arboretum botanical gardens is the place to be.

Been coming here for over 2 years now but today was the first time I took a class here - and it was AWESOME! I took the class led by the amazing conservation photographer Krystle Hickman all about our native bees and how to photograph them. WOW!! I learned sooo much! Definitely will help me step up my photography game AND now I can't wait to get out there and look for more native bees! We spent a little time in one of their very comfortable classrooms before heading out into their native garden in search of our subjects. We had plenty of lens fodder today and got lots of practice! Krystle was a fantastic teacher and you can really tell she loves the bees! I will DEFINITELY be taking another class here in the future - this one was just amazing - I can't say enough about it lol! These gardens are positively teeming with life! March is an excellent time to visit - the flowers are starting to come out in droves and there are birds EVERYWHERE!! So many bird species! And so many birders too haha. And March is also when the peacocks are in their mating season - calling and strutting their stuff lol! If you will be visiting regularly and/or are a wildlife photographer - I recommend getting a membership bc they let "members" in an hour before it opens to the public. It's a lot less crowded and you'll catch the height of the bird activity. They're doing construction on a new visitor center at the moment (March 2023) so there are 2 temporary entrances - north and south - with plenty of parking. They require online tickets purchased ahead of time to get in, but they have a kiosk at the north entrance to buy before you walk in. Weekends get busy so I recommend to plan ahead and buy early. Members don't need the online tickets - they're allowed in any time. There's a cafe on site and sometimes they have member specials and free coffee for members etc - I haven't ever tried the cafe so can't speak to it. There are ample bathrooms and plenty of signs and maps of the grounds all over the place so it's easy to navigate.

I never ever like to leave reviews, but I have to....I really like going to the arboretum but I was kinda disappointed by how little water they had in the lake and how dirty it was. Not really taken care of.... The lillypads with the poor turtles, you couldn't really see the fish or turtles... someone needs to clean them up. The poor turtle has the algae growing on his shell. And the fountain needs to be cleaned. But the waterfall was gorgeous as always. I will come back but I hope they do something about the lack of cleanliness. Hopefully they open the Adobe for the next trip.