Looking for the ultimate destination to unwind and explore in Los Angeles? The Huntington offers a vibrant escape brimming with gardens, art, and relaxing spots to eat and stroll. Its sprawling grounds invite hours, if not days, of exploration, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear!
Location
The Huntington is located in San Marino, CA, which is right next to Pasadena and just 12 short miles from Los Angeles. It’s so close to Los Angeles that it’s a great day or even half-day excursion if you’re in the city.
Parking – There is plenty of parking at The Huntington. On busier days, an attendant will ask if you have tickets to attend before letting you into the parking area to make sure that those who do have a place to park.
The Buildings
The grounds of The Huntington originally spanned 600 acres and served as the home of Mr. and Mrs. Huntington themselves, Henry and Arabella Huntington, to be exact. Their home remains on the property and is open to visitors, housing numerous works of art, including Thomas Gainsborough’s “Blue Boy” and Thomas Lawrence’s “Pinkie.”
Of course, there are many other buildings on the property to visit, including the original library built in 1920, located right across from the house, as well as other more modern buildings that house everything from art galleries to restaurants, and of course, a gift shop!
They’re all scattered throughout the property, so as you meander through, you’ll discover new buildings to explore. The Huntington really does have a choose-your-own-adventure vibe that’s so much fun.
The Gardens
Oh boy, where do we even start with the gardens at The Huntington? There are 16 themed gardens spread throughout the massive 207-acre property (that gardens are contained in a 130-acre piece of that land).
There are too many to list individually, but just know that there is a garden for everyone here. Everything from roses, to an extensive Japanese garden complete with a functional tea house, a bonsai garden, zen garden, Chinese garden, and even an enclosed garden meant to mimic the climate of a misty mountain region (don’t miss the carnivorous plant exhibit in that one).
It’s too much to see all in one day, really, and we can’t wait to go back and see all the gardens we missed because the ones we saw, especially the Japanese and Chinese gardens, were absolutely spectacular!
Food & Drinks
You’re bound to work up a bit of a hunger (or thirst!) walking around all those gardens, and The Huntington has a few places to sit and grab a few refreshments.
1919 Cafe – Located near the entrance, the 1919 Cafe offers a wide range of items including tacos, sandwiches, soups, bowls, and more.
The Red Car Coffee Shop – Named after Los Angeles’s long-lost, but still iconic Red Car trollies (a model of which you can see in one of the exhibition buildings), this is a great place to grab a caffeine hit and fresh baked goods to enjoy at one of the adjoining outdoor tables.
Rose Garden Tea Room – A walk in The Huntington’s beautiful Rose Garden may whet your appetite for some high tea. The Rose Garden Tea Room is the perfect place to get a little fancy, offering a full tea service complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and of course, clotted cream. A reservation is strongly recommended for this one.
Freshwater Pavilion – A snack bar in the Chinese Garden with various grab-and-go items, great for families in a rush.
Jade Court Cafe – We ate at Jade Court Cafe, located just off the Chinese Garden area. It’s a lovely, private-feeling spot where you can grab a quick bite and even treat yourself to an alcoholic beverage.
Pro Tip – You don’t need a ticket to visit either the 1919 Cafe or The Red Car Coffee Shop. They are both accessible at the front of the complex by the ticketing area.
Tickets & Visiting
Most days, you can easily show up to The Huntington and purchase same-day tickets; however, on busier times, like holidays and weekends, The Huntington gets very crowded, and it’s recommended that you reserve timed tickets in advance on their website.
We went on a beautiful Saturday, and it was thronged with people (but don’t be afraid, there is SO much space here, once you’re in the grounds, it never feels over-crowded).
Book tickets and learn more about The Huntington here – The Huntington
Where to Stay
Looking for the best place to stay around The Huntington? Here are our top picks for hotels close to this magical spot.
The Langham Huntington – Originally opened in 1907, the Langham Huntington was bought by Henry E. Huntington who operated the property as The Huntington Hotel. Now run by the Langham Hotels International, The Langham Huntington offers stunning grounds and equally beautiful suites. It’s as close to being able to stay at the actual Huntington Gardens as you can get and is situated just two miles away.
The Langham Huntington – Check pricing and availability here
More to do in Los Angeles
Looking for even more to do in Los Angeles? Check out our guide to the best day in Downtown LA here – The Perfect Day in Downtown Los Angeles
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