A 2-Day Itinerary for Arcadia, California

• Day 1 - Morning: Start your day off at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Stroll through the different gardens and take in the beautiful scenery. Don't miss the peacocks wandering around the property.
• Day 1 - Afternoon: After grabbing lunch, head to the Westfield Santa Anita Mall for some retail therapy. The mall features over 200 stores, including luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, and a food court with many dining options.
• Day 2 - Morning: Get an early start and drive down to Santa Anita Park, a historic race track that's been around since 1934. Enjoy breakfast in the grandstand while watching the horses train.
• Day 2 - Afternoon: After lunch, visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The site combines several attractions: a library filled with rare books and manuscripts, a world-class art collection, and 120 acres of botanical gardens with different themes at every turn.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, Free)
• Westfield Santa Anita Mall (2-4 hours, depends on spending, Free)
• Santa Anita Park (2-3 hours, $5 grandstand admission, food cost varies)
• The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (3-5 hours, $25 admission for adults, $29 on weekends and holidays)
Total Estimated Costs: $59 - $63

Transportation:

To explore the city and its surrounding areas, renting a car would be the easiest option. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 30 miles away, and a ride-sharing app can cost around $30-$40 one way. Parking is available at all the places mentioned, but watch out for parking fees at the mall and park.

Useful tips:

If you have more time and love animals, head to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located just over two hours away. For a shorter trip, consider checking out the Old Town Pasadena which is a 20-minute drive away.

If you have less time, prioritize visiting the Huntington Library since it combines several attractions in one location. Also, you might consider skipping Santa Anita park if you are not interested in horse racing.