One Day Itinerary: Exploring Huntington Library and Gardens with Family

  • 9:00AM: Huntington Library and Gardens
    Estimated time from previous stop: 0 minutes (on-site)

    The Huntington Library and Gardens are a beautiful oasis in the midst of San Marino, South California. Housing an extensive art collection and botanical gardens, visitors can spend hours wandering through the hallways and strolling through the gardens. The famous Japanese, Chinese, and Rose gardens are a must-visit, and the art gallery has an impressive collection of European and American art.

  • 11:30AM: The Rose Cafe
    Estimated time from previous stop: 2.5 hours (6.2 miles)

    The Rose Cafe is a trendy cafe located in Venice that’s perfect for lunch with family. The cafe’s bright interiors and outdoor seating areas lend themselves to a great ambiance. While there, you must try their fresh pasta or avocado toast.

  • 2:00PM: The Getty Center
    Estimated time from previous stop: 42 minutes (22 miles)

    The Getty Center is an impressive museum well known for its art collections, architecture, and stunning views of Los Angeles city. Visitors can explore the extensive collection of artwork and stroll around the gardens, enjoying panoramic views of the city.

  • 4:30PM: Griffith Park and Observatory
    Estimated time from previous stop: 20 minutes (7.2 miles)

    Griffith Park is the largest urban park in the United States, and the Griffith Observatory is a key highlight in the park. The observatory is free to visit and offers stunning views of Hollywood, Downtown LA, and the Pacific Ocean. Guests can enjoy exhibits featuring space and science topics or take a hike in the scenic surroundings.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Huntington Library and Gardens (3 hours, $35 per person)
  • The Rose Cafe (2 hours, $30 per person)
  • The Getty Center (2.5 hours, free entry, $20 parking fee)
  • Griffith Observatory and Park (2 hours, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $85 per person

Transportation

It's best to rent a car and bring a GPS or use a navigation map to get around. Estimated total travel distance is around 35.4 miles, and rental car cost varies depending on the type of car and season.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can drive to Santa Monica Pier to watch the sunset and enjoy Santa Monica Beach. You can also visit some of the contemporary art galleries in downtown LA. If you have less time, you can skip visiting the Getty Center and add the Norton Simon Museum instead.

Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving LA, located about 26 miles from the city center. Other alternate airports are Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR), 17 miles from the city center and Long Beach Airport (LGB), roughly 22 miles from the city center.

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