A City Experience in Arcadia, California

• Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden - (9:00 am) Located in the heart of Arcadia, the Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a must-see for nature lovers. The 127-acre garden boasts over 20,000 plants from all over the world. Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens, and take in the stunning views of the mountains in the background.
• Westfield Santa Anita Mall - (12:00 pm) For some shopping therapy, head to the Westfield Santa Anita Mall. Here you can find more than 200 stores that range from popular chains to high-end luxury brands. After shopping, enjoy a quick snack or a meal at one of the many restaurants in the mall.
• Arcadia Firefighters' Memorial - (2:30 pm) For a quick dose of history, visit the Arcadia Firefighters' Memorial. Honoring the men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty, the memorial is a peaceful and reflective place that reminds us of the sacrifices made by our first responders every day.
• Arcadia Performing Arts Center - (4:00 pm) End the day on a high note with a show at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center. The center hosts a wide range of performances, from concerts to plays to dance shows. Be sure to check the schedule beforehand to see what's playing during your visit.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (2 hours, $15)
• Westfield Santa Anita Mall (2 hours, varies)
• Arcadia Firefighters' Memorial (30 minutes, free)
• Arcadia Performing Arts Center (2 hours, varies)
Total Estimated Costs: $15+ (depending on purchases made at the mall)

Transportation

You might consider renting a car to get around Arcadia and the surrounding areas. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. Taxis are less common, so it's best to have an alternative form of transportation on hand. Expect to pay around $20-$30 for a taxi from the airport to the city center, or $40-$50 for an Uber or Lyft ride. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, so plan accordingly.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby Santa Anita Park, where you can catch a horse race or take a guided tour to learn about the history of the racetrack. If you're a fan of Korean food, head to the nearby city of Temple City to explore the many delicious restaurants in the neighborhood. If you have less time, consider skipping the mall and spending more time exploring the gardens at the Arboretum or catching an early show at the Performing Arts Center.

Airports

The closest airport to Arcadia is the Ontario International Airport (ONT), located about 30 minutes away. The airport code for Ontario is ONT. If you're flying into Los Angeles, you'll likely arrive at the LAX airport (about 45 minutes away from Arcadia), or the Burbank airport (about 30 minutes away from Arcadia).