A Perfect 1-Day Itinerary for Family-Friendly Arcadia, California

  • Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (9am-12pm)
    Explore the beautiful gardens and see the peacocks roam freely through the park. Kids will love the hidden Fairy Trail and Creature Features exhibit. Don't miss the Queen Anne Cottage used in many films and TV shows.
  • Westfield Santa Anita (12:30pm-2:30pm)
    Enjoy lunch and shopping at Westfield Santa Anita, an indoor and outdoor mall. The kids will love playing in the outdoor play area, and the adults will appreciate the variety of shops and restaurants available.
  • Arcadia County Park (3pm-5pm)
    Visit Arcadia County Park for a picnic or to play at the playgrounds or splash pad. Hike the trail around the lake or rent a paddleboat for some family fun on the water.
  • Santa Anita Park (6pm-8pm)
    Experience the thrill of horse racing at Santa Anita Park. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants, watch the live races, and maybe even pick a winning horse!

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (3 hours, $15 per adult, $5 per child)
  • Westfield Santa Anita (2 hours, cost varies)
  • Arcadia County Park (2 hours, free entry, $5 paddleboat rental)
  • Santa Anita Park (2 hours, $5 general admission, dining reservations vary)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $50 per adult, $10 per child

Transportation

Traveling by car is the easiest way to get around Arcadia. Parking is available at each location. Expect mild traffic during peak hours, but all locations are within a 10-minute drive of each other.

Car rental prices start at approximately $50 per day. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are readily available and estimated costs for a round trip are around $30.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, check out the nearby Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, or the Kidspace Children's Museum. For those interested in hiking, try Eaton Canyon Natural Area or Mount Wilson Trail.

For those with less time, consider skipping the mall and heading straight to the County Park for a longer stay. Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water for the outdoor activities.

Airports

Arcadia is conveniently located approximately 25 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 20 miles from Bob Hope Airport (BUR). LAX is the largest airport in the area, with direct flights from around the world. BUR primarily services domestic flights, but may be a more convenient option for some travelers as it is closer to Arcadia.

0