A Relaxing 3-Day Itinerary in Arcadia, California

• Day 1: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
  Spend the day exploring the beautiful and tranquil grounds of The Huntington, which boasts one of the world's greatest collections of rare books and manuscripts. Be sure to visit the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden for a serene nature experience. In the evening, dine at The Terrace restaurant and enjoy the stunning views of the gardens at sunset.
• Day 2: Santa Anita Park and Arboretum
  Start the day at the iconic Santa Anita Park, home to some of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. Take a guided tour of the racecourse or simply relax and take in the lively atmosphere. Afterward, visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden for a peaceful stroll through its gardens, forests, and wildlife habitats.
• Day 3: Pasadena Playhouse and Spa Day
  Start the day at the historic Pasadena Playhouse for a matinee performance of a classic play or musical. Afterward, head to the spa for a relaxing massage or facial. In the evening, enjoy dinner and drinks at the scenic outdoor rooftop bar at the Westin Pasadena hotel.

Time and Costs Estimates

• The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (4-6 hours, $25/person)
• The Terrace restaurant (1-2 hours, $30+/person)
• Santa Anita Park (2-4 hours, $5-10/person for general admission, additional fees for tours)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, $15/adult)
• Pasadena Playhouse (2-3 hours, $30-60/ticket)
• Spa day (1-3 hours, $100-300+/person)
• Westin Pasadena rooftop bar (2-3 hours, $30+/person)
• Total Estimated Costs: $255 per person

Transportation

Most of the destinations on this itinerary can easily be reached by car or ride-share. If you prefer public transportation, the Metro Gold Line has stops in Arcadia and Pasadena. Expect to spend around $5-10 per day on transportation costs. It is recommended to check traffic conditions before heading out as some areas can get congested.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby San Gabriel Mountains National Monument for some great hiking options. If you have less time, you can condense the itinerary by combining Day 2 and Day 3 into one day. Also, be sure to pack sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking, and a light jacket for cooling evenings.

Airports

The nearest major airport to Arcadia is the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), which is approximately 20 miles away. Alternatively, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 30 miles away. Both airports offer a variety of transportation options to Arcadia.