Start the day at the Brookside Golf Course, known for its stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Spend the morning enjoying the lush greenery of the course. In the afternoon, visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden, a 127-acre garden with multiple areas to explore, including a waterfall and peacock habitat. End the day with dinner at Din Tai Fung, serving delicious Taiwanese-style dumplings and other Chinese dishes.
Start the day at Santa Anita Park, a race track that offers morning workouts and racing events. In the afternoon, visit Westfield Santa Anita Mall, a large shopping center with a variety of stores and restaurants. End the day with dinner at The Derby, a classic American restaurant with live piano music and stable-to-table cuisine.
Begin the day at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, a research library and cultural center with a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and art, along with gardens featuring plants from around the world. In the evening, have dinner at Maki & Sushi, a Japanese restaurant known for its fresh sushi and extensive sake list.
Visitors can rent a car to travel around Arcadia, though it's also possible to rely on ride-sharing services or public transportation. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan accordingly. Expect a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Arcadia, with an estimated cost of $50 for a one-way ride.
If you have more time, consider visiting nearby attractions like the San Gabriel Mission or the Norton Simon Museum. Alternatively, spending extra time at any location in the itinerary would also make a fantastic day trip. Suppose you want to save on costs, swap out the higher-end restaurant options with less expensive options or pack a picnic lunch for the botanical gardens. Be sure to check the operating hours of each location and plan accordingly.
The nearest airport to Arcadia is the Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, about a 30-minute drive from Arcadia. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest airport nearby, about a 45-minute drive away. Ontario International Airport (ONT) is another option about a 40-minute drive away from Arcadia, especially convenient for travelers coming from nearby states.