5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Arcadia, California

• Day 1 - Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden - Explore the beautiful botanical garden that spans over 127 acres, housing rare plant species and peacocks. Don't miss the Queen Anne Cottage, a picturesque Victorian-era landmark. Catch a tram tour for an overview of the vast landscape.
• Day 2 - Santa Anita Park - Get revved up for a day at the Santa Anita Park, featuring live horse racing and betting, surrounded by the stunning San Gabriel Mountains. Learn about the history of the track at the Thoroughbred Racing Walk of Champions.
• Day 3 - Echo Mountain Trail - Take a hike at the Echo Mountain Trail, an 11-mile loop that rewards you with panoramic views of the city and the ocean. Admire the ruins of the abandoned Mount Lowe Railway as you summit the Echo Mountain summit.
• Day 4 - Hidden Truth Distillery - Sip on handcrafted spirits at the Hidden Truth Distillery, known for its unique blends of whiskey and brandy. Take a tour to learn about the distillation process and indulge in their tasting flights.
• Day 5 - San Gabriel Mountains National Monument - Embark on an adventure in the rugged San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, covering over 343,000 acres with waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning vistas. Don't miss the Bridge to Nowhere hike, a challenging 10-mile round trip to a scenic bridge.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden (2 hrs, $15)
• Santa Anita Park (3 hrs, $10 for General Admission)
• Echo Mountain Trail (8 hrs, free)
• Hidden Truth Distillery (2 hrs, $30 for a tour and tasting)
• San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (6 hrs, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $55

Transportation

It's recommended to rent a car for this itinerary, as most locations are a bit spread out. Expect about 30 minutes drive time between each location.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring nearby Pasadena, known for its historic architecture and art scene. For a shorter itinerary, skip Hidden Truth Distillery and spend more time at San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

Airports

The closest airport to Arcadia is the Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, about 30 minutes away by car. The larger Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about an hour away by car.