Arcadia, California: A 5-Day City Experience Itinerary

• Day 1: Begin your day with a visit to the Santa Anita Park, one of the top Thoroughbred racetracks in the world. Afterward, head over to the L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Garden to enjoy the lush flora and fauna. Finish the day with a trip to Westfield Santa Anita, a massive shopping center that offers a wide variety of shops and dining options.
• Day 2: Start your day off with a visit to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, which is home to one of the largest collections of rare books and manuscripts in the world. Next, visit Pasadena City Hall, a charming Spanish Colonial Revival building with gorgeous architecture. In the evening, catch a show at the Pasadena Playhouse, California's official theatre.
• Day 3: Begin the day with a visit to The Gamble House, a stunning example of American Arts and Crafts architecture. Next, take a tour of the nearby Norton Simon Museum which boasts an impressive collection of European art. Finally, end your day with dinner at the lovely and romantic The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse.
• Day 4: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for a chance to see a diverse collection of art ranging from ancient to contemporary. Later on, check out the Farmers Market, a foodie's paradise that offers a wide range of culinary delights. End the day with a hike up to Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city.
• Day 5: Start your day by ticking off an item on your bucket list as you witness the iconic Hollywood Sign up close. Afterwards, walk along Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars on the Walk of Fame and the famous TCL Chinese Theatre. Finally, say goodbye to your trip with a visit to the Universal CityWalk Hollywood, an outdoor shopping and entertainment promenade.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Santa Anita Park (2-3 hours, $10-$20)
• L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, $10-$15)
• Westfield Santa Anita (2-3 hours, $50+)
• Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, $20-$25)
• Pasadena City Hall (1 hour, free)
• Pasadena Playhouse (3 hours, $35-$70)
• The Gamble House (1 hour, $15-$20)
• Norton Simon Museum (2-3 hours, $12-$15)
• The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse (2 hours, $60-$100)
• LACMA (2-3 hours, $15-$25)
• Farmers Market (2 hours, $20+)
• Griffith Observatory (2-3 hours, free)
• Hollywood Sign (1-2 hours, free)
• Hollywood Boulevard (2-3 hours, free)
• Universal CityWalk Hollywood (2-3 hours, $30+)

Total Estimated Costs: $258-$483

Transportation

To explore all that Arcadia and its surrounding areas have to offer, renting a car is highly recommended. Public transportation in Arcadia and the surrounding cities is limited, and taxis and ride-sharing services can quickly add up in cost. A rental car for the entire trip can cost approximately $250-$350, depending on the rental company and vehicle type. Driving times between attractions range from 5-30 minutes.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby cities such as Santa Monica, Long Beach, or San Diego for a chance to see even more of California's amazing sights. Conversely, if you have less time, consider narrowing down your itinerary to visit only your top picks. Keep in mind that the location of the attractions is spread out, so plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary transit times.

Airports

Arcadia is located about 25 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is the largest airport in the area. Other nearby airports include Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, approximately 20 miles away, and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, approximately 35 miles away.