Exploring Arcadia, California in 5 Days on a Shoestring Budget

• Day 1: Arcadia County Park - Walk along the trails and enjoy the beautiful views of this vast park. Visit the Arboretum and take a guided tour for a better understanding of the plants and trees. Finish off the day with a picnic on the grassy area.
• Day 2: Santa Anita Park - Experience the thrill of a horse race at this historic racetrack. Visit on a Friday for their food truck festival and enjoy delicious food from various vendors. End the day with a visit to the nearby Westfield Santa Anita Mall for shopping and dinner.
• Day 3: The Queen Anne Cottage - Take a guided tour of this beautiful home and view the historical furnishings and design features. Afterward, visit nearby Huntington Library and explore the magnificent gardens and galleries.
• Day 4: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden - Explore the different gardens, including the Tropical Forest, Rose Garden, and California Natives Garden. Spot peacocks roaming the grounds and enjoy the beautiful water features. End the day with a visit to nearby Westfield Arcadia for dinner.
• Day 5: Eldorado Park - Spend the day enjoying the outdoor activities offered at this beautiful park. Play a round of disc golf or visit the skate park. Finish off the day with a visit to nearby Din Tai Fung for a delicious meal.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Arcadia County Park (2-3 hours, free)
• Santa Anita Park (4-5 hours, $2-$5 admission, $10 parking)
• The Queen Anne Cottage (1-2 hours, $15 admission)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden (3-4 hours, $15 admission)
• Eldorado Park (3-4 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $40-45

Transportation

Travelers should consider renting a car or using ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft to get around Arcadia. Public transportation options such as buses and the Metro Gold Line are also available but may take longer to navigate. Expect to spend around $10-$15 per day on transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting nearby attractions such as the Getty Center or Disneyland. For those with less time, skip Day 3 and Day 4 and spend extra time at one of the other locations on the itinerary.

Airports

The nearest airport to Arcadia is the Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, which is approximately 23 miles away from Arcadia. Other nearby airports include the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Long Beach Airport (LGB).