Embracing the Natural Beauty of Arcadia, California

• Day 1: Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden – With its stunning landscapes and diverse plant species, LA Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a great place to start your journey exploring the natural beauty of Arcadia. Be sure to visit the Queen Anne Cottage and Baldwin Lake for a serene experience.
• Day 2: Santa Anita Canyon – Let's hit the hiking trails in Santa Anita Canyon and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the soaring mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. You can explore the Chantry Flats, Hermit Falls, and Sturtevant Falls, amongst other glorious features.
• Day 3: Eaton Canyon Natural Area & Nature Center – The Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center is a treasure trove of picturesque trails, waterfalls, and rock formations, with opportunities for bird watching and learning about the area's rich history.
• Day 4: Mount Wilson Observatory – Discover the universe from the Mount Wilson Observatory, where you can observe the stars, learn about the science of astronomy, and explore the breathtaking views of the Angeles National Forest.
• Day 5: Angeles National Forest – The Angeles National Forest is a vast expanse of wilderness with snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Spend the day exploring the different trails and viewpoints in the area, including Mount Baldy and Ice House Canyon.
• Day 6: Arcadia Wilderness Park – The Arcadia Wilderness Park boasts several picnic areas, nature trails, and a nature center, where visitors can explore the great outdoors, get up close with some local wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful day in nature.
• Day 7: Peck Road Park – Our final stop is Peck Road Park, a beautiful destination that offers a variety of outdoor attractions such as fishing, boating, bird watching, and hiking trails. Take a stroll around the lake or unwind in one of the multiple picnic areas available for visitors.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden (3-4 hours, $15-20)
• Santa Anita Canyon (4-5 hours, free entry)
• Eaton Canyon Natural Area & Nature Center (2-3 hours, free entry)
• Mount Wilson Observatory (4-5 hours, $15)
• Angeles National Forest (6-7 hours, free entry)
• Arcadia Wilderness Park (3-4 hours, $5 entry fee)
• Peck Road Park (2-3 hours, free entry)
Total Estimated Costs: $35-40

Transportation

While driving is the most convenient way to get around in Arcadia, there is also a public transit system available. Ubers, Lyfts or Taxis are also available everywhere but for remote areas, you may need to hire a car. The estimated time from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Arcadia is approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around $40 via taxi or app-based ride-share services.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you might consider adding visits to Lake Huntington and Monrovia Canyon Park, two beautiful spots that boast even more charm to the area. Conversely, If you have fewer days, you may want to choose the top four must-visit attractions that suit most of your preferences.

Airports

Arcadia is conveniently located near several airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Long Beach Airport (LGB), and Bob Hope Airport (BUR). Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest to Arcadia, located about 23 miles to the southwest, and offers numerous direct flights to major cities around the world.