7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Arcadia, California

• Day 1: Start your trip with a visit to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Explore its sprawling gardens and spot the resident peacocks. Head to the Westfield Santa Anita Mall for some shopping and dining.
• Day 2: Visit the Pacific Railroad Museum and learn about the transcontinental railroad. Afterward, head to the Santa Anita Park racetrack for a family day at the races.
• Day 3: Drive to the San Gabriel Mountains and spend the day hiking and enjoying nature. Don't forget to stop at the Arcadia Wilderness Park for a picnic lunch.
• Day 4: Explore the Pasadena Museum of California Art and learn about the state's art and culture. Then, head to the Old Town Pasadena for a food tour.
• Day 5: Take a day trip to the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park for some thrilling rides and family entertainment.
• Day 6: Visit the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a tour and interactive exhibits. Then, head to the Norton Simon Museum and see works of art from around the world.
• Day 7: Spend your last day at the Santa Anita Golf Course for a round of golf or a relaxing day at the spa.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, $15 per person)
• Westfield Santa Anita Mall (1-2 hours, varies)
• Pacific Railroad Museum (2 hours, $10 per person)
• Santa Anita Park (3-4 hours, $5 per person)
• San Gabriel Mountains (full day, free)
• Arcadia Wilderness Park (1-2 hours, free)
• Pasadena Museum of California Art (2-3 hours, $7 per person)
• Old Town Pasadena Food Tour (2-3 hours, $75 per person)
• Universal Studios Hollywood (full day, $109 per person)
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (1-2 hours, free)
• Norton Simon Museum (2-3 hours, $15 per person)
• Santa Anita Golf Course (full day, $50 per person)

Total Estimated Costs: $386 per person

Transportation

It's recommended to rent a car to get around Arcadia and nearby places. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are available but can add to your transportation costs. Parking is typically free or available at nominal costs. Expect moderate traffic during rush hour in Los Angeles, so plan accordingly.

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, consider visiting the Getty Center in Los Angeles, which features art exhibits, gardens, and views of the city. You can also drive to Santa Monica Beach for a day of fun in the sun. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the museums or theme park and spending more time hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains or exploring Old Town Pasadena.

Airports

Arcadia is serviced by the Bob Hope Airport (BUR), located 20 miles northwest of Arcadia, and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located 30 miles southwest of Arcadia. BUR is a smaller airport with limited direct flight options, while LAX is larger with more flight options.