Need a sunny Southern California getaway with botanical beauty, horse racing, and mountain trails? Head to Arcadia! Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Los Angeles metro area, Arcadia offers lush gardens, a famous racetrack, and outdoor adventure just a short drive from downtown LA. Whether you're hiking canyons, exploring a world-class arboretum, or enjoying diverse dining, Arcadia blends urban convenience with natural serenity.
Arcadia, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the trails at Angeles National Forest – Explore waterfalls, mountain peaks, and scenic views just minutes from town.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Queen Anne Cottage at Los Angeles County Arboretum – Discover a Victorian landmark and filming location in a lush botanical setting.
- For Shoppers: Browse Westfield Santa Anita – Enjoy an upscale indoor-outdoor shopping center with designer stores, cafés, and an Asian food court.
- For Couples: Take a peaceful stroll through the Arboretum – Romantic garden paths, fountains, and peacocks await in this 127-acre oasis.
- For Families: Spend the day at Santa Anita Park or explore Wilderness Park – From horse races to nature trails and playgrounds, there’s plenty to do together.
Best Time to Visit Arcadia, CA
The best time to visit Arcadia is fall through spring (October–May), when temperatures are pleasant for hiking and garden tours. Summers are hot but dry, great for indoor shopping and early morning outdoor outings.
How to Get to Arcadia, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Arcadia is located off I-210, about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Los Angeles and 35 minutes from LAX.
- By Rail: The Metro L Line (Gold) stops at Arcadia Station, connecting to Pasadena and Union Station in LA.
- By Air: The closest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with Burbank Airport (BUR) just 30 minutes away.
Where to Stay in Arcadia, CA
- Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia – Stylish, modern hotel near Santa Anita Park and Westfield Santa Anita.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pasadena/Arcadia – Spacious suites with complimentary breakfast and close to restaurants and shops.
- Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Arcadia – Comfortable and family-friendly with convenient access to the freeway and local attractions.
Best Things to Do in Arcadia, CA
⮕ Santa Anita Race Park
Watch thrilling races and enjoy an exciting day at this historic track.
© Courtesy of nupho - Fotolia.com
-
What is Santa Anita Race Park?
-
Situated against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, the
Santa Anita Race Park
is one of the most beautiful thoroughbred flat race tracks in the world.
-
What events are held at Santa Anita Race Park?
-
Depending on when you’re there, you may be able to attend one of the many prestigious events
held there, such as the Santa Anita Handicap, Santa Anita Derby, and
the Breeders’ Cup.
-
What dining options are available?
-
Dine on a delicious meal at the Frontrunner Restaurant with its
seasonally revolving menu as you watch the races from the glass-wall windows
set above the track. They also have a 215-foot long bar, making it the
perfect place for drinks during any event.
-
Where is Santa Anita Race Park located?
-
285 Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-574-7223
⮕ Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Stroll lush gardens and admire romantic landscapes on a peaceful afternoon.
© Courtesy of Kit Leong - Fotolia.com
-
What is the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden?
-
When was the Arboretum founded?
-
The arboretum was founded in 1947, and the first greenhouse was constructed within
two years.
-
How did the plant collection start?
-
The collection began with the planting of 1,000 trees and soon expanded to include a
Tropical Greenhouse and Jungle Garden, both of which are still available to explore today.
-
What can visitors see at the gardens?
-
A walk through the gardens provides an in-depth look at various plants, grouped by
geographical region. Other displays include the Native Oaks, the
Aquatic Garden, and the Palm and Bamboo collection.
-
Where is the Arboretum located?
-
301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-821-3222
⮕ Angeles National Forest
Hike scenic trails and explore exciting wilderness on a weekend adventure.
© Courtesy of kenkistler1 - Fotolia.com
-
What is Angeles National Forest?
-
Angeles National Forest
is located in Arcadia within the Sierra Pelona Mountains and the
San Gabriel Mountains. It is a California Historical Landmark that
spans over 655,000 acres.
-
When was Angeles National Forest established?
-
The forest was established in 1908 and has since become a well-known landmark in California.
-
What activities can visitors enjoy?
-
Visitors can spend their time hiking or mountain biking through the
many trails, as well as exploring the five designated wilderness areas:
Cucamonga Wilderness, Magic Mountain Wilderness,
Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness, San Gabriel Wilderness, and
Sheep Mountain Wilderness.
-
Are there additional recreational areas?
-
Yes, the forest also features several designated picnic areas,
manicured campgrounds, and wonderful ski areas that are open to the
public during the winter season.
-
Where is Angeles National Forest located?
-
701 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-574-1613
⮕ Arcadia Performing Art Center
See live performances and enjoy an affordable cultural night out.
© Wisky/stock.adobe.com
-
What is the Arcadia Performing Art Center?
-
The Arcadia Performing Art Center
is a performance and event venue in Arcadia, California. Established in 2012,
it is the busiest performing arts center in Pasadena and the entire San Gabriel Valley.
-
What are the venue’s features?
-
The 40,000-square-foot venue includes a modern concert hall that can
accommodate 1,153 guests and an intimate black box theatre for
125 guests.
-
How does the center support arts education?
-
Acting as the hub for funding for school arts education, the center is located at the
65-year-old Arcadia High School, which has produced notable arts alumni such as
Debbie Turner from The Sound of Music and hip-hop music producer
Scoop DeVille.
-
What kind of performances are hosted?
-
The center presents world-class performances as well as emerging acts
for diverse audiences, with the goal of making great art accessible to as many people
as possible.
-
Where is the Arcadia Performing Art Center located?
-
188 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-821-1781
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Jump 'n Jammin
Let kids climb and play on an exciting, family-friendly indoor outing.
© Courtesy of nagaets - Fotolia.com
-
What is Jump 'n Jammin?
-
Jump 'n Jammin is an
indoor kids’ play center filled with a variety of slides,
obstacle courses, climbing walls, and other activities
suitable for kids of all ages.
-
What types of play structures are available?
-
The multi-level play structures are mind-blowing and include tubes,
barrel rolls, giant slides, and even an exploding foam ball volcano.
-
Is there a designated play area for toddlers?
-
Yes, toddlers have a play area all their own to ensure that kids of each age group
have designated activity areas that are suitable for them.
-
Can parents participate?
-
Parents are encouraged to stay and participate with their kids in the
open play area.
-
Is there childcare available?
-
Yes, a specific J-Care facility is available for parents who want to drop off
their kids (aged three to twelve) for interactive childcare services
for up to four hours.
-
Where is Jump 'n Jammin located?
-
400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-821-9120
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Wilderness Park
Walk wooded paths and enjoy a quiet, retirement-friendly nature escape.
© Courtesy of Kit Leong - Fotolia.com
-
What is Wilderness Park?
-
Wilderness Park
is a serene and peaceful oasis that features grassy fields, a
nature center, designated picnicking areas, and vast
hiking trails.
-
What activities can visitors enjoy?
-
Visitors can relax and unwind, explore solo, or enjoy the surroundings with
friends and family. The park is perfect for hiking,
picnicking, and wildlife observation.
-
What can be found at the nature center?
-
The nature center is home to many animals that visitors of all ages can enjoy,
offering an educational and interactive experience.
-
Is there a pond at the park?
-
Yes, the park’s pond is a popular spot for meditation and relaxation
among residents and visitors.
-
Are there guided programs or events?
-
The park offers guided nature walks, event use,
overnight camping, and merit badge classes such as first aid,
emergency preparedness, and environmental science, in line with
the Boy Scouts program.
-
Where is Wilderness Park located?
-
2240 Highland Oaks Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-355-5309
⮕ The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage
Explore local history and discover unusual exhibits on an educational visit.
© The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage
-
What is The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage?
-
The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage
is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Arcadia’s history through
various exhibits and programs that bring the community together.
-
When was the museum established?
-
The museum has been around since 2001 and features several artifacts
and artworks representing the local people and their culture.
-
What can visitors see in the main gallery?
-
The main gallery presents Arcadia’s history in chronological order, starting from
the Native Americans indigenous to Arcadia and progressing through the
early American period.
-
Are there any permanent exhibits?
-
Yes, visitors can explore permanent spaces dedicated to Santa Anita Park,
famous Arcadians, and Arcadia in the movies.
-
Where is The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage located?
-
380 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-574-5440
⮕ Santa Anita Golf Course
Tee off in view of the mountains on an easygoing spring day.
© Courtesy of imagedesigner784 - Fotolia.com
-
What is the Santa Anita Golf Course?
-
Santa Anita Golf Course
spans 185 acres and has always been used for some form of recreation,
though it wasn’t always a golf course.
-
What is the historical significance of the land?
-
The land was originally part of the “Lucky” Baldwin Ranch and has a history that includes
serving as a camping site for Native Americans, a horse race track, and
even a balloon school for the U.S. Army Air Service.
-
When was the golf course introduced?
-
The golf course was established in 1938 and has since become one of the most
beautifully maintained greens in the area.
-
What can golfers expect?
-
Golfers of all skill levels will find the landscape to be varied, challenging, and fun
as they take a swing while enjoying breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
-
Where is Santa Anita Golf Course located?
-
405 S Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-447-7156
Where to Eat:
⮕ The Derby
Savor steakhouse classics and enjoy a romantic dinner in a vintage setting.
© The Derby
-
What is The Derby?
-
The Derby is one of
Arcadia’s most sophisticated restaurants, serving fine seafood and
steak to residents and visitors since 1922.
-
What type of cuisine does The Derby serve?
-
The award-winning upscale dining establishment offers an extensive lunch
and dinner menu. Some popular favorites include chicken parmesan,
Atlantic salmon filet, and slow-roasted prime rib.
-
Why is The Derby popular with racing enthusiasts?
-
Due to its close proximity to the racetrack, The Derby has attracted many
racing celebrities and enthusiasts over the years.
-
What kind of memorabilia is displayed at The Derby?
-
The restaurant has an ever-growing collection of racing memorabilia, which is
proudly displayed on its walls for visitors to enjoy.
-
Where is The Derby located?
-
233 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-447-2430
More Places to Eat in Arcadia, CA
- Din Tai Fung – Famed Taiwanese restaurant known for soup dumplings and refined pan-Asian cuisine.
- The Derby – Classic steakhouse and Arcadia icon offering fine dining in a historic jockey-themed setting.
- Phoenix Food Boutique – A local favorite for Chinese desserts and comforting Cantonese fare.
If you are interested in local events:
- 626 Night Market (Summer) – Giant Asian-themed food festival held nearby in Santa Anita Park with vendors, music, and games.
- Spring Carnival at Santa Anita (April) – Family-friendly fun with carnival rides, live racing, and food trucks.
- Holiday Snow Festival (December) – Community winter event with snow play, crafts, and seasonal activities at Arcadia Community Center.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Arcadia, California:
- Pasadena (15–20 min) – Visit The Huntington Library, Norton Simon Museum, and Old Town Pasadena for art and dining.
- Mount Wilson Observatory (45–60 min) – Tour a historic observatory and hike with panoramic LA Basin views.
- Downtown Los Angeles (25–30 min) – Explore The Broad Museum, Grand Central Market, and the Arts District.
- Monrovia Canyon Park (10–15 min) – Short hike to a waterfall in a serene wooded canyon.
- Glendora and Azusa foothills (30–40 min) – Discover the San Gabriel River trail, scenic drives, and picnic spots.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What makes Arcadia, California, a unique destination?
- Arcadia is one of the most diverse cities in Southern California and is home to a number of sights, attractions, and restaurants that reflect that diversity.
-
What is a must-visit attraction in Arcadia?
- No visit to Arcadia is complete without a visit to the Santa Anita Race Park—a thoroughbred race track for which the area has become renowned.
Map:
Plan Your Trip