Arcadia is one of the most diverse cities in Southern California and I enjoyed my visit there immensely. It is home to a number of sights, attractions, and restaurants that reflect its unique nature. No visit to Arcadia is complete without a visit to the Santa Anita Race Park - a thoroughbred race track which the area has become renowned for.
Arcadia nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Los Angeles metro area. I especially enjoyed the lush gardens and unique canyons. Read on about my experience in Arcadia.
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
- For Couples: Take a peaceful stroll through the Arboretum
- For Families: Spend the day at Santa Anita Park or explore Wilderness Park
Best Time to Visit Arcadia, CA
Go from fall through spring (October–May) for pleasant temperatures for hiking and garden tours.
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 near Santa Anita Park and Westfield Santa Anita.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pasadena/Arcadia has spacious suites.
- Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Arcadia is family-friendly.
Best Things to Do in Arcadia, CA
1. Santa Anita Race Park
Rating: ★★★★★
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. Depending on when you’re there, you may be able to attend one of the many prestigious events which are held there such as the Santa Anita Handicap, Santa Anita Derby, and the Breeders’ Cup. 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. 285 Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-574-7223
2. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Spanning over 127 acres, the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a historical site which can be found amidst the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The arboretum was founded in 1947 and the first greenhouse was constructed within two years. Their collection started with the planting of 1,000 trees and soon expanded to including a Tropical Greenhouse and Jungle Garden, both of which are still available to explore today. A walk through the gardens will give you an in-depth look at all of their plants, which are grouped by geographical region; other displays include the Native Oaks, the Aquatic Garden, and the Palm and Bamboo collection. 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-821-3222
3. Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest can be found in Arcadia within the Sierra Pelona Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains. The national forest, which is now a California Historical Landmark, was established in 1908 and comprises over 655,000 acres. You can spend your time hiking or mountain biking through the many trails and exploring the five designated wilderness areas: Cucamonga Wilderness, Magic Mountain Wilderness, Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness, San Gabriel Wilderness, and Sheep Mountain Wilderness. Other aspects include several designated picnic areas, manicured campgrounds, and wonderful ski areas which are open to the public in the winter. 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-574-1613
4. Arcadia Performing Art Center
The Arcadia Performing Arts 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. The modern 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. Acting as the hub for funding for school arts education, the center is located at the 65-year-old Arcadia High School, known for some famous arts alumni such as star of Sound of Music Debbie Turner, hip-hop music producer Scoop DeVille, and many others. 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. 188 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-821-1781
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Jump 'n Jammin
Jump'n Jammin is an indoor kids’ play center that is filled with all sorts of slides, obstacle courses, climbing walls, and other activities that are suitable for kids of all ages. The multi-level play structures are mind-blowing and vary from tubes and barrel rolls to giant slides and an exploding foam ball volcano. Even 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. Parents are urged to stay and participate with their kids in the open area, but a specific J-Care facility is available for those who want to drop off theirs kids aged three to twelve for interactive childcare services for up to four hours. 400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-821-9120
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
6. Wilderness Park
Wilderness Park is a serene and peaceful oasis that comprises grassy fields, a nature center, designated picnicking areas, and vast hiking trails. It’s a wonderful place to relax and unwind, whether you choose to go on a solo exploration or enjoy the surroundings with friends and family. The nature center is home to many animals which visitors of all ages can enjoy, while the park’s pond is popular with residents and visitors as a place to meditate. Other features and facilities include 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. 2240 Highland Oaks Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-355-5309
7. The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage
The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage is committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing Arcadia’s history through a number of exhibits and programs which bring the community together. The museum has been around since 2001 and has several artifacts and artworks which represent the local people and the culture they comprise. The main gallery has exhibits of Arcadia’s history in chronological order, starting from the Native Americans who are indigenous to Arcadia and working its way through to the early American period. You’ll also be able to explore permanent spaces dedicated to Santa Anita Park, famous Arcadians, and Arcadia in the movies. 380 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: 626-574-5440
8. Santa Anita Golf Course
Though it may not have always been named the Santa Anita Golf Course, the 185 acres which the course was built on has always been used for some form of recreation. The land was originally a part of the “Lucky” Baldwin Ranch and has a history which dates back to it being a camping site for Native Americans, a horse race track, and a balloon school for the U.S. Army Air Service. The golf courses were introduced in 1938 and continues to be one of the most beautifully maintained greens in the area. Golfers of all skill levels will find the landscape to be varied, challenging, and fun as they take a swing while enjoying views of the San Gabriel Mountains. 405 S Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-447-7156
Where to Eat:
9. The Derby
The Derby is one of Arcadia’s most sophisticated restaurants and has been serving fine foods such as mouthwatering seafood and steak to the area’s residents and visitors since 1922. The award-winning upscale dining establishment has an extensive lunch and dinner menu with a few of the popular favorites being chicken parmesan, the Atlantic salmon filet, and slow roasted prime rib. Due to its close proximity to the racetrack, the Derby restaurant has attracted many racing celebrities and enthusiasts over the years. This has allowed them to expand their constantly growing collection of racing memorabilia which you can see displayed on their walls. 233 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-447-2430
Plan Your Trip