beautiful large garden with lots of different sections full of plants and wildlife. also saw fish, turtles, frogs, and peacocks! they also have a cafe and a small gift shop. only con i’d say is this place is so big that it’s a little hard to navigate or tell where you are. i went here for the queen anne house and was pleasantly surprised with everything surrounding it. $14 for a student isn’t bad.

I had such a wonderful experience visiting the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia that I felt compelled to share it. This place is truly a hidden gem in the San Gabriel Valley—a perfect escape from the noise and rush of everyday life. From the moment I entered, I was amazed by how peaceful and beautifully maintained the grounds are. You can tell the staff and volunteers put so much care into every detail. The Arboretum is huge—over 100 acres—and every section has its own charm. I started my visit near the main entrance and immediately noticed the gorgeous peacocks roaming freely. They add such a magical touch, especially when they fan out their feathers or call to each other across the gardens. It felt like walking into a living painting. One of my favorite areas was the tropical greenhouse. The variety of plants and the humidity inside made me feel like I was deep in a rainforest. The waterfalls, orchids, and vibrant greenery were stunning. I also loved exploring the desert garden with its unique cactus and succulents—it’s amazing how they manage to thrive side by side with lush palms and water lilies just a few steps away. The historical Queen Anne Cottage and the lake nearby are must-sees. The cottage looks straight out of a movie (and in fact, it has been featured in several!). The lake area is so peaceful, with ducks gliding across the water and peacocks strutting along the path. I found a shady bench under a tree and just sat there enjoying the view for a while—it’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time. What really stood out to me was how clean, organized, and family-friendly everything was. The pathways are wide and easy to navigate, so it’s perfect for strollers or wheelchairs. There were plenty of rest areas, clean restrooms, and signs that make it easy to find your way around. I also appreciated that the staff were friendly and knowledgeable—they were happy to answer questions and share interesting facts about the plants. The gift shop was another pleasant surprise. It’s filled with unique garden-themed items, books, and plants you can actually take home. I picked up a small succulent and some local honey as souvenirs. The café had light snacks and drinks, which was great after a few hours of walking. Overall, the Arboretum is a perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, families, or anyone needing a peaceful day outdoors. Whether you want to take a scenic walk, learn about plants, have a picnic, or just unwind, this place has something for everyone. I left feeling refreshed and grateful that such a beautiful, well-kept garden exists right here in Los Angeles County.

A-MAZE-ING Arcadia Escape! If you haven't been to the **LA County Arboretum in Arcadia**, you are seriously missing out on Southern California's best-kept secret—if that secret included 127 acres of pure tropical chaos and roughly 200 very loud celebrities. It is absolutely gorgeous. You can wander through a primeval jungle (where they actually filmed *Tarzan*!) and then stumble upon the historic **Queen Anne Cottage**, which is famously the house from *Fantasy Island*. So basically, you're hiking through Hollywood history with better air quality. But the real stars? The **peacocks**. They are everywhere, they are stunning, and they have zero concept of personal space. Expect to be dive-bombed by feathers and judged by their intense, glittering eyes as you try to enjoy your picnic. They are the most majestic, spoiled, and dramatic birds you will ever meet, and they are worth the price of admission alone. SN: Admission is free with Snap/Calfresh benefit card! **Go. Get lost. Take pictures. Just don't make eye contact with the peacocks, or you'll owe them your lunch.**

This place is beautiful. It's a big place that's great for exercising and looking at all the cool trees and plants. There are a lot of peacocks and geese. There's a nice big water fall in one area and if you walk up the stairs, you'll find a smaller water fall. You will see some fish and turtles. They have a big water fountain where the geese hangout at. Overall, I usually spend about 2 hours here. Wear walking shoes. Bring water and bug spray. It gets hot in the summer and the bugs come out at night. The free parking lot is fine until they throw an event. That's where you may have a hard time finding parking.

This place is really cool. If I lived locally I would be a member for sure. There's always more to see with the seasons. There are paved areas that are very easy to traverse and most of the unpaved areas are pretty smooth. There are ample places to sit and water fountains.

It’s very spacious and beautifully planned out. It has a calming vibe and plenty of spaces to sit with nature. I have lived in Los Angeles my entire life and I had no idea this place existed until a recent google search. I’m very grateful to have found this gem.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is one of those treasures that feels almost impossible to believe exists in the middle of Los Angeles. Spread across 127 acres, it’s more than just gardens—it’s a living museum of plants, architecture, and history. You can easily spend an entire day wandering the themed gardens: the waterfalls tucked into lush greenery, the expansive succulent and desert gardens, the tropical greenhouses, and even the peaceful bamboo groves. Every corner feels like a different world, and yet it all flows together into one incredible open space that makes you forget you’re minutes from the freeway. It’s also a cultural hub. This weekend I attended the Inter-City Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale, one of the best plant events in the country, filled with knowledgeable growers, amazing specimens, and pottery that blurs the line between art and nature. But beyond the special events, the Arboretum is always worth a visit. The historic Queen Anne Cottage (famous from TV and movies) is a beautiful centerpiece, and the Baldwin-era architecture scattered throughout gives you a sense of California history alongside the natural beauty. Families will love the wide-open lawns and trails, kids are fascinated by the free-roaming peacocks, and plant lovers can get lost in the collections for hours. An annual membership is a no-brainer—it’s not just admission, it’s access to one of the most inspiring and restorative spaces in Los Angeles.

such a fun place. came here for father’s day. snack bar food is reasonably priced. you’ll want to bring cash to place bets. bring your own pen or pencil to mark your race day program. there is seating in general admission area but bring a parasol or big hat to keep out of the sun. this venue will allow you to bring in your reusable water bottle && they have stations where you can fill it with water for free.

Great history and grounds, beautiful day. Security staff was kind and helpful with information. Staff at South entrance was rude and unhelpful when we asked where we go to just see the park, we were aware it's off season but wanted to check out the area for fun. Also, grounds opened at 9:15 and we were unable to watch the horses breeze, contrary to what the website said (5:30-9:30 training should be open to the public)

i thought the horses were racing based on the website but they only race on weekends 😔 the security let me in for free and said i could roam around but security might ask me what’s up, so far no one has so that’s good. it was a little confusing to find the track and i found the betting room first, but the track has a cool mountain backdrop and the grounds are cute as well. it was really a 3 star experience but i think if the horses were there it’d be 4 so i’ll bump it up.

Beautiful venue with plenty of shaded seating. Came on a Friday and admission and parking was free. They do sell food onsite but know that the food prices are exactly as you'd expect from a sports venue. There's multiple TV's for viewing the race if you're not outside and they also stream races from across the country. Betting machines give you the option to bet on races not held at Santa Anita. Each and every race holds a level of excitement and the atmosphere always feels electric. If you've got the time and you want to enjoy something simple like horseracing, I'd recommend this track. Obviously, no expectations to bet but still enjoyable without putting money on the line. Note: There are two different machines. One for placing money on a voucher and another for actual betting that you insert said voucher into.

I went to Santa Anita Racetrack on Belmont Stakes Day! 6/7/2025. And they had a car show in the infield. I had no idea that this Bomb Club Car Show was going to be this Spectacular. There were 500 cars on display with tons of So Cal Car Clubs. They had vendors, food trucks, wrestling and live music. I like how Santa Anita has a huge screen with seating, so you can watch the races and we’re able to watch the Belmont stakes race. I will definitely be back. The whole day went smoothly and it was a major success.

We went to Santa Anita Park on a Friday afternoon since there was no school that day. Admission was free, which was a nice bonus. Because it was a regular workday, the place wasn’t crowded — calm and quiet overall. One thing to note: there was only one live teller on-site. Some machines were for vouchers only, and no one seemed to be using them, which made things confusing for first-time visitors. There weren’t any staff around to help explain how it worked, so it took us a while to figure things out. I put in $6 for my kids and placed a show bet. Their guess was right — two of the horses they picked ended up finishing first and second. It added some fun and excitement to the visit.

For Memorial Day weekend they had a carnival inside the track. My two littles had fun. We tried the food, we bet on horses, we met and touched some of the lead horses and even got to greet the outriders who were very friendly. They let us take photos. A kind lady had carrots and she taught my son to feed one of the horses. We appreciated that. We visited the gift shop and got two small horse plushies. The gift shop has so many things I would love to gift to my hubby!! Gave the kids the grand tour of the clubhouse. Got them a turkey sandwich for all of us to share - we couldn’t even finish it with the 3 of us - there was so much thick cut turkey! Rode all the rides, played all the games, were there from 1-7 ish. No line to get in, up front parking, easy betting. On the way out we were given two giant cotton candy bags from another kind lady, thank you.

AWESOME place to experience nature in Claremont, Upland, and surrounding areas backyard. But PLEASE be sure to heed the fire danger warnings and be supportive of the USFS fire crews when they are out and about-THEY are the ones who protect the forest for our use!! (ANF E25, '96 season).

Awesome place to walk and to bring your dogs 🐕, the river is awesome. Great atmosphere between the trees 🌳 and plants 🌱 and nature.

Plenty of altitude and hikes. Great way to spend an afternoon. Plenty of people treat the roads here like the autobahn. Hikes are mostly easy to moderate.

Angeles National Forest is a beautiful and expansive natural area in Southern California, offering a perfect retreat from urban life. Covering over 700,000 acres, it provides a variety of recreational activities and breathtaking landscapes that cater to nature enthusiasts. The forest boasts an extensive network of hiking trails suitable for all levels. Whether you're seeking a challenging trek up Mount Baldy or a leisurely walk through the San Gabriel Mountains, the panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin, lush valleys, and scenic streams make every hike rewarding. Camping is another highlight, with numerous well-maintained campgrounds available. From primitive sites to more developed areas with amenities, the forest offers options for every type of camper. Stargazing here is exceptional due to minimal light pollution, revealing a clear, star-filled sky. Wildlife spotting adds excitement to any visit, with the forest home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including deer, black bears, and diverse bird species. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors can enjoy fishing, mountain biking, and even winter sports like skiing in designated areas. However, it's important to follow the forest’s regulations and fire safety rules, especially during dry seasons when wildfire risk is high. Preparedness and respect for the natural habitat are crucial. Overall, Angeles National Forest is a must-visit for those looking to reconnect with nature, offering diverse outdoor activities and a serene escape from the city.

I’ve hiked up to Pleasant View Ridge a few times now and it never gets old, the view is unmatched from the top, and at more than 700,000 acres there’s almost unlimited options of places to hike at all difficulty levels.

Angeles National Forest is an absolute treasure — a massive, beautiful stretch of wilderness just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, scenic drives, photography, or simply looking to breathe in some fresh mountain air, this place has something for everyone. The forest is full of diverse landscapes — from pine-covered mountains and rocky cliffs to peaceful meadows and flowing streams. Popular spots like Mount Baldy, Switzer Falls, and Chantry Flat offer breathtaking views and well-marked trails for all experience levels. Sunrise and sunset here? Absolutely magical. It’s also incredibly peaceful. Even on weekends, it’s easy to find quiet pockets where you can disconnect from the noise and just reconnect with nature. Wildlife sightings, wildflowers in spring, and even snow in the higher elevations during winter make every visit feel fresh and exciting. The rangers do a great job keeping the area maintained, and it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this natural gem. If you live in Southern California or are visiting, Angeles National Forest is a must-see — a true reminder that adventure, beauty, and solitude are never too far away.

Did the hike to the top of Baldy. Great views and awesome hike.

beautiful colorful house in la arboretum, i like the fountain in front. you can’t go inside unless you’re with a tour im guessing . it cost me $14 to see this bc im a student, idk if that’d be worth it if it wasn’t surrounded by such beautiful grounds so that gives it a higher rating.

A fantastic building built to be an entertainment and guest house for Mr. Baldwin. Now the deck is reopened so you can look inside again to see it furnished in that period. Amazing stained glass, furniture, and chandeliers.

It has very Beautiful and Amazing views of the nature surrounding it. The Queen 👑 Anne Cottage is Extrordinary I like the Architecture the Architect put into that Cottage. I Loved 💘 all the Beautiful views it had throughout the whole place I really enjoy being around places that are surrounded by nature. I went here with my family a few times. One of those times it was during Christmas when they have the lights all throughout the entire place. Those lights were very amusing and amazing.

It has a striking appearance when first seen across the lake or thru the gardens! The former estate house is beautiful on the outside, tho closed to the public on the inside, at least when I visited the arboretum. I’ll have to return here for the tour when it’s open inside, so I can upgrade my review.

Simply breathtaking. A discovery as you wander around these gardens. It is as you imagined it should be from 1900. I almost looked for the horse and carriage that would take me back in time.

The series of buildings at the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn in Arcadia are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These beautifully-restored Victorian-era structures were built in the mid to late-1800’s, and you can explore them and the surrounding property on your own or with a guided tour.

It's very nice place, every weekend I go there to walking.

Jump n’ Jammin is an exciting and energetic play space where kids can run, climb, and explore to their heart’s content. However, if you have a younger child, be prepared to stay close and actively supervise to ensure their safety as they navigate the play structures. One thing to watch out for is the cannon in the center—it launches foam balls with the push of a button and can be quite loud, which might startle some kids. Overall, it’s a fun experience, but if your little one is very young, it can be a bit nerve-wracking keeping up with them in such a bustling environment. Thankfully, there’s a little toddler area but older kids still manage to get inside.

Took our two boys to Jump ‘n Jammin today and it did not disappoint 😊 We have a 1 1/2 and 2 1/2-year-old and this play place is actually pretty fun for younger and older kids. When we first walked in this location our boys were just amazed. 😮 We all took off our shoes and put on our wristband. The good thing about that is you can go play with your kids then leave for lunch and come back whenever. They also have a nice eating area inside if you want to bring lunches. This highlight and center of the fun is the massive ball area equipped with all kinds of fun air cannons and other fun machines to put balls into. Our boys were literally none stop collecting and firing off balls. They have a total of 3 fun slides for all ages. I was able to go down the high slides with my boys as they are very big. Climbing through the jungle gym is much easier than most jungle gyms I’ve played in with my kids as this one is very large. I was even able to stand up and walk around on the second level of the jungle gym and play with my boys firing off balls in the air cannons. I will be stopping by here with the family again soon. Great spot to meet the grandparents for a fun play date.

Very disappointed at how dirty this place is and neglected! And to top it off There was no AC! I had asked one of the workers what was going on with the AC and they said it wasn't working and their fixing it, which I think that's a lie cause I went sometime last year and same thing no AC. Every kid and parent was sweating. We didn't even last an hour in there it was unbearable! Also the door to leave the place isn't working either in order for it to open you really have to put strength. Definitely don't recommend this place and Definitely wont be going back!

It was my first time visiting this place . It was a fun experience. My children all love it and want to go back. It smelled decent and not like those places that smell like feet. The whole jungle gym was fun. Would totally recommend for the while family. They have vending machines with water and snacks. Restrooms were clean.

We use to love this place. It is now a disaster waiting to happen. The air conditioners don't work on a 95 degree day. It feels cooler outdoors than inside. What a joke. Spent 60$ thinking I would take the kids to beat the heat and found more comfort outside than in.

This place is amazing for kids. Be sure to bring your water bottle for your thirsty sweaty little ones. This location is at the Santa Anita mall so you can come play. Step out into the food court and return to play (same day in/out). I had my son's birthday party here years ago. I wouldn't have another one here because the kids were too spread out. Great place for play dates.

The concept is really good. Everything is well organized. The staff is great and very friendly. But there’s an unpleasant smell coming from the carpet. The place really needs a thorough cleaning. If that’s done, it would truly be a five-star establishment.

A small nature area with trails and a pond. There are ducks, turtles, and lots of shade. Perfect for a short, peaceful walk. Facilities are clean. A nice escape from city noise

Beautiful trail,very small since most is blocked 🚫 but very enjoyable

A beautiful little park with lots of wildlife activity! On an average visit, I've seen blue Jays, hawks, butterflies, and lizards. The occasional deer or small mammal has been known to wander by as well. It's a really nice place to picnic or take small kids. There are some pretty trails as well. Definitely a worthwhile trip! But be aware, they close at 4pm.

The park is lovely. Lots of birds and beautiful trees and other interesting flora and great views. However, it should be noted that any steps or stairs added to a hiking trail should help make the trail safer, not more dangerous. It was actually easier to hike alongside the steps or on the rocks because so many of the steps, although secure, are really poorly placed, have deeply washed out treads, or are in need of replacement.

Quiet little corner of a wilderness park. Open to the public Monday through Friday and by reservation only for weekends. There is a small nature center, plenty of benches and BBQ areas. Nature trails, grassy areas. On 3/1/19 there is water in the small stream. It really is a nice quiet place to unwind for a few minutes or a few hours.

Our family camps here many times with our son’s scout troop. They have a nice hike here. Wilderness building. Full use kitchen and bathroom for camping activities. Eating area. Not 200 feet are homes so close to civilization. Highly recommend even if just visiting for the day.

Mother Nature at her best in Arcadia, CA.!!!

The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage is a small museum that exhibits exclusively to preserve and recognize Arcadia’s heritage. This museum is maintained and operated by the City of Arcadia; admission is free. Museum is named after the Ruth and Charles Gilb, both long-time residents of Arcadia. This museum features 7 interpretive galleries. The main gallery features a chronology of Arcadia’s history. Moreover, museum offers community programming for adults and youth. You can swiftly complete the entire museum (galleries and collections) in <40 minutes. Free Parking available. Friendly staff. I’m glad I was able to check out the Gilb museum. Overall, it’s a modest museum to visit.

Small but cute. They have a scavenger hunt daily with a small price.

Very nice museum. It’s free. Of course, they accept donations. It’s small but interesting.

Behind the community center is this little local history museum. And it’s free. With relatively simple exhibits that showcase the founding of Arcadia, racetrack, and military background. There’s a hall of local celebrities and athletes. There are some events and activity kits available that might be good for little kids. It’s not a place you’d come out of the way for. But if you’re in the area and need something to do, it’s worth a look. The highlight for me, and the reason why I give it a 4 star, is that there’s a plaque honoring a fallen soldier that happens to be an old high school friend. Thanks for your service, Adam. (If you want to visit his grave site, it’s in the Forest Lawn in Covina)

Very nice place to learn about the history of Arcadia. MEC Coordinator, Brittani, is very nice and she showed me around the Museum. Would recommend coming here to have a good time and learn at the same time.

It was free so that's nice. It was kind of boring. Mostly framed information to read. Little physical thinks to look at. The main attraction is this lady who inherited a lot of money and spent it. They have a creepy Dusty wax figure if her.

Great place to spend some time and learn a lot about the diverse and often overlooked history of our area. My kids loved it too!

Adams Pack Station is a great spot to hang out after a long hike in the mountains. The vibe is super chill, and it’s the perfect place to relax, grab some good food and drinks, and enjoy the fresh air. They’ve got live music on Fridays too, which adds to the awesome atmosphere. It’s family-owned, and you can really feel the heart they put into the place. After being shut down for a while due to the wildfire, it's great to see them back. Supporting them means a lot, not just for the owners, but for the whole local community. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

After a nice hike enjoy the coolest soft drinks and beer for files around. Limited menu but the food was nice, served promptly and with a smile. It is great to see the business surive the 4 year closure. Support if you can.

I hate to say this, but...IT'S RE-OPENED! How many of you have been waiting forever to get back up here to Chantry Flat and enjoy this beautiful mountain location?? I heard from a friend in Sierra Madre that Chantry Flat has re-opened, so I took it upon myself to make the trip up from Monrovia...🙏 Friday, March 27th, 2025... Now... the drive up was a bit worrisome. There were a lot of debris removal construction companies(large earth moving equipment and dump trucks)removing loads of the landslides that had taken place up there. There were a lot of large rocks and loose gravel/sand/dirt on some of the turns, so please be careful if you make the trip up. Upon arrival, the parking lot looked very nice and clean with new asphalt and plenty of parking for a Friday mid day. The bathrooms were clean with the usual tagging. Lots of people were walking up from the Sturtevant Falls, and it was nice to see the family's gathering and hiking. We made our way up to Adam's Pack Station. Adam's Pack Station is the last pack station in Southern California and is still functioning to this day. Some of the Adam's Pack Station mules were packed with some supplies and off on a hike to deliver said supplies during our visit(so we were told). We did get to visit and pet some of the hardworking mules that were housed in the neighboring barn. (Mule pics included below) The lady Bambi that was working at Adam's Station was very nice, and the station itself sells cold waters, sodas, and beers for those in need. The seating at Adam's Station was that of plenty, and it was very cozy sitting around enjoying the views. I guess there will be live music every friday at 5 pm(weather permitted, of course) There were plenty of trash cans everywhere, so please utilize them. Let's leave the mountains looking just as beautiful as you found them. Do not forget to get yoyr Forest Adventure Pass and have that posted on your rear view mirror in your front window or on your bumper accordingly. I believe you can purchase a forest adventure pass at Adam's Pack Station as well. REI sells them for sure. The water hose bibs were working well at about 5 of the picnic areas I stopped at. There were plenty of picnic tables and BBQ's to go around but I can imagine them being fairly full on the weekends, especially with summer coming and all. I hope this review helps before you drive up and visit. Thanks for reading it and enjoy your visit. P.S...please take care of our mountains, it's our responsibility to keep them beautiful by packing out what you pack in!(that means take YOUR trash with YOU or dispose of it properly) respect yourself by respecting our beautiful San Gabriel Valley Mountains...💯

Quick 2 mile hike to the falls and a rewarding burger & beer at Adam’s Pack Station. $5 Parking pass available also

It's one of those places that you want to re-visit as much as you can Perfect for a pleasant hike and a beer after 🤌🏻 Such a lovely and welcoming atmosphere at the post Mules are absolutely adorable Thank you for keeping this place going!

Says it’s closed but they are very much open! After our hike at Sturtevant falls we got food & beers at the Pack station. Hot dog & chili was pretty yummy! Beers were nice & cold! Prices were reasonable. Friendly staff, place is comfortable with a chill vibe & got to see their mules. Absolutely loved it & will be back again.

One of a kind experience, burgers are smoky and delicious, everyone their makes you feel like family.