On a slightly brisk yet beautiful sunny morning, we decided to visit a place we have talked about for months. We set our sights for The Huntington Library and Gardens, just on the edge of Pasadena in San Marino.
The parking lot was already full, and there were groups of people walking towards the entrance gates. Luckily, we found a parking space, and with the entry fee paid, we began our venture through the sprawling gardens.
There are 16 themed gardens with over 15,000 different varieties of plants on 120 acres. They were completed in 1912 and Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens opened to the public in 1928.
The Mausoleum
Our first location was through the citrus groves to the Mausoleum.
Built of Colorado Yule marble and designed as a Greek Temple. The panels represent the four seasons of Nature and stages of life.
Unfortunately, we were unable to view the interior as renovations were going on.
Leaving the Mausoleum, we walked under covered walkways with the dappled light caused by twisting and bending branches of plantlife before entering “Richards Courtyard.”
Richards Courtyard
This outdoor patio area had a massive stone fireplace to the back—large, terracotta pots displayed on shelves either side of the chimney adding a European feel. And huge planters line the walls.
I could imagine this as my courtyard garden. Evenings spent with friends laughing and joking. Sipping cocktails or having a BBQ. The fire roaring and twinkling lights hanging amongst the plants, adding an ambience.
You can even hire the courtyard for private functions.
Children’s Garden
We both thought this was a neat way to mix some fun with water and plants to keep the young ones entertained. Who knows this may inspire the next gardening superstar!
There was even a volcano erupting cool mist for the kids to run through.
Just behind this plant-inspired playground is the Conservatory.
Conservatory
The temperature and humidity rise as a tropical paradise unfolds around the circular centre of the building.
We walked around the top section before heading down some steps and a ramp to the Lilly pond.
Either side of the main entrance there are plant rooms filled with a variety of fauna. A bog environment, featuring marsh type plants, the cloud forest hosted an abundance of rain forest vegetation and a plant lab where you can view specimens under microscopes.
Chinese Garden
With our tummies rumbling, we headed towards the Chinese Garden and settled on a bench to munch on sandwiches.
I enjoy the open-air building style, how it allows Nature to be part of it and blend with the landscape. Mix that with the neatly manicured plants, trees and the gentle sound of bubbling water that reflects the sky like a mirror, and it’s total zen overload!
Japanese Garden
Our next destination was across Median Road, which overlooks a small brook leading towards the Japanese Garden. The lush plant life all around provides ideal shade and makes for such a lovely stroll you can’t help but smile.
While following the bamboo-lined path, we stumbled onto the Bonsai Gardens. Again the overwhelming calm in these gardens makes you want to stay and become lost in the serenity.
Then you come upon the Japanese House. Its wide-open spaces continue onto a covered walkway looking out over the land. It is a great place to get inspiration for your home. We have a list that is ever-growing!
We meandered down the stairs and walked to the bridge and coy pond, then along the stream we had seen from above. Everything around is beautiful and embraces you like a warm, comfortable blanket.
We could have spent the rest of the day in this area but continued walking through the maze of pathways where we reached the Australian area.
Australian
Five acres of Eucalyptus, blue hibiscus, kangaroo paws and dozens of other plants native to Australia grow in abundance.
It reminded me of the times I had spent backpacking throughout the continent so many years ago, almost making me feel a little homesick.
Cactus Gardens
Paths wind through the succulents of the Desert Gardens. The varieties are astronomical. Some of these cactus are as tall as houses while others are low to the ground and have vibrant blooms.
We passed more ponds where turtles were basking on rocks and followed the path to the main house.
Huntington Art Gallery
This beautiful building was once the residence of Henry and Arabella Huntington. It is approximately 55,000 square feet and housed twelve bedrooms, three bathrooms, private sitting rooms and servants quarters.
The couple were avid collectors of beautiful things, including rare books, fine art, and distinctive botanical specimens.
In 1919 they signed a deed of trust transferring ownership of the extensive property and all of its scholarly holdings to a nonprofit trust.
They decided that they would transform their whole estate into collections-based research and educational institution for the public’s benefit.
The former residence of Henry and Arabella was turned into an art gallery which opened to the public in 1928. One hundred and twenty acres of landscaped grounds became the botanical gardens.
The second building is the Library and Exhibition hall, which houses a collection of more than nine million items compiling of rare books and manuscripts, photos, prints and other artefacts.
Our Takeaway on the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
We spent about five hours roaming the gardens and another hour looking at the exhibitions. We only saw about 50% of what this magnificent place has to offer, and could have easily spent days exploring the grounds, soaking in the atmosphere.
A comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must.
For those of you who are interested in the exhibitions, allow yourself plenty of time.
We decided to take lunch with us, but there are several eating places where you can buy a variety of food and drinks.
in a nutshell
- Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
- Open Wednesday through Monday -10 am – 5 pm. Closed Tuesdays
- Last ticketed entry time – 4 pm
- Admission: Weekdays/ weekends
- Adult $25/$29
- Senior (65+) $21/$24
- Military (active/ID) $21/$24
- Student (f/t ID) $21/$24
- Youth (4-11) $13
- Child (under 4)free
- Groups (15+) $19/$23
- College Card (f/t ID)$36
- Members free
- Admission is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets. Free Day hours: 10 am–5 pm.
- Free Parking
location map of Huntington library and botanical gardens
- If you have enjoyed reading about Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, then click the link below to discover more places to visit in and around Pasadena
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