Welcome to our guide “1 Extraordinary Day at the Huntington Garden”
Tucked away in the serene landscapes of San Marino, California, the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens invite you to immerse yourself in a world of natural beauty and cultural marvels. Spanning over 120 acres of carefully tended gardens, this haven of greenery promises an enchanting voyage through various ecosystems and themed landscapes.
From the peaceful tranquility of the Japanese Garden to the kaleidoscope of colors in the Rose Garden and the captivating allure of the Desert Garden, each corner of the Huntington Gardens unveils a treasure trove of botanical delights waiting to be uncovered.
Paired with the prestigious art collections and literary gems housed within the library and museum, the Huntington Gardens serve as a testament to the harmonious blend of art, nature, and human ingenuity, extending a warm invitation for you to embark on a personal journey of discovery and inspiration.
How to have 1 extraordinary day at the Huntington garden?
Explore The Garden
They display a variety of gardens that are just so gorgeous! Here I mention all of them, once you get there they have physical maps that you can keep with you so you don’t get lost throughout the gardens of Huntington.
The Japanese Garden: Transport yourself to a tranquil oasis of Zen-inspired landscapes, featuring serene ponds, traditional tea houses, and meticulously manicured bonsai trees and if you get to visit at the right time you’ll immerse yourself in the extraordinary cherry blossoms bloom which leave me speechless every time.
Rose Garden: Lose yourself in a sea of vibrant blooms as you wander through the picturesque pathways of the Rose Garden, home to thousands of rose varieties in a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances.
Desert Garden: Embark on a journey through arid landscapes adorned with a fascinating array of cacti, succulents, and desert plants from around the world, showcasing the beauty and resilience of desert ecosystems.
Chinese Garden: Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical Chinese garden design, characterized by graceful pavilions, meandering pathways, and tranquil water features surrounded by lush foliage and exotic plants, they also have a cafe if you need to stop for a bite and I have to say it’s delightful and if you are lucky you might run into a musician playing in the garden.
Subtropical Garden: Discover a lush paradise filled with tropical and subtropical flora from regions such as Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including towering palms, vibrant orchids, and exotic fruit trees.
Herb Garden: Engage your senses in the fragrant Herb Garden, where aromatic herbs and medicinal plants flourish amidst quaint pathways and rustic garden beds, offering a glimpse into the culinary and healing traditions of the past.
Australian Garden: Experience the unique beauty of Australian flora in this captivating garden, featuring native species such as eucalyptus trees, kangaroo paws, and banksias, set against a backdrop of rugged rock formations and meandering streams.
Camellia Collection: Marvel at the exquisite beauty of Huntington’s renowned camellia collection, boasting hundreds of varieties of these iconic flowers in a spectrum of colors and forms, blooming throughout the year.
The Children’s Garden: One of my favorites as well, filled with exotic plants from South America, Africa, and Asia with a fabulous Orchid collection. I can stay there all day long.
Visiting The Galleries
When stepping into the galleries at the Huntington library art museum, you’ll find yourself immersed in an enchanting world where art, history, and culture intertwine. Here, a diverse array of artworks spanning centuries and continents awaits your exploration. From European masterpieces to American paintings and rare manuscripts, each piece offers a glimpse into the creative genius of renowned artists like Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Hopper.
As you wander through the Huntington Library art collections, you’ll uncover the historical context behind each masterpiece, gaining insight into the cultural movements and artistic trends that shaped their creation. Keep an eye out for rotating exhibitions and interactive experiences that offer fresh perspectives and opportunities for deeper engagement with the collections.
The Art Museum features British, European, American, and Asian art spanning more than 500 years and includes more than 45,000 objects.
Extraordinary examples of decorative arts and folk art, paintings, prints and drawings, photography, and sculpture are displayed in the Huntington Art Gallery (the original home of Henry E. and Arabella Huntington) and the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art. Both buildings also showcase smaller, temporary exhibitions that focus on masterworks in the collection or place Huntington’s historic works in conversation with contemporary artistic practice.
A little bit of history
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, traces its origins back to the early 20th century when it was founded by businessman, art collector, and philanthropist Henry E. Huntington. Originally established as a private estate, Huntington’s vision was to create a cultural and educational institution that would inspire future generations. It truly inspires me every time I get to visit.
Over the years, the estate expanded to encompass a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artworks, as well as stunning botanical gardens featuring diverse plant species worldwide. Today, the Huntington stands as a testament to Huntington’s legacy, serving as a premier destination for art, literature, and horticultural enthusiasts alike.
Throughout its history, Huntington has evolved into a renowned center for research and scholarship, housing one of the most extensive collections of rare books and manuscripts in the United States. Its art galleries showcase diverse European and American artworks, while its botanical gardens offer a tranquil retreat for visitors to explore and enjoy. With its commitment to excellence in education, conservation, and the arts, Huntington continues to uphold its founder’s vision of fostering intellectual curiosity and cultural enrichment for future generations.
Admission and free tickets
What Day is the free day for Huntington Library?
The first Thursday of every month is Free Day. But as you can imagine this day is super popular and you need to be very precise on the timing. Free Day tickets are available the last Thursday of every month at 9 a.m. until sold out, to be able to get in the first Thursday of the following month. I have to say that I have tried to get the free ticket and it’s been challenging but I guess it’s doable, the key is to be right at the website at 9:00 AM.
Link for free day: https://huntington.org/free-day
How much does it cost to get into Huntington Gardens?
Admission to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens typically requires purchasing tickets, with varying prices depending on factors such as age, membership status, and the time of year. They usually go around between $24 to $29 depending on your age, if you are a student, military or Senior.
Link for tickets and Membership: https://huntington.org/plan-your-visit
How much time do you need at The Huntington Gardens?
I’d rather divide the day into a two-day adventure so I can just dedicate a day to the art galleries and library exhibits and the other day to immersing myself in the magic of the gardens but it’s doable in just one day, just plan to have lunch there and spend whole the day library art museum and botanical garden.
Where to eat at the Huntington
At The Huntington, you can eat at different places. Here are some of them:
The Rose Garden Tea Room: Have tea, sandwiches, and desserts in a fancy setting with garden views.
1919 Café: Get salads, sandwiches, and drinks while you look at art.
Freshwater Dumplings and Noodle House: Try dumplings and noodles near the Chinese Garden.
Red Car Coffee Shop: Start your day with coffee and pastries as you explore. (this one now just opens on Sundays)
Patio Grill: Grab quick meals like sandwiches and burgers near the garden. No matter what you’re hungry for, The Huntington has something for everyone to enjoy.
Other things you can do
Tour the Library Exhibits: Delve into history and literature by visiting the Huntington Library exhibits, which showcase rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents. Explore treasures such as the Gutenberg Bible, the Ellesmere Chaucer manuscript, and original drafts of famous literary works. Check the schedule for any special exhibitions or events happening during your visit.
Enjoy a Picnic: Take a break from exploring and enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the serene surroundings of the gardens. Pack a picnic lunch or purchase refreshments from the on-site café, and find a scenic spot to relax and savor your meal surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers at the library art collections and botanical garden.
Attend a Garden Talk or Tour: Enhance your visit by participating in a guided garden tour or attending a garden talk led by knowledgeable staff or volunteers. Learn about the history, design, and plant collections of the gardens, and gain insights into the fascinating world of botanical conservation and horticulture.
Engage in Hands-On Activities: Check the schedule for any hands-on activities or workshops offered during your visit, such as botanical drawing classes, garden photography workshops, or gardening demonstrations. These interactive experiences provide a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Shop for Souvenirs: Before concluding your day, browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs about art collections and botanical gardens, books, and botanical-themed gifts to commemorate your visit to the Huntington. Pick up a plant or garden accessory to bring a piece of Huntington’s art museum and botanical gardens’ beauty home.
When is the Best time to visit the Huntington?
I would say Spring between March to May. This is my favorite time to visit because of the stunning displays of flowers in bloom in the botanical gardens. The famous Japanese Garden is particularly beautiful during this time with cherry blossoms in bloom.
But also November the weather is usually pleasant during the fall, and the crowds tend to be smaller compared to spring and summer. The fall foliage can also be quite picturesque.
Regardless of the season, my favorite days are during the week, visiting on weekdays can be less crowded compared to weekends, offering a more serene experience to explore the gardens and galleries.
And that’s how you can have 1 Extraordinary Day at the Huntington Garden!
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