207-acre estate in San Marino with rare manuscripts, British and American art, and 16 themed botanical gardens including one of the finest Chinese gardens outside China. One of the great cultural institutions in Southern California.
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Plan a full half-day minimum. The botanical gardens are the main attraction: Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden (one of the best outside China), Desert Garden with mature cacti. The library houses the Gutenberg Bible and the Ellesmere Chaucer. The art collection is strongest in British portraiture (Gainsborough, Reynolds) and American art. The estate was the private residence of railroad magnate Henry Huntington — the scale and ambition are extraordinary.
Weekday morning for the quietest experience. Spring for blooming gardens, though the Desert Garden is spectacular year-round. Advance timed tickets are required — book online. The Huntington is 30 minutes east of Downtown LA, closer if you are coming from Pasadena. Consider pairing it with lunch in Pasadena's Old Town.
Henry Huntington made his fortune in railroads and real estate, retired to this San Marino estate, and spent the next two decades building one of the great private collections of rare books and manuscripts. Opened to the public in 1928 per his will. The library's holdings include a Gutenberg Bible on vellum, the Ellesmere Chaucer, and over 11 million items. The gardens were developed over decades and reflect diverse botanical traditions. Admission is 25-30 dollars on weekends, 13-25 dollars on weekdays. Free admission on the first Thursday of each month with advance reservation. One of the best-kept secrets in the LA area — culturally significant, beautifully maintained, and uncrowded compared to the Getty or LACMA.