The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens - San Marino, CA

When I first heard of this place I was like huh, library ? Didn't sound like a place we would like to visit on vacation. But then we came across another friend who also mentioned The Huntington. That sort of nudged me to look more into it. And I was glad that we made the trip.

If you're in Los Angeles area or planning to visit the area, I would recommend this place. It certainly isn't Santa Monica Beach but I think they are not in the same category. 😊

If you have been to Butchart Garden in Victoria, BC then The Huntington is bigger and better. If you do decide to visit, please allow yourself at least 4 hours to be able to explore most of it. We actually spent about three hours and were not even able to check out the library itself. 

The Huntington is a collections-based educational and research institution established by Henry E. Huntington and Arabella Huntington. Henry E. Huntington was the nephew and heir of Collis P. Huntington, one of the famous "Big Four" railroad tycoons of 19th century California history. In addition to the library, the institution houses an extensive art collection with a focus on 18th- and 19th-century European art and 17th- to mid-20th-century American art. The property also includes approximately 120 acresof specialized botanical landscaped gardens, most notably the "Japanese Garden", the "Desert Garden", and the "Chinese Garden" (Liu Fang Yuan). 

When we were there the rose garden was blooming nicely with so many different colorful roses. We used to live near San Jose rose garden. But *rolling my eyes* that's incomparable to this one. The Japanese Garden was extensive with its bamboo forest and bonsai collections. The Chinese Garden has like a floating pavilion and a cafe as well. So that could be an idea to spend your lunch time there to rest and recuperate before continuing the exploration.

What I thought was interesting and different was the Desert Garden. It houses collection of different plants from the desert. From cute tiny moon cactus with pink flower to the huge Joshua Tree. Cacti are really interesting plants. Different than most plants I have seen, I guess.

We had a chance to stop by Huntington Art Gallery which houses European art like The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough. The Huntington Art Gallery was originally Huntington residence. I have never been to an art gallery so grand. I was in awe !

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
626-405-2100