The city of Arcadia is located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains about 13 miles north of downtown Los Angeles just off of California Interstate 210. There are several area attractions that are worth seeing as well as some great local mainstays. The Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum is the city’ s premiere cultural site and is a great place to begin your visit. Opened in 2001, the museum chronicles the city's development and includes artifacts from Elias “Lucky” Baldwin and Anita Baldwin, the Santa Anita Racetrack, the World War I Balloon School, photographs, period furnishings, and various civic artifacts from the 1800s to present day. Parking and admission to the museum are free and can be visited Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Once you’ve learned a little Arcadia history it’s time to head over to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a little outdoor indulgence. From sweeping lawns with peacocks that roam free to cactus gardens, hot houses filled with orchids, ponds with sunbathing turtles, and Asian gardens, this 127- acre historical site also serves as the summertime home of the California Philharmonic's Concerts on the Green. You will be surprised at how large these gardens are as you stroll through the many different areas that include historic buildings such as the Queen Anne Cottage, Santa Anita Train Depot, Coach Barn and Lucky Baldwin's original residence. In the middle of the Arboretum sits the four acre Baldwin lagoon, a Hollywood favorite that has been used in dozens of films, from the original Tarzan television series to the blockbuster hit, “Meet the Fockers.” There is plenty of free parking but a modest admission to enter the grounds.
Los Angeles Arboretum
More things to do: If your more of the sporting type then you must visit legendary Santa Anita Park racetrack. Santa Anita is an absolutely magnificent venue set against a beautiful backdrop – the San Gabriel Mountains. Everything about this place is abundant with history and you begin to get that feeling from the moment you enter the gates and are greeted by a life-size bronzed statue of Seabiscuit surrounded by timeless architecture. Opened in 1934, Santa Anita is the oldest racetrack in Southern California, and is home to numerous prestigious races including both the Santa Anita Derby and the Santa Anita Handicap. Don’t forget to take the free tour. The tour give you a behind-the scenes look at the stables; silks room and an exclusive look inside the jockeys dressing rooms. If you’re on a budget you can bring a picnic basket and head to the infield. The park like setting is beautiful and sometimes includes pony rides for kids. So now that you’ve won some money at the track, you need to find a place to spend it. The Westfield Santa Anita shopping mall may be able to satisfy that requirement. With its plethora of high-end retailers, various full-service eateries, and a 16-screen AMC theatre, it’s a sure bet to satisy even the most fervent shoppper. There is even a double-decker carousel for the kids. The mall is busiest on weekends and parking can be a challenge, but be patient as it is worth the wait..
Santa Anita Race Track
Los Angeles County Arboretum
Where to eat in Arcadia: If you are in the mood for a delectable meal with the ambience of mid century Los Angeles you will want to cap off your day by dinning at the historic Derby restaurant. Originally purchased in 1938, by Canadian-born thoroughbred racehorse jockey George Woolf; the Derby has been a place that has been serving food that delights customers, all while preseving an ambience made great by its connection to the sport of kings. Patrons can enjoy the bacon wrapped filet mignon -- the steak that made the Derby famous, while surrounded with memorabilia of prestigious races and horses including an entire collection of memorabilia from champion thoroughbred racehorse Seabuscuit, who Woolf rode to victory against the heavily favored War Admiral in the Pimlico Special that very same year. Where to stay: Finally, if you find that you can’t possibly enjoy all that Arcadia has to offer in just one day, you will find comfortable accommodations at the Santa Anita Inn. The inn is a delightful throwback to the former style of independently owned motor lodges with individual two-story buildings spread out over lushly landscaped grounds with waterfalls and beautiful flowers. Guest can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast with some rooms having a view of early morning workouts at Santa Anita Park.
Article by By Matthew Martz
Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum - 380 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia CA 91006 (626) 574-5440
Los Angeles County Arboretum - 301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007 • 626-821-3222
Santa Anita Racetrack - 285 W Huntington Dr Arcadia, CA 91007 (626) 574-7223
Derby restaurant - 233 East Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007. (626) 447 - 2430
 
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