The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens shares its world-renowned collections to support scholarship, foster learning, inspire creativity, and offer transformative experiences for diverse audiences. A popular tourist stop, this 207 acre complex houses a library, art collection and stunning gardens. The library and art gallery contain rare books and one of the most complete collections of 18th century art outside of London.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Robin BPhoenix, Arizona1,486 contributionsPeaceful Japanese and Chinese GardensThe Huntington gets five stars just for the Japanese and Chinese gardens, where you could wander around in for an hour or more or just sit in take in the lovely surroundings. We spent another 45 minutes to an hour in the American Art museum. The Huntington home housing the European art (and Blue Boy and Kehinde Wiley’s pieces) could take another 30 to 60 minutes. There is a nice gift shop and café. There is ample parking, which is free.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 November 2023
- Hollis PWestampton, New Jersey372 contributionsA Must See in the Pasadena AreaBeautiful gardens with easy to walk paths, many of which are ADA compliant: Three excellent museums, featuring a history of important printed documents, European Art and American Art: Allow at least half a day to get a decent overview. The docents are excellent, and if you go to the orientation center, a guide will help you plan your day. We enjoyed lunch at the 1919 Cafe which offered a wide variety of food. The store is well stocked with lovely gift items. Do buy your ticket online in advance as it can sell out. If you Uber in, you can be dropped off and picked up at the main entrance past the guard house.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 January 2024
- June BSwansea, Illinois62 contributionsBeautiful gardens at the HuntingtonVisited with a tour group while in LA for the Rose Parade. The Huntington has something for everyone. It has gardens with walking paths, a museum and library. There were many flowers blooming while we were there. There were benches through out to sit if needed, but it had rained and they were wet. I would plan on spending at least 2 hrs to see what you want to see. Nice gift shop.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 January 2024
- TheBlitzWashington264 contributionsAn incredible walking garden and incredible museum that blend into majestyWe went for the exhibits, and stayed for the gardens. Apparently I walked six miles, but it didn't feel like that at all with everchanging, amazing displays of plants from around the world (and you can walk a lot less than that if you want!). There were enough exhibits to make it worth the time and travel, and enough outdoors to make it a place where you would want to spend five hours, which we did easily. It would be easy to assume this place is a library, a museum, or a garden. It's all three. The mix is alluring and everything plays off everything else. We could have spent the afternoon in the Japanese and Chinese gardens and then every step took you to something different. We'd love to move it, but unfortunately lack access to billions of dollars. We will definitely visit again!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 January 2024
- knowsnyc723 contributionsFabulous!The gardens are the most beautiful I have ever seen. Full stop. I imagine the rose garden will be glamorous by April 20 or so. We missed the roses. The cacti were fascinating. The Chinese garden was exceptional. The Art in the multiple buildings is varied so there is something for everyone. The cafe is a cut above all others, offering tacos, pizza, grab n go items, etc. I highly recommend visiting.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 March 2024
- tam31 contributionsGardens and Art Galore!We went on the first Thursday of the month and got in free! We took a tour of the gardens with a very good guide. The gardens are truly special. We also went to a special exhibit of WPA artists in the American Art Building. The mansion is lovely filled with elegant furnishings and paintings, including The Blue Boy and Pinkie. If you love art and gardens, the Huntington is for you!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 March 2024
- Tina DBruce Township, Michigan34 contributionsA must see beautiful day adventure.Although we didn't see the Library and Museum we ventured through the magnificent Botanical Garden. I was amazed to see species from all over the the world. Particularly loved the Japanese and Chinese gardens, lily pond and the cactus exhibits. the grounds of the Huntington are massive and beautiful and I imagine the Library and museum as equally inspiring.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 April 2024
- Cheryl SSydney, Australia25 contributionsHuntington GardensStunning❤️ The Roses gardens are beautiful. Great little eateries. The Gift shop is so inviting. Loved the idea of the gardens being divided into all different plant species. The House tour and art works are truly worth seeing.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 April 2024
- Glenys69Auckland Central, New Zealand14 contributionsMore than I expected.This is a fabulous art collection, an eclectic floura display and a great place to eat plus an historically significant collection of books and letters. The 160 acres of gardens are beautiful and there is enough space to find a serene spot. They are arranged in themed sections which makes them cohesive. The books display includes such dogging items as a Gutenberg Bible. When you want to eat there is a wide selection available. After visiting you can drive around Pasedena and enjoy the peaceful streets and manicured gardens for free. The entry fee is worth it.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 June 2024
- Jennifer F1 contributionInsanely amazingI am from Philly. My only 'gardens' reference is Longwood Gardens. Huntington Gardens BLOWS that AWAY!!! The different scenes, the cacti, breathtaking!! The bridge at the Japanese garden part was so beautiful. Can't wait to vacation in CA and come back.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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RichardOldfield
Clerkenwell, UK2,781 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Thoroughly enjoyed 4 hours + wondering around fantastically maintained gardens and landscape. Absolutely stunning. We’d love to return when even more plants are in bloom.
Our only big disappointment was the main cafe near the entrance… very poor… you have to queue at multiple food stations for different choices, and foods are VERY expensive (rip-off). Avoid.
Our only big disappointment was the main cafe near the entrance… very poor… you have to queue at multiple food stations for different choices, and foods are VERY expensive (rip-off). Avoid.
Written 6 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hippely
Gilbert, AZ400 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We’ve been to Pasadena several times and always intended to visit the Huntington Library. Unfortunately, only the grounds are available during the pandemic. The only choices to visit are general admission during the day and the “Evening Stroll” for the evening. From the website, it is a little unclear what the difference is between the two tickets, but after our visit, we realized there is no difference, other than the evening stroll is for a shorter time period. Since we didn’t plan to spend more than 2 hours, the evening session worked just fine for us and was much more reasonably priced. The number of visitors is limited for each session. Maps were available, but they were in a bit of an obscure location. It would make more sense to offer maps where the tickets are scanned as people enter. Several people asked us where we got our map. After you enter, it is a bit unclear where to go. We weren’t the only ones that were a little at loose ends trying to figure out where to begin touring the grounds. There is some signage, but the signage could be greatly improved. There were times where we could not determine from the map and the signs exactly where we were or which way to go to the areas we were most interested in. We wished there were more employees available for assistance. They have attempted to mark the paths as “one way” where possible. There were places where this seemed a little overdone or confusing. This is an outdoor venue with limited attendance and everyone wearing masks, so the efforts to direct the paths seem a bit beyond what is necessary. We did our best to adhere to the directional arrows. All that said, once we got a feel for the lay of the land, we enjoyed the grounds immensely. The various gardens are quite stunning and beautiful. The gift store is fabulous with a wealth of beautiful decor, books, accessories and many items that would make unique gifts. We’ll look forward to when the indoor exhibits are open and we can return for another visit.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
regis k
Arcadia, CA1,696 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
What a treat to visit this beautiful garden oasis in Pasadena. I have been living in LA for all my life, this probably only my fifth times here. I should have visited this place more often as not too many cities get such a big plot of greenery in a busy city.
There are not too many public places open nowadays with the pandemic. Huntington library is an exception, but you have to make an appointment ahead of time. Many walking paths here are one way only to keep the patrons safe. We had to wear masks at all times while inside the garden.
My wife and I visited this place the day before 4th of July. We just love this place. There are so many theme gardens here that we were overwhelmed. We only were able visit the Japanese garden, China pavilion and the Rose Garden.
The Japanese theme garden is a well known garden as many Hollywood movies filmed their Japanese scenes here. While walking here, we felt we were in a typical garden park in Japan. I particularly like the bonsai garden with harmony courtyard. I felt so peaceful here.
Next to the Japanese Garden is the new Chinese Pavilion. This is a replica of a lake scenery in southern China. I thought it looks like Suzhou. You wouldn’t be able to tell that you’re not in China. With the typical pagoda and courtyard houses, my friends got fooled by my pictures taken here and thought I went to China. This section is still under construction, I can’t wait to come back to see the whole pavilion when it’s completed.
Since it was getting dark after we visited the Chinese pavilion, we had to walk toward the exit. On the way out, we passed through the rose garden. There were so many beautiful roses here with so many spices and colors. My wife went crazy here as she loves roses. She lost track of time and I had to pull her toward the exit as the library was closing. We certainly had a great day here. We had gluttoned ourselves with the beautiful flowers and a full day of walking exercise. What a way to spend a day.
There are not too many public places open nowadays with the pandemic. Huntington library is an exception, but you have to make an appointment ahead of time. Many walking paths here are one way only to keep the patrons safe. We had to wear masks at all times while inside the garden.
My wife and I visited this place the day before 4th of July. We just love this place. There are so many theme gardens here that we were overwhelmed. We only were able visit the Japanese garden, China pavilion and the Rose Garden.
The Japanese theme garden is a well known garden as many Hollywood movies filmed their Japanese scenes here. While walking here, we felt we were in a typical garden park in Japan. I particularly like the bonsai garden with harmony courtyard. I felt so peaceful here.
Next to the Japanese Garden is the new Chinese Pavilion. This is a replica of a lake scenery in southern China. I thought it looks like Suzhou. You wouldn’t be able to tell that you’re not in China. With the typical pagoda and courtyard houses, my friends got fooled by my pictures taken here and thought I went to China. This section is still under construction, I can’t wait to come back to see the whole pavilion when it’s completed.
Since it was getting dark after we visited the Chinese pavilion, we had to walk toward the exit. On the way out, we passed through the rose garden. There were so many beautiful roses here with so many spices and colors. My wife went crazy here as she loves roses. She lost track of time and I had to pull her toward the exit as the library was closing. We certainly had a great day here. We had gluttoned ourselves with the beautiful flowers and a full day of walking exercise. What a way to spend a day.
Written 4 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Pidge
Wayne, NJ609 contributions
Mar 2022
With all due respect to my favorite botanical gardens, none compare to this one. It's that spectacular.
(I should note that I only spent time in the gardens, and not the library and art museum included with admission.)
First things first, this place is massive. Walking at a decent pace, it took about two hours to complete a tour of the grounds. Because there is so much, it's likely I missed a lot, despite my best intentions not to leave any path undiscovered. Around every corner was something new to uncover, whether it be a spectacular desert garden with an abundance of cacti, or a Japenese tea garden with stunning architecture surrounding a gorgeous lake.
Hours later, I'm still in awe and wishing I had time to return. Photos will have to suffice for now- I took so many (more than 120), the experience laid waste to my phone's fully-charged battery. Make sure to walk in with a full charge, and a mask, because they're required for all indoor activities, which is why I didn't spend time in the conservatory (although I should note a little hypocrisy with the mask rule, because there was nothing posted or enforced in the cavernous gift shop.)
I cannot stress enough: Spend time here. It's breathtaking.
(I should note that I only spent time in the gardens, and not the library and art museum included with admission.)
First things first, this place is massive. Walking at a decent pace, it took about two hours to complete a tour of the grounds. Because there is so much, it's likely I missed a lot, despite my best intentions not to leave any path undiscovered. Around every corner was something new to uncover, whether it be a spectacular desert garden with an abundance of cacti, or a Japenese tea garden with stunning architecture surrounding a gorgeous lake.
Hours later, I'm still in awe and wishing I had time to return. Photos will have to suffice for now- I took so many (more than 120), the experience laid waste to my phone's fully-charged battery. Make sure to walk in with a full charge, and a mask, because they're required for all indoor activities, which is why I didn't spend time in the conservatory (although I should note a little hypocrisy with the mask rule, because there was nothing posted or enforced in the cavernous gift shop.)
I cannot stress enough: Spend time here. It's breathtaking.
Written 6 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
regis k
Arcadia, CA1,696 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
What a charming garden with varieties of ethnic theme gardens and architecture. We just love to stroke around this garden with endless garden themes and beautiful flowers. We came after church in February and the cherry blossoms are booming. It is so nice to enjoy nature without going out of the city or go out of the country for that matter.
Here in Huntington library, we were able to experience Japan and China without going out of the country. The Japanese garden are full with cherry blossoms that made we feel like in Japan. This garden is a family scene in many Hollywood movies.
In a few minutes of walk, we were already in the CHINESE garden. While part of the garden is still in construction, the lake with bridges and the pagodas created a Southern Chinese Garden theme park. We felt like we were in Suzhou, a water city not too far from SHANGHAI. Not just experiencing the garden, we were able to sample some Southern Chinese dumpling dishes here in the garden. They have a very authentic Suzhou style restaurant.
The Chinese garden is expanding with new construction of the new court yard. We can’t wait to see the finished court yard garden where we will be able to truly immerse into the Chinese culture experience.
Here in Huntington library, we were able to experience Japan and China without going out of the country. The Japanese garden are full with cherry blossoms that made we feel like in Japan. This garden is a family scene in many Hollywood movies.
In a few minutes of walk, we were already in the CHINESE garden. While part of the garden is still in construction, the lake with bridges and the pagodas created a Southern Chinese Garden theme park. We felt like we were in Suzhou, a water city not too far from SHANGHAI. Not just experiencing the garden, we were able to sample some Southern Chinese dumpling dishes here in the garden. They have a very authentic Suzhou style restaurant.
The Chinese garden is expanding with new construction of the new court yard. We can’t wait to see the finished court yard garden where we will be able to truly immerse into the Chinese culture experience.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjamin W
San Diego, CA21 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Love this place. This is my second visit. Last time I was here was over 10 years ago. Still beautiful and amazing. It’s so big I didn’t get a chance to go through any of the museums or galleries. My family wanted to jump in on a walking tour of the gardens but I personally didn’t feel like the information from the guide was that valuable. We ended up missing 1/2 of the gardens and had to re-walk it all. Tour took a full hour. We were able to take advantage of a temporary discount they were offering on the weekends. Tickets were basically 50% off if you took the shuttle in. If I lived in the area, this place would be a regular spot for me. If you like botanical gardens, I highly recommend the Huntington gardens.
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberley F
Alpine, CA164 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Very nice garden which we’ve wanted to visit for a very long time. Took our “mature,” parents for a day trip as it also lends itself well to a socially distant excursion. Masks are needed at all times and tickets for two weeks of openings are released each Tuesday at noon pacific time. The museums and cafes are all closed and no food is allowed on the property. The unfortunate issue we encountered was with staff at the entry where there were less than a dozen people spread out and we paused briefly before the temperature check table to allow my father in law to catch up as he was walking with a cane post knee replacement. The staff member began yelling at us to keep moving regardless (mind you there was no one in front or behind us and the dozen or so people scattered around were not waiting to enter the garden). We pointed out the cane and slow walking and asked for a bit of patience and she yelled “it doesn’t matter what’s going on you MUST keep moving!!!” The temperature check lady was very apologetic about her colleague but for such a nice venue and a $24 ticket I expect more. Unfortunately it did not improve as we moved to the area where they scan your ticket which is two tables with a sign that says to get in line to the left (which would mean standing smack in the middle of the walkway) while staff again yelled at us and another family to get in line to the right and to “wait until you’re called,” when ironically there was NO ONE waiting at either station. The two people operating the scanners had a nice chat about an unrelated work topic and eventually motioned us to come forward to be scanned. Overall the gardens and their beauty were wonderful and it was really nice to be at a venue where everyone was so compliant with mask wearing which was a nice stress reducer for our elderly crew. Plenty of benches to rest and take in the view. I’d highly recommend this garden and I think that the museums and displays are probably very nice. Would have loved to give it five stars and certainly would have were it not for our first impressions of the Huntington...and as we all know “first impressions,” are where we form our lasting opinions of people and places.
Written 31 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jarchcun
Basel, Switzerland110 contributions
Sept 2019
It was a hot day. The shade and ponds in the gardens made it enjoyable nonetheless. The Desert, Japanese and Chinsese gardens pleased us the most. In the former residence, modelled on a clasic English country house, is filled with top quality 18th-Century furniture and paintings. The only inconvenience is that you will have to go nearly back to the entrance to get lunch.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John D
La Jolla, CA39 contributions
Jun 2021
The gardens are beautiful as usual, with 2 drawbacks: 1) Minor one: you can purchase tickets on site only if you have an internet connected device. Or at least this is what we were told at the ticket window. If a cultural institution uses technology to limit accessibility, it is using it the wrong way. - 2) Major one: most of the art work and exhibited items are currently not accessible.
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian E
Santa Rosa, CA477 contributions
Dec 2021
If you are coming to Southern California, be sure to clear a full day to visit this spectacular and unique place on Earth. While COVID has caused some of the usual galleries to be closed to the public, there are enough still open to make it worth a visit. And that is even before you start strolling the sumptuous grounds. They are divided into different ecosystems from around the globe, so you can walk from China, to Japan, to Australia, and elsewhere around the world. We found the people working there and the volunteers to be warm, helpful, and friendly. We know no other place like it.
Written 4 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What flowers are in bloom this year (2021) in your beautiful botanical gardens?
Written 4 May 2021
Look on their website for photos.
Written 9 December 2019
I will be in the Los Angeles area for about one month. When would be the best time to see the garden in full bloom.
Written 12 April 2019
There are so many different collections there my guess is that something will always be in bloom, regardless of the season. Our climate is so mild - plenty of beautiful things bloom in winter. But I agree with the other answer that you should give a call when you arrive and ask.
Written 12 April 2019
Hi,
We want to explore the Huntingdon Library and Botanical Gardens and we want to bring our "Service" dog. What do you want as proof of him being a "Service For"
Written 20 October 2018
From the website: "Service Animals. The Huntington welcomes all visitors, including those assisted by a service animal. Visitors with a registered service animal are permitted in all publicly accessible areas. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Huntington recognizes only dogs and miniature horses as Service Animals. These animals are specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Guests who use service animals must retain control of their animal at all times, and are required to keep them on a leash or harness while visiting. Emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals under the ADA; we apologize for the inconvenience, but The Huntington is unable to accommodate them." If you have a question about what "registered" means, contact them directly.
Written 21 October 2018
what is the oval silver structure at the entrance that seems to have sounds coming from it?
Written 29 May 2018
Sorry for the late response (just saw it).
Also sorry that I don’t remember an oval structure at the entrance. Just that I enjoyed the gardens completely.
Written 17 June 2018
Can you buy tickets on the site, or it’s better to buy tickets online? Thanks!
Written 31 March 2018
Sorry to reply so late
You can get tickets online, but there really isn’t a need to.
Parking is free.
Just go to the ticket window at the entrance. They will also give you a map and a brochure detailing any exhibits during your visit.
Written 28 April 2018
ALSO NOTE that there is one day every so often when the Huntington is free and ONLY people who have the free tickets can get in that day - you can't just show up and buy a ticket. NO, I don't know which day that is, but I think there is one free day a month. So check the website before setting out for the Huntington.
Written 21 March 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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