If you’ve ever wanted to spend a day wandering through opulent libraries, serene botanical gardens, and sipping on the most charming afternoon tea imaginable—let me introduce you to The Huntington.

If you’re craving a day that feeds your mind, delights your senses, and wraps you in calm elegance, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles is the ultimate escape. With 130 acres of world-renowned gardens, priceless works of art, and one of the greatest research libraries in the country, this Southern California gem is basically a choose-your-own-adventure storybook for grown-up girls who wander with purpose.

And yes, there’s afternoon tea. Of course, there’s afternoon tea.

Getting There: Start Early, Like a Garden Goddess on a Mission

Doors open at 10:00 AM, and trust me—you want to be there the moment they do. Not just because the light is dreamy for photos (it is), but because some of the most magical areas, like the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, feature narrow winding paths that fill up fast with tour groups and selfie squads.

Pro tip: Buy your ticket online in advance and plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can park, breathe, and maybe snag a quiet moment with a map before diving into the serenity.

Your Morning: Zen, Koi, and Bamboo Dreams

Start in the Chinese Garden

This is one of the largest classical-style Chinese gardens outside of China, and it is chef’s kiss perfection for a peaceful morning. Officially named the Liu Fang Yuan, or "Garden of Flowing Fragrance," it’s all elegant pavilions, carved wooden bridges, and jade-green ponds teeming with koi.

Wandering through the Chinese Garden feels like stepping into a poem. Stone pathways curve around ornamental rocks and plum trees, bamboo rustles in the breeze, and the architecture is designed to frame nature like a painting. Find a bench. Breathe. Journal. Or just be. It’s a deeply spiritual space, and when you’re there alone, it feels like it belongs entirely to you.

Continue to the Japanese Garden

From there, follow the signs toward the Japanese Garden, a stunning hillside retreat complete with a traditional Japanese house, a moon bridge, and a ceremonial bonsai court that will have you questioning every plant choice you’ve ever made.

The paths here are tighter and more intimate than in other areas, so visiting early really pays off.

How to Make the Most of the Gardens

Here’s the thing about The Huntington: it’s not just a garden. It’s a series of living, breathing worlds, and you’ll want to give yourself time to explore each one.

Desert Garden

One of the most impressive collections of cacti and succulents you’ll ever see, the Desert Garden is unexpectedly beautiful. Think sculptural agaves, blooming aloes, and spiky wonders you didn’t know existed. The textures here are so striking, it’s basically nature’s version of modern art.

This area is especially great for photography—dramatic backdrops and great light, even on an overcast day like mine.

Jungle Garden & Subtropical Vibes

Feeling a little wild? Head to the Jungle Garden, where towering palms, ferns, and lush greenery transport you to a totally different ecosystem. The dense canopy and winding trails offer little pockets of shade and quiet. It’s humid, yes, but also completely magical.

Don’t rush through—there’s beauty in the details here: dew-covered leaves, hidden orchids, and playful birdsong make it one of the most immersive parts of the experience.

Shakespeare Garden

Later in the afternoon, I meandered into the Shakespeare Garden, where many of the plants mentioned in the Bard’s plays are brought to life in floral form. While it’s not the biggest section of the estate, it’s delightfully poetic and a bit more low-key—ideal for reading, sketching, or people-watching from a rustic bench under the oak trees.

Library & Museum Time (With a Little Caveat)

After you’ve gotten your fill of fresh air, make your way inside to the Huntington Art Museum and Library. The library itself is a historical masterpiece, housing rare books and manuscripts—including a Gutenberg Bible, one of only 11 in the U.S., and priceless early editions of Chaucer and Shakespeare.

Sadly, during my visit to The Huntington Art Gallery, multiple galleries were closed, so I only had access to about a third of the exhibits. Was I a little heartbroken? Yes. But the areas that were open were still absolutely worth exploring.

Standout moment? Gazing at Thomas Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy” in person. He practically glows under the soft lighting—regal, moody, and utterly iconic.

The surrounding galleries showcase European art, sculpture, and decorative objects that feel right at home in the estate’s lavish interiors. Think marble staircases, wood-paneled reading rooms, and that old-money elegance we love to swoon over.

Visit Note: If you are holding a water bottle or any beverage, you will need to set it down before entering the library and museum.

Rose Garden Tea Room

Let’s talk tea. Because after all that walking, reading, and absorbing culture like the classy person you are, you’ve earned a reward.

A reservation is a must for the Rose Garden Tea Room. I recommend booking a couple weeks in advance to play it safe. It was pretty crowded upon arrival for the noon reservations. Even though the roses weren’t blooming yet, the setting was still lush and elegant, wrapped in charm and soft pastels.

Tea is served with a three-tiered tray of sweet and savory bites, including warm scones (no clotted cream, but with devonshire cream which was just as delicious), finger sandwiches, and delicate pastries. Every bite felt like a celebration. And sipping tea from a porcelain cup in a space designed for quiet luxury? Pure bliss.

It’s the perfect indulgence—unhurried, beautiful, and all about savoring the moment.

Gift Shop Glory

No visit to The Huntington is complete without a browse through the gift shop, which is bursting with literary-themed treasures, botanical prints, silk scarves, and gorgeously curated books. It’s like Anthropologie and a rare bookstore had a very tasteful baby. A wonderful completion to the day included a few bags of the delicious tea from the Rose Garden Tea Room and a parasol!

The Huntington: A Must

If you’re wondering whether The Huntington is a good destination for a day trip—let me assure you: it’s absolutely perfect.

Safety: Extremely secure, well-staffed, and filled with peaceful visitors.
Navigation: Clear signage, maps, and friendly staff make it easy to explore at your own pace.
Reflection: With its quiet corners, dreamy gardens, and artistic richness, this is a place that encourages presence and introspection.
Photography: Gorgeous spots in every direction, even on a cloudy day. Great lighting, great scenery, and no one rushing you to move along.

Here’s what you need to know:

Location: San Marino, CA (a short drive from Los Angeles)
Hours: Open daily except Tuesdays, from 10 AM to 5 PM
Tickets: Purchase online to avoid delays
Tea Room Reservations: Book at least 4 weeks in advance (especially for weekends or spring!)
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a camera or phone tripod, a notebook for journaling, and an empty tote for your gift shop finds

Whether you’re a literature lover, an art admirer, or a garden girlie looking for a peaceful place to wander—The Huntington will charm your socks off.

This isn’t just a destination—it’s a dream wrapped in flowers, books, and quiet luxury. Take your time, savor the day, and walk away a little more inspired.

Ready to Plan Your Visit?