L.A. Arboretum: Favorite Places + Gardens

Now that we’re celebrating 2011, I wanted to share another one of my favorite local places – the L.A. Arboretum.  I love going to a garden on January 1st – it is a wonderful feeling to start the year off someplace quiet, crisp, beautiful.  I’m working on some site updates over here, and this one will be added to my “Garden” tab (so far I’ve shared my thoughts on Descanso Gardens).

I will admit that the first time we visited the arboretum, I was a little hesitant.  I think it was the name “arboretum.”  It just sounds kind of stuffy to me.  However, this garden is almost the exact opposite — a wide open carpet of lawn and meandering paths and many, many peacocks.  When we are looking for a long walk and more space, this is where we go.

L.A. Arboretum

301 North Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA, 91007

The Details:

• How big: 127 acres

• How much: (as of 1/4/11)  $8 for adults, $3 for children 5-12.

• How long:  9-5pm

Why We Love It:

• Peacocks — The Arboretum may not be the only place to encounter peacocks.  However, I don’ t think you’ll ever find quite so many in one place.  8?  10?  12?  There are a lot.  Perhaps the sheer number of peacocks explains why they seem so spectacular here – flying up into the trees, preening on a park bench, taking a nap in a flower bed.  I never really noticed how they seem to change colors in the light.  This is the only place where I’ve been able to get up close enough to see that subtle change from shimmery green to blue to gold.  (I blab on some more about peacocks in this post.)  Oh, and there are some geese and ducks, too.

• Wide Open Spaces – This garden has wide black-top paths and lots of grassy lawns which makes it popular with families.  We always see a few children playing catch and running around (and sadly, sometimes bothering the birds).  However, there is enough space here that it’s still easy to put some distance between you and the other visitors if you’re looking for a more peaceful visit.

• Funny Structures – The photo above is of the Catawampus sculpture formed from woven willow branches.  I don’t really know what else to say about that.  I think you have to go inside and experience it yourself.  There is also a carriage house, Queen Anne’s cottage, a few small greenhouses, and pergola.

Worth Noting:

• Family Events + Concerts – The garden has frequent concerts and events if that’s your thing.  (We’ve had to turn around and leave after finding the parking lot packed full with families there for a concert, so it’s worth checking their schedule before you head over.

If you decide to visit, let me know what you think.  We find it’s a nice addition to our revolving lists of day trips.

Anyone else getting out there and exploring in 2011? I’m already thinking about where we’ll go this weekend, and I would love to be inspired by your ideas.