California Scenario

Located about 12 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, aka "The Huntington," is the former San Marino home of railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington. It's now open to the public as a 207-acre complex that includes a library, four art galleries and 120 acres of botanical gardens.Best and worst time to go to the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical GardensThe best time to visit is during the spring, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is still mild. The worst time is August, due to crowds and hot temperatures.Must see/do at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical GardensBe sure to see two of the most famous paintings in the museum's collection: "Pinkie" by Thomas Lawrence and "Blue Boy" by Thomas Gainesborough. They can both be found in the Huntington Art Gallery.Rare objects like the Gutenberg Bible, an edition of Shakespeare's plays published in 1623, the manuscript for John James Audubon's "The Birds of America," and hundreds more are on display in the Huntington Library.Rose lovers can stop and smell more than 1,400 different varieties of this flower in the Rose Garden.Admission to the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical GardensAdmission is around $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for teens. (The prices rise a couple of dollars on weekends). Children are admitted free.The Huntington is open weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and weekdays (except Tuesdays) from noon to 4:30 p.m. During the summer, it's open every day except Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It's closed on Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Day and Independence Day.Parking and public transportation to the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical GardensParking is free. To avoid traffic, taking public transportation is recommended. Visitors can take the Metro Rail Gold Line to the Allen Avenue Station and then either walk about 1.5 miles to the Huntington, or take the Pasadena Area Rapid Transit System (ARTS) bus to Del Mar and Allen Street, near the entrance.Food at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical GardensThere are five places where visitors can grab a quick snack or enjoy a full meal. The best is the Chinese Garden Tea House, which overlooks a tranquil lake in the aptly named Garden of Flowing Fragrance. It serves fare like chicken chow mein and stir fry udon, as well as a selection of specialty teas. Prices range from around $3 for tea up to around $14 for entrees.Insider tip for visitors to the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical GardensIf visitors obtain tickets in advance, admission is free on the third Thursday of every month. Visitors must have tickets (or be members of The Huntington) to attend on those Thursdays.Author's bio: Laura Goldman is a freelance writer and lifelong Angeleno. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog, i Still Love Dogs.