Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, a tranquil retreat in Los Angeles.

🚗 Drive time: Approximately 40 minutes The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, located in San Marino, California, is one of the most popular destinations near Los Angeles, blending culture and nature seamlessly. This site boasts world-renowned collections of books and art, along with a dreamy botanical garden spanning 120 acres. The garden is divided into over ten themed areas, including the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Desert Garden, and Rose Garden. Each section is like a painting, offering unique experiences throughout the year: flower viewing in spring, leisurely strolls in summer, foliage appreciation in autumn, and the intriguing beauty of desert plants in winter. The Chinese Garden, "Liu Fang Yuan" (Garden of Flowing Fragrance), is particularly famous and stands as one of the largest classical Chinese gardens in North America. With its pavilions, bridges, and flowing water, it’s a perfect spot for stunning photos. 🎟 Tickets must be booked online in advance, and the venue is closed on Tuesdays. It’s recommended to allocate at least half a day to explore the gardens leisurely. If you wish to delve into the art collections, plan for a longer visit.