ALONG COMES MARY

It is certainly Spring here in Los Angeles and the past few weeks have been nothing short of perfect. Flowers blooming, trees green, sun shining. I feel like there is no better place to be. Except, maybe-the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens! My boyfriend had never been to the Huntington Library. One of my most favorite places, we set out for a Sunday fun day of frolicking in San Marino at their stunning Huntington Library this past weekend!

Upon arriving, we learned the Bonsai Society was holding a show. It was so cool to see these adorable miniature trees, they look fake! I loved all the Junipers, like this one above.

We began in the Botanical Gardens, where you can visit amazing and large green houses taking you through the rain forest and learning how each kind of tree and plants live according to their habitat. It was funny seeing our reactions as we entered each new room; 1 very humid, the other comfortable and another hot but low humidity, very a la Goldilocks looking for the perfect chair. We got to smell fresh coffee beans, vanilla and cinnamon sticks, touch the rather gross bog dirt, as well as jump on it(!) and take pictures with leaves taller than us.

Right outside the fun to be had in the botanical world, is the much beloved Children’s Garden of the Huntington Library…but us big kids have fun there, too! There, you can stand (or squat, depending how tall you are) inside garden houses that may just squirt water up from the ground at you, hunt for lizards or take a seat for a tea party. I could spend all day simply at this garden, watching the kids is too precious.

Next up, we planned to find the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, but on that path, you easily get distracted by the paintings to be seen inside their galleries, like the Virginia Steele Scott Gallery. We came across works of Jackson Pollack, Andy Warhol, Mary Cassat and such famous artesian figures like Pinky and Blue Boy. Sculptures of Abe Lincoln and portraits of George Washington are not to miss, either.

Mike and I really love landscape pieces, which are plentiful at the Huntington and you can request head sets to learn more about select art, too.

I feel the Huntington is such an under-rated landmark; anyone in LA or visiting should have this center at the top of their to-do list. Here are some tips if you plan to visit:

1) Arrive early!

We learned the hard way they truly mean they close at 4:30pm year-round; no lag time. Opening at 10:30, you could easily spend the whole day here given all they have to see and even have lunch at their café or tea room (learn more about my time there here).

2) Pack Clothes

If you have kids in tow, bring extra clothes! I saw beautiful white outfits turn to dirt and mud in seconds. This is a great play yard for youngsters, so keep that in mind.

3) Treat like you’re Spending the Day as you Would at Disneyland

Like a theme park or any other large museum, its a lot of walking, lots of fun, but lots of sun. Sunscreen, water, a backpack and good walking shoes will make your day extra good.

4) Parking is Free and Ample!

If you stay til closing though, you might want to grab a snack and hang out or look at their gift shop til the crowd dies down.

5) Unwind

Bring a book, or your camera, just chillax. Between the rose gardens, lakes, ponds and loads of grass, this is also the perfect place to come on your own to unwind. I am considering a membership simply to go lay on the grass and read a new book or work on my laptop. Keep in mind, though, picnics are not permitted.

6) Join Them

Use your days admission towards a membership!

For more info, visit their web-site here and feel free to invite me when you go! 😉 xo