Updated for 2025
A trip to the Huntington is a terrific way to spend the day, with much to see and explore for the whole family. From rare manuscripts, enchanting gardens, and stunning artwork, to special events for the entire family. Our Guide to The Huntington has all the information you need to have a fun visit.
Once known as the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, in 2025 this amazing Southern California institution is now known as simply The Huntington. No matter what it’s called, this is a must-see and must-do.
All About The Huntington
The Huntington
1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, CA 91108
The Huntington spans 207-acres, and as its former name suggests, there’s a library, an art gallery, and botanical gardens to see and experience. You’ll also find delightful dining options and a lovely gift shop.
What to See and Do at the Huntington
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens encompass 130 acres of the entire grounds and includes 16 themed gardens featuring 15,000 plant varieties. Take your time to marvel at all there is to see (and smell!).
Explore the Garden of Flowing Fragrance, the Japanese Garden, the Desert Garden (“one of the largest outdoor collections of mature cacti and succulents in the world”), the Chinese Garden, the Australian Garden, the Camellia Garden, the family-favorite Lily Ponds, and be sure to spend extra time at the Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden, among others.
You’ll find some wide open spaces that are perfect for little ones to run and play.
Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden
Here children are actively engaged while they learn about light, water, earth, and air. They can splash in water, make music with pebbles, and much more! This is the part of the Huntington where everything is touchable and kids can play to their hearts’ content.
You’ll find fairy doors, rainbow tunnels, topiary and bronze sculptures, a kid-sized fairy cottage, and much more. It’s a place you can spend lots of time, and there’s plenty of shady areas, too. Especially nice on hot days in San Marino: the water features and misters really are refreshing.
The Huntington Library
The Huntington Library is “one of the world’s great independent research libraries in the fields of British and American history, literature, art, and the history of science.” Some highlights of the rare books collection include first editions by authors such as Jack London, Henry David Thoreau, and Mark Twain; letters and manuscripts by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln; one of 12 vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible; and more.
The Huntington Art Collections
The Huntington Art Collections “focus on European art from the 15th to the early 20th century and American art from the late 17th to the late 20th century.” The collection includes 650 paintings and 440 works of sculpture.
Highlights of the collection include Thomas Gainsborough’s Blue Boy looking across the room at Thomas Lawrence’s Sarah Goodin Barrett Moulton: “Pinkie”; J. M. W. Turner’s The Grand Canal, Venice; Mary Cassatt’s Breakfast in Bed; Andy Warhol’s Small Crushed Campbell’s Soup Can (Beef Noodle); and more.
Special Exhibits and Events:
Throughout the year, The Huntington also hosts a variety of special events and programs. Children’s Workshops are generally held during their Second Sundays events and allow children an opportunity to learn a new art technique. Check the Family Activity section of their website for details and to register for workshops.
Additionally, The Huntington offers classes, tours, lectures, and special holiday celebrations.
Admission Prices for the The Huntington
Timed tickets may be purchased online and are good for the selected day.
| Members | Free |
| Adults | $29 |
| Seniors (65+) | $24 |
| Military (with ID) | $24 |
| Students (12-18 or full time with ID) | $24 |
| Youth (4-11) | $13 |
| Children under 4 | Free |
Free Admission Day at the Huntington
The Huntington offers free admission one day per month, on the first Thursday of the month. Tickets are released to the public for these free days on the last Thursday of each month at 9am – for the upcoming month – and they usually “sell out” quickly.
Please check for any additional discounts and free offers on their website.
Parking at the Huntington is always free.
Hours at the Huntington
The Huntington is open six days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays. The Huntington is closed on the following 4 Holidays: Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Dining at the Huntington
Families have a choice between 5 different dining locations at The Huntington. Whether you’re looking for an elegant sit-down meal, a quick snack, or something in-between, you’ll find it at The Huntington.
Options include the Rose Garden Tea Room (reservations required), the family-friendly 1919 Café, Red Car (a coffee shop), the Freshwater Pavilion (located in the Chinese Garden), and the Jade Court Cafe. Check the website for menus and more information on hours. Outside food is not permitted, and picnics are not allowed on the grounds.
History of the Huntington
The Huntington is named for Henry and Arabella Huntington, whose home and estate it once was. Mr. Huntington was a railroad and real estate businessman, and he and his wife accumulated an extensive library, art, and botanical collection, which they transformed from a private collection to a public institution in 1928.
Photo credit: The Huntington
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
