Desert Garden at The Huntington
Explore a world-renowned collection of cacti and succulents at the Huntington Library's Desert Garden in San Marino, California.
The Desert Garden at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, is one of the world's largest and oldest collections of cacti and succulents. Established in 1907, the 10-acre garden features over 5,000 species of desert plants from around the world.
A brief summary to Desert Garden
- San Marino, California, 91108, US
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the cooler months or early morning to avoid the heat, as the Desert Garden can get quite hot during the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Check the Huntington Library's website for special events, tours, and seasonal displays in the Desert Garden.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the Desert Garden and appreciate its diverse collection.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Pasadena, take the Metro A Line to Arcadia Station. Transfer to the Metro Bus Line 179, heading towards Huntington/San Marino. Get off at the Huntington/San Marino stop, a short walk from the Huntington Library entrance. The combined trip takes approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes and costs $4. Alternatively, from Los Angeles, take the Metro Bus Line 487/489 from Spring/1st - City Hall to San Gabriel/Coleridge. This direct bus takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes and costs $2. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Huntington Library entrance. Note: Pasadena Transit operated a free shuttle from Sierra Madre Villa Station (A Line) to the Huntington on Saturdays and Sundays, but the pilot program ended in June 2022. Check Pasadena Transit for current services.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Pasadena, a taxi or ride-share to the Huntington Library takes about 7 minutes and costs between $13-$16. From downtown Los Angeles, a taxi or ride-share will take approximately 18 minutes, covering about 11 miles, and costing around $35-$45. Note: Ride-sharing services like Blacklane offer fixed fares without surge pricing.
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Walking
If you are near the Huntington Library, walking is a pleasant option. From Pasadena, it's approximately a 3.4-mile walk that takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes. Follow Huntington Drive until you reach the library entrance. Once inside, follow the signs to the Desert Garden, which is situated on the grounds.
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