Things To Do
in Arcadia
Arcadia, California is a leafy suburban enclave in Los Angeles County known for its pleasant residential streets and easy access to nature. It sits at the edge of the San Gabriel foothills, offering quick escapes to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The city is home to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, a prime spot for garden lovers and photographers.
With a strong Asian culinary presence along Baldwin Avenue and a family-friendly vibe, Arcadia blends outdoor charm with diverse dining options.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a charming local café, savoring freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee. Stroll through the quaint downtown streets to get a feel for Arcadia’s small-town charm. Take a moment to check into your accommodation and unwind before exploring further.
Head to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden for a self-guided tour of exotic plants and peacocks roaming the grounds. Pause for lunch at the on-site café, sampling seasonal salads and homemade sandwiches. Enjoy a tranquil walk around the historic Queen Anne cottage and Japanese Garden.
Dine at a family-owned restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine, indulging in locally sourced dishes. After dinner, take a sunset stroll through the nearby park to watch the sky change colors over the San Gabriel Mountains. Return to your lodging for a good night’s rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.
Start early with a guided birdwatching tour in the Arboretum’s lake area, spotting herons, ducks, and other native bird species. Enjoy refreshments supplied by the garden staff as you learn about the Arboretum’s conservation efforts. Capture photographs of rare flora and the historic waterfalls.
Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shady cypress tree, sampling local cheese, bread, and fresh fruit. Participate in a horticultural workshop to learn about desert succulents or sustainable gardening practices. Wander through the rose garden and take time to sketch or journal your impressions.
Return to downtown Arcadia for dinner at a lively gastropub offering craft beers and gourmet burgers. Catch live local music or a comedy show at a nearby performance venue. Unwind with a nightcap at a cozy lounge before heading back to your accommodations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $40-75 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
| 🚗Public transport fare for a day | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to nature and parks like the Arboretum and Santa Anita Canyon
- Affiliates of world-class dining with Asian influence and shops along Baldwin Ave
- Calm family-friendly suburb with easy access to LA
- Compact urban core for day trips to Pasadena and LA
- Limited nightlife compared to central LA
- Can be crowded on weekends due to visitors to the Arboretum and Santa Anita Park
- Traffic on major routes and during events at Santa Anita Park
- Seasonal heat in summer and occasional smog in hot days
Places to Visit in Arcadia
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive gardens, colorful blooms, water features, and seasonal exhibits ideal for lush nature photography.
Elegant exteriors and the track with horse silhouettes; best at sunrise or sunset.
Colorful shopfronts and Asian culinary signage along the Arcadia corridor.
Architectural lines and landscaped surroundings provide clean lines for urban photography.
Food in Arcadia
Arcadia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sweet-savory Cantonese roast pork with a glossy glaze served over rice at many Chinese restaurants along Baldwin Ave.
Must-Try!
Hearty broth with tender beef, vegetables, and hand-pulled noodles—commonly found in Taiwanese-style spots.
Crispy double-fried chicken with a glossy glaze, a popular choice at Korean diners and fusion spots.
Tea-based drinks with toppings like tapioca pearls, often available at cafes and casual eateries on or near Baldwin Ave.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, ready-to-eat treats, and local crafts (seasonal timings vary).
Street-front stalls and small eateries along Baldwin Ave offering dumplings, buns, and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Queue politely for entry or service; avoid loud conversations in quiet spaces; locals value punctuality and respect in interactions.
Say please and thank you; if sharing dishes, use serving spoons and place food gently on the table.
Safety
Tipping in Arcadia
Ensure a smooth experience
In the US, tip 15-20% at restaurants and 1-2 dollars per drink at bars; leave tips in cash or included on card; check service charges for large groups.
Major credit/debit cards accepted widely; mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common; carry some cash for markets or small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming gardens at the Arboretum; comfortable for outdoor activities.
Hot days; seek shade, mornings and evenings are ideal for outdoor exploration; occasional Santa Ana winds.
Pleasant weather with fall colors in local gardens and parks.
Mild temperatures and scattered rain; layer for cooler evenings.
Arcadia at Night
Hiking in Arcadia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hike in the San Gabriel Mountains with a waterfall, suitable for a moderate day hike.
Challenging hike with higher elevations and panoramic valley views.
Airports
How to reach Arcadia by plane.
Major international hub about 30-40 miles west of Arcadia; accessible via 10-25 corridor depending on traffic.
Convenient for domestic flights; about 25-40 miles away, with straightforward freeway access.
Further east in the Inland Empire but accessible for domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizeable portion of residents identify as Asian American, contributing to the local cuisine and business scene.
Arcadia attracts families and professionals seeking a safe, suburban environment with access to parks and schools.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Seasonal and year-round racing events draw crowds for family-friendly and betting experiences.
Community leagues and youth programs are common across Arcadia and neighboring cities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arcadia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Arcadia kitchens offer vegetarian options; look for tofu-based dishes, veggie ramen, vegetable curries, and dairy-free choices; ask for no fish sauce.