The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Plan Ahead

Ticket reservations are recommended from Monday to Thursday and required for Friday to Sunday visits.

Overview

You could spend an entire day at this property, which includes a research library with 11 million items, an art museum with more than 42,000 pieces, and a 130-acre botanical garden featuring over 12 themed gardens.

History and Significance

The Huntington, opened in 1928, is a nonprofit organization that offers humanities scholarships and fellowships, hosts special exhibitions, and welcomes more than 800,000 visitors annually. Ongoing exhibitions showcase treasures like Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" manuscript, Pacific Electric Railway Company's "red cars" replicas, Japanese Garden rock slab art, contemporary art, and much more. Several temporary exhibits rotate regularly, ensuring there's always something new to see.

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are a highlight, featuring themed gardens like the California garden, jungle garden, and Japanese garden. These gardens also serve as sites for botanical conservation and research.

Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is particularly noteworthy, boasting more than 1,300 varieties of roses across its 3-acre expanse. Highlights include the Tuscan sun (orange, red, and yellow hues), Arctic blue (purple with blue undertones), silver lining (light lavender), and roses dedicated to individuals like Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett. Each rose variety has a unique scent, making it a sensory delight. Note that the gardens alone can be a full-day excursion.

Tea Experience

For a special treat, consider having high tea in the Rose Garden Tea Room, located next to the Rose Garden. The Traditional Tea includes scones with spreads (try the marmalade made from the Huntington's own oranges), an assortment of savory and sweet treats, and your own pot of tea. The Huntington Signature Blend, especially if you like Earl Grey, is a must-try. While the experience costs $64 per person, the food, ambiance, and overall experience are worth the price. The quantity of snacks provided is akin to a full meal. Although walk-ins are welcome, reservations are highly recommended.

Hours

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens are open from Wednesday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets

Admission prices are as follows:

• Adults: $29
• Students: $24
• Youth (ages 4 to 11): $13
• Children under 4: Free

Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month, with tickets available on the final Thursday of the prior month at 9 a.m. PST. Free parking is provided. The property also offers a variety of guided tours and events, with dates and prices varying; check the online calendar for more details.

Amenities

The venue includes restrooms throughout, a large gift shop, dining facilities, and a limited number of picnic tables at the entrance (note that picnics in the garden are not permitted). For more information, visit the website.