Arcadia is a Los Angeles County city, which is in California. This city can be found some miles northeast of Los Angeles. The city was named after the City in Greece, Arcadia.
At the 2021 Census, Arcadia had a population of 55,345. Arcadia is known for its fun parks and superb attractions, like the Santa Anita Park Racetrack, Arcadia County Park, and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
This city features scenic backdrops, horse racing, San Gabriel Mountains, nearby beaches, and many more.
Arcadia contains many cultural centers, restaurants, shopping malls, marketplaces, and other commercial centers.
Various events and festivals are held year-round in Arcadia, CA; some popular events include The Moonlight Forest- Lantern Art Festival, California Wine Festival, Socal Moon Festival, and the Vintage Vibe Festival.
Let’s explore the best and fun things to do in Arcadia, CA.
Things to Do in Arcadia, CA
1. Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest is a nature preserve and a place for conservationists, nature lovers, and enthusiasts. This place offers a lovely, unique, and stunning view of Arcadia.
This National Forest covers a large area of land of about 694,187 acres. This place is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, boating, backpacking, and more.
Angeles National Forest visitors can see and photograph unique sights and scenery. This place is also a relaxing location, as tourists can relax under tree shades.
During winter, visitors have a more comprehensive range of activities to explore at this beautiful park, including snow fighting, skiing, snow camping, and more.
Angeles National Forest is one of the best places to visit in Arcadia, CA.
Address: 701 N Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
2. Fun Box
Fun Box offers a fun indoor experience to visitors. It provides a great view and opportunities to take jaw-dropping pictures.
Fun Box is an entertaining theme park offering a memorable experience; featuring a large complex, this attraction is a must-visit for everyone wanting to have fun with family and friends.
Fun Box also hosts about 24 large art sculptures and exhibits created by talented artists worldwide. A fun and adventurous maze containing many art pieces can also be found here.
Address: 400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
3. 626 Night Market
626 Night Market in Arcadia, CA, was created to look like Asian Bazaar where stalls are open and available only during nighttime.
626 Night Market is a distinctive way to enjoy dining in the city. This place offers many dining options with outdoor nighttime scenery.
This event offers various goods, crafts, live performances, food, and other entertainment options. The Market was established with the aim of creating a safe space for everyone to showcase their talents and promote their businesses.
626 Night Market offers a fun and entertaining way to dine, drink, and socialize.
Address: 285 Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
4. Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage
Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage
Exploring the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage is one of the top things to do in Arcadia, CA. This place is where to learn about the history and heritage of this great city.
This Museum features many artifacts and exhibits related to this city’s culture, history, heritage, and people. Arcadia has been hosting multiple community programs since 2001; these programs are usually year-round.
Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage displays the city’s history from the time of the Native Americans till date. Many temporary exhibits can be found periodically at this gallery.
Some Permanent collections of this museum include Arcadia in the Movies, the Arcadia Walk of Fame, and Anita Baldwin.
Address: 380 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
5. West Field Santa Anita Shopping Center
Shopping in West Field Santa Anita Shopping Center is one of the best things to do in Arcadia, CA.; This shopping mall offers a memorable experience for visitors.
West Field Anita Shopping Center can be found on 210 Freeway, some miles from Pasadena and near the famous and entertaining Santa Anita Race Park.
West Field Santa Anita Shopping Center features various items and accessories; customers can find fitness items, gadgets, fashion accessories, and many others.
This place also houses a food centre that provides a variety of meal choices and serves delicious delicacies.
West Field Santa Anita Shopping Center offers a fun and memorable time in Arcadia, California.
Address: 400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
6. Chantry Flat Picnic Area
Chantry Flat Picnic Area is a perfect relaxation area in Arcadia. This stunning place can be found at the top of Santa Anita Canyon. This place is referred to as Picnic Grove by the city residents.
Chantry Flat Picnic Area is the go-to place if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. This recreational and relaxation location is housed within the Angeles National Forest.
This picnic area is the starting point of many iconic and adventurous trails in the city and the San Gabriel Mountains, including the Gabrielino Trail.
Chantry Flat Picnic Area is close to Santa Anita Avenue, and stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains can be seen on your way to the picnic area and at the picnic area.
Visitors can pick from a wide range of outdoor recreational activities at this place. Some of the activities enjoyed at Chantry Flat Picnic Area are biking, backpacking, jogging, hiking, and more.
Relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying outdoor recreation activities at the Chantry Flat Picnic area are activities that shouldn’t be missed when you’re in Arcadia, CA.
Address: Chantry Flat Rd, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
7. Vintage Treasures and Antiques
Vintage Treasures and Antiques is a perfect location in Arcadia for vintage items and antique lovers. This small, charming store can be found on Foothill Boulevard in the city.
Vintage Treasures and Antique displays many vintage items and goods and have various cute vintage merchandise.
Various vintage jewelry pieces, clothing articles, accessories, and more can be found at this store. Visitors can go through a comprehensive array of vintage goods and items.
Vintage Treasures and Antique has something to offer everyone; this place is a great shopping destination in Arcadia, CA.
Address: 40 E Foothill Blvd, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
8. Wilderness Park
As the name implies, Wilderness Park can be found in a unique wilderness area. This wonderful Park is situated at the top of the spectacular San Gabriel Mountains.
This Park offers a stunning view of wildlife, nature, and scenery from above the San Gabriel Mountains.
A popular and fun feature of the Wilderness Park is its nature centre, where various animals and ponds can be found; the Park has a quiet atmosphere.
Wilderness Park is another outdoor recreational area where visitors can have fun with friends, family, and loved ones.
Address: 5XGJ+RRG, 2240 Highland Oaks Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
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9. Kidspace Children’s Museum
Kidspace Children’s Museum is the perfect place to take your children. This Museum was established to educate and entertain children near the city.
This Children’s Museum hosts various interactive exhibits that help improve children’s imagination, creativity, and learning experience.
Various displays can be seen at the Kidspace Children’s Museum, exhibits like the Imagination Workshop, the Arroyo Adventure Garden, and the Galvin Physics Forest.
This Museum features exhibits teaching about art, nature, and science. The critter is a fantastic section of the museum where children can interact with insects and live reptiles.
This children’s Museum also hosts various educational events and programs year-round.
Address: 480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
10. Adam’s Pack Station
Adam’s Pack Station is a historical location in Arcadia, CA, as it was founded about 75 years ago.
This place is the only pack station available in the western parts of California. This Pack Station offers services to the Sturtevant camp and over 81 other organizations.
Adam’s Pack Station offers an exceptional delivery service and creates a perfect place for hangouts and outdoor recreational activities.
This place has a stylish and traditional way of delivering goods, food, drinks, and many other items available.
Address: Chantry Flat Rd, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
11. Santa Anita Golf Course
Who doesn’t love an intricately styled and stunning golf course? Golfing in this location is one of the fun things to do in Arcadia, CA. Santa Anita Golf Course is a popular destination for athletes and other sports lovers in the city.
Santa Anita Golf Course is situated near San Gabriel’s Peaks. It is popularly known as one of the best golf courses in the city.
This golf course is exceptionally proud of its remarkable service, stunning location, and extensive gold course. This place is a perfect place to hang out and play golf with friends and family while enjoying the scenery at the same time.
Apart from Golfing, this amazing place also offers event hosting. Visitors can rent this place for weddings, birthday parties, and other memorable events and special occasions.
Santa Anita Golf Course offers many fun activities for visitors in Arcadia, CA.
Address: 405 S Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
12. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a fascinating place to visit near Arcadia. This place is available for tours only with advance notice.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is owned by NASA and managed by Caltech. It features robotic spacecraft, the Curiosity Rover, and the Mars Science Laboratory.
The tour of this facility lasts about two hours and features various exhibits and media presentations. The tour will take you through the Von Karman Visitor Center and the Space Flight Operations Facility.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a terrific place to learn. Don’t hesitate to check it out.
Address: 4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109, United States.
13. Santa Anita Race Park
One of the fun things to do in Arcadia, CA, is Horse Racing. Horse Racing is a popular sports event not just in the country but the world at large.
Santa Anita Race Park is one of Arcadia’s most visited and popular tourist attractions. Many viewers also bet on their favorite horses on the race course.
This Horse Racing Park has a 320-acre field containing over 26,000 spectators. This place also features 61 barns accommodating over 2,000 horses.
Another feature of Santa Anita Race Park is its equine clinic that helps keep the horses in prime form. This Park is known to be one of the world’s most beautiful horse racing fields.
Santa Anita Race Park is also known for being the home to Seabiscuit, the famous horse that won the Santa Anita Handicap race in 1940.
Visitors who love risks and the feel of gambling can also bet on the race outcome at this place.
Address: 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
14. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Among what to do in Arcadia, CA, especially as a nature enthusiast, is to check out Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This place can be found on Baldwin Avenue.
This place is all-in-one as it features a botanical garden and a greenhouse and is formally recognized as a historical landmark.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden display its vast array of flowers and beautiful visitor-friendly peacocks.
This Arboretum and Botanical Garden houses many fancy and unique plants. In addition, many adventurous trails can also be found on the grounds of this place.
Visitors can join the group tours of the facility and garden. Guests can also retire at the cafe after tours and sightseeing. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a unique place in Arcadia, CA, that is worth exploring.
Address: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
15. Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Arcadia is a city filled with various parks and beautiful nature centers. Eaton Canyon Nature Center is one of the best and most popular in the area.
This place can be found around the bottom of the stunning San Gabriel Mountains. This Nature Center contains various exhibits and wildlife. It is a perfect place for picnicking and many other fun outdoor activities.
Eaton Canyon Nature Center features outdoor and indoor attractions. It is also a place for people of all ages to learn and have a fun, memorable experience.
This beautiful Nature Center features fascinating flora, fauna, rock formations, streams, and a trail for hiking and horseback riding. Additionally, Eaton Canyon Nature Center offers tours and nature walks.
Address: 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107, United States
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16. Queen Ann Cottage and Coach Barn
Queen Ann Cottage and Coach Barn
Queen Ann Cottage and Coach Barn is a popular destination in Arcadia because of its historical significance.
This Cottage and Barn have been featured in various Television shows and movies, like the infamous Fantasy Island. This place has a majestic building styled like the Victorian and built with no expense spared.
Because of their Victorian Designs and scenery, this place was formally selected as a historical landmark in Arcadia, CA.
Visitors can join group tours of this large building. This place allows guests experience being royalty.
Address: 107 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
17. The Derby
The Derby
Arcadia is a city filled with various excellent diners, and The Derby is one of the best places to eat here. This restaurant is a historic establishment that has been around since 1922.
The Derby is known for serving mouthwatering seafood, steak, and many other tasty meals. This establishment has won various awards for its excellence and healthy meals.
This diner features a comprehensive lunch and dinner menu comprising slow-roasted rib, chicken parmesan, Salmon Filet, and many other tasty options.
Over the years, this place has become a popular diner for celebrities and tourists because of its closeness to the infamous racetrack. They have a constantly growing memorabilia on the wall.
Address: 233 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
18. Mt. Lowe Brewing Co.
Mt. Lowe Brewing Co. is renowned for its excellent craft beer. It is a great place to visit as a family, as they have entertaining features for children.
Mt. Lowe Brewing Co. provides visitors with a comfortable relaxation area with a casual atmosphere and also access to children-engaging games like board games and air hockey.
This exotic microbrewery is the first in Arcadia and has been serving tasty and unique craft beers since its establishment in 2015.
Some famous tap beers available at this brewery include The Hills are Alive IPA, The Lowe Down IPA, The Thaddeus Stout, and Bungalow Blonde Ale.
Address: 150 E St Joseph St, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
19. Arcadia Blues Club
Enjoy some live Blues musical performances at the Arcadia Blues Club, as it’s one of the best things to do in Arcadia, CA. This place keeps the Blues part of the city’s history alive.
Arcadia Blues Club is a great place to spend time because it offers a fun time for every visitor. This place provides excellent music and tasty meals.
At Arcadia Blues Club, visitors can listen to live Blues performances by talented local singers and groups while enjoying a tasty meal.
This place also offers a wide variety of drinks and an opportunity to socialize as you’re going to meet people with the same music taste as you.
Address: 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
20. Arcadia Performing Arts Centre
The city’s Performing Arts Center is among the best places to visit in Arcadia, CA. This popular attraction is a perfect place to stay with friends and family.
Arcadia Performing Arts Centre was founded in 2012 and is currently one of the best performing arts theatres in the region. This place hosts a multitude of live events and is known for always being busy.
Within the Arcadia Performing Arts Centre is a large concert hall that seats about 1,153 visitors and a cozy theatre that seats 125.
Many shows and events are held here, including musicals, dance shows, awards shows, orchestra performances, and plays.
Address: 188 Campus Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
21. Jump n Jammin
If you’re visiting with kids, among what to do in Arcadia, CA, is to explore Jump n Jammin. It is another children’s amusement centre in Arcadia. This place is open daily and is a great place to have fun with your kids.
Jump n Jammin is an indoor playground situated within Westfield Santa Anita. This amusement park is for children of all ages and is filled with various fun and challenging recreational facilities. Children can have fun on the obstacle courses, slides, and climbing walls.
Jumping n Jammin is a great place to let your hair down and offer your children the freedom they need. Parents can also join in on the fun and make the experience more memorable for their children.
Jumping n Jammin is a great place to spend time with your kids in Arcadia, CA.
Address: 400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.
22. Natural Selection
Natural Selection is a perfect dining spot in Arcadia, CA. This place features many snacks and tasty meals. This diner can be found on Santa Anita avenue in the city.
This restaurant offers a variety of meal options, including burgers, salads, sandwiches, grilled items, omelets, wraps, burritos, and more. This restaurant also serves several vegetarian meals. Natural Selection makes use of fresh, organic, and natural ingredients to make tasty and healthy meals.
This is a great place to stop for a snack on your way for a picnic or a tour of the city; a wide range of beverages, including smoothies, shakes, and juices, are available with meals.
Address: 305 N Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States
23. Matt Dennys Ale House
Matt Dennys Ale House
Matt Dennys Ale House is a welcoming place for all and a family-friendly restaurant. This place is known for its extensive collection of beers from all over the world. The establishment is a great place to taste various locally made craft beers and eat tasty meals.
Some of their meal options include pasta, Sandwiches, Steaks, Ribs, Salads, Smoked meats, Seafood, chicken, and more. All of their meals are served with a side of drawings, rubs, and sauces, all of which are locally made with homemade recipes.
Some of their most popular meals include the Ensenada fish tacos, the Guinness Pot Pie, and the Chicken Marsala. Dining at Matt Denny Ale House offers an unforgettable experience.
Address: 3212, 145 Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006, United States.
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Plan Your Trip to Arcadia
This California city is full of fun and memorable events, places, and activities, and above are some of the best ones to experience.
Ensure to visit with your loved ones to check them all out on your trip to Arcadia, CA.