The Huntington consists of a vast library, art collections and gardens and is also renowned for its research and education resources. Located in the city of San Marino, California, it is just minutes away from Pasadena and is easy to get to by car.
The grounds of the Huntington seem to be never ending, but are a delight to explore. Of the 12 different gardens maintained there, I particularly enjoyed the Chinese Garden of Flowing Fragrance. The bridges, walkways and other architecture come together harmoniously to create a tranquil and calming atmosphere.
Traveling is not the same as vacation
Another unexpected, but entertaining feature is the interactive rain forest. It’s designed to help both children and adults learn about various plants and their habitats and hopefully gain an appreciation for the plant-life of our planet. I have to admit that the rain forest was so convincing that I thought I had stepped into a scene from Jurassic Park. I expected Raptors to come rushing at me at any moment!
I became a nomad by accident
If you enjoy things related to space, you will want to check out the Orbit Pavilion which is a large silver, shell-shaped sculpture. There are lots of satellites orbiting out in space and the exhibit allows the audience to simulate making contact with them and bringing them down to earth. It is a unique soundscape experience that space buffs won’t want to miss.
Overall I found the Huntington to be a pleasurable and peaceful experience, but I would highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing as a lot of walking is necessary to cover the extensive acreage. However, there is so much to see and experience that you may not realize how much ground you cover during your visit. The Huntington is closed on Tuesdays and open from 10a.m. – 5 p.m. all other days. Time will fly by once you are there so get there early so that you don’t miss a thing!
