The site’s famous peafowl population originated from just a few birds imported by Elias J. 'Lucky' Baldwin in the 1880s.
It has served as a filming location for numerous movies, including 'Jurassic Park', 'Tarzan', and 'Fantasy Island'.
The grounds feature an 'Ayers Prehistoric Garden' designed to reflect the plant life present during the Age of Dinosaurs.
The Queen Anne Cottage, a Victorian structure on the property, was featured prominently in the opening credits of the television show 'Fantasy Island'.
The garden maintains an extensive collection of plants specifically adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Southern California.
It is a stop on the migratory path for many local bird species, making it a recognized site for amateur ornithologists.
The property contains a replica of a traditional Japanese garden designed by T.M. Takagi.
The Talavera-style fountain and historic adobe structures represent the site’s early roots as Rancho Santa Anita.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 127-acre botanical site located in Arcadia, featuring diverse global plant collections and a large population of free-roaming wild peafowl. The grounds house the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn, which are registered California Historical Landmarks. It serves as an active research institution, maintaining extensive collections of plants from Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The landscape includes historical structures, a prehistoric garden, and a waterfall. It is a major filming location for Hollywood productions due to its varied international terrains. Visitors can explore a series of interconnected ponds and specialized garden beds, including rose and herb gardens. The site operates as a living museum, preserving botanical specimens alongside local history.
The area surrounding the Queen Anne Cottage and the reflection pond.
Bring a pair of binoculars to observe the peacocks and native bird species without disturbing them.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the 127-acre property requires significant walking to see the outlying gardens.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and maximize bird sightings when they are most active.
Attempting to pet or chase the wild peacocks, as they can be territorial and aggressive.
Closed on December 25th.
Do not feed the peacocks, stay on marked trails to protect plant specimens, and keep noise levels low in quiet garden zones.
