Marisa San Miguel | Contributing Writer
When I was younger, I always wished I could fly so I could travel the world. I wanted to be immersed in other cultures. Sure I could hop on a plane and go wherever I pleased, but that takes time and costs money. My roommate suggested we take a trip to The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden. I’ll admit, I wasn’t too keen on the idea of walking around in a garden. It’s hard to get excited about a bunch of plants…or so I thought.
Located in the heart of Arcadia, California, The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden takes you all over the world without ever stepping foot on a plane.
Imagine being immersed in the gardens of South Africa, Australia or South America. I felt like I was actually in different countries. The 127-acre garden is filled with various wildlife and over 12,000 different exotic plants. Be sure to pick up a map to avoid aimlessly wondering for hour.
The Grounds also feature Queen Anne’s Cottage and The Meyberg Waterfall, both of which are a definite must-see.
If the idea a bunch of plants is not sparking your interest, they also have peacocks roaming around the grounds. They are a popular feature of the park and were definitely my favorite part. There were also plenty of photo opportunities; perfect for your new profile picture or artsy Instagram post.
And fun fact: Katy Perry’s music video “Roar” was actually filmed here as well as parts of Tarzan and Jurassic Park.
The Los Angles Arboretum and Botanic Garden is open daily from 9-4:30. Adult admission is $9.00, but if you show your student ID, it only costs $6.00. Be sure to wear walking shoes and bring snack or lunch for a nice picnic. The Arboretum is the perfect place for a daytrip with friends to enjoy the beautiful L.A. fall weather.