The 10 Best Things to Do in Sierra Madre, United States

April 4, 2018 Karren Gelb

Sierra Madre is a city in Los Angeles County, California whose population was 10,917 at the 2010 U.S. Census, up from 10,580 at the time of the 2000 U.S. Census. The city is located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley below the southern edge of the Angeles National Forest. Pasadena and Altadena are to its west, with Arcadia to its south and east. Sierra Madre is known as "Wisteria City", and its city seal is decorated with a drawing of the now widely known 500-foot (150 m) vine. It is also called the "Village of the Foothills" and was an All-America City in 2007.
Restaurants in Sierra Madre

1. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108-1218 +1 626-405-2100
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

A popular tourist stop, this 207 acre complex houses a library, art collection and stunning gardens. The library and art gallery contain rare books and one of the most complete collections of 18th century art outside of London.

Reviewed By Arneby - Nacka, Sweden

So yeah, a garden founded by a railway billionaire some 150 years ago. Turned out that the Huntington Gardens were nothing short of fabulous. Almost Singapore Zoo class in parts. And there were colibris in the wild! And a Japanese garden. And a nice food court too.

2. Mission San Gabriel Archangel

537 N Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91775-2139 +1 626-457-3048
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Mission San Gabriel Archangel

Mission founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra, originally from Cordova, Spain, who wanted to share his religious faith with the inhabitants of the New World.

Reviewed By Marianne M - West Covina, California, USA

You must come and tour this Mission! One of several California Missions, this is a must see! Beautiful Spanish architecture! Native American influences can be seen on the grounds on your tour. From cooking to building! You will learn the rich history of the Church/mission development.

3. Norton Simon Museum

411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105-1825 +1 626-449-6840
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Modern and Contemporary Art from Europe and the United States, acquired by the former Pasadena Art Museum, also occupies an important place in the Museum’s collections.

Reviewed By Rolf A - Chicago, Illinois

Not a large collection, but what gems! In two hours you can easily see the best of French 18th and 19th-century painting, some Italian and Dutch and Netherlandish paintings not see in the U.S otherwise. The Hans Memling Christ Giving His Blessing from 1478 is worth the trip from anywhere and then there are two Rembrandts, a superb Diego Rivera, a wonderful Vigee Le Brun portrait of Theresa, not to mention many Degas sculptures and probably the finest collection of Cambodian Angkor Period sculpture in the U.S.

4. Santa Anita Race Park

285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007-3472 +1 626-574-7223
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 366 reviews

Santa Anita Race Park

Reviewed By James M - Las Vegas, New Mexico

Hard to say anything that hasn’t already been said. Not that my horse track experience is extensive, but of all the parks I’ve visited Santa Anita is the best!
So beautiful and so well maintained. It’s like stepping back in time.
Can’t wait to go back!

5. Monrovia Canyon Park

1200 N Canyon Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016 +1 626-932-5550
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

Monrovia Canyon Park

Reviewed By Alicia S

Don't be fooled by this parks small size. The hiking trails are great and not as crowded as others in the area. $ 5 per car for parking. Park is clean and well maintained. The falls are lovely!

6. The Huntington Desert Garden

San Marino, CA +1 626-405-2142
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 124 reviews

The Huntington Desert Garden

Conveniently located, the Huntington includes the largest collection of mature cacti and succulents in North America.

Reviewed By johnnnita - Napa, California, United States

This is a large area as part of the Huntington Gardens. At first, I was going to bypass it to view other gardens there. However, I've now grown to appreciate more the succulents that grow in such environments. They really are beautiful!

7. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007-2697 +1 626-821-3222
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 375 reviews

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Reviewed By rduinc - Saint Louis, Missouri

Really enjoyed this nicely laid out garden, broken into segments by plants from the different continents. There is a very wide, asphalt path you follow as you go from one area to the next, making it very easy for families with strollers or anyone who needs assistance moving around.

TIP- if you have a garden membership in your hometown, check to see if they have a reciprocal agreement with this garden. If they do, you get in here for free.

TIP- From downtown LA you can take a metro train to Arcadia, then ride the free Arcadia bus that takes you to the garden, race track, mall, and a few other places. Takes about 90 minutes all told, but the train is only $1.75 so this is very cheap, and at 90 minutes could still be quicker than driving a car.

8. Rose Parade

begins in Green Street, Pasadena, CA +1 610-417-4123
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 107 reviews

Rose Parade

Reviewed By So_Cal_Illini_81 - Pasadena, California

The Rose Parade is so much better in person instead of watching it on TV. You just can't get a full appreciation for any of the units unless you have the time to see them live. There is more to see on the floats and...MoreThanks for the info, it might be an interesting way to spend New Year's eve

9. The Gamble House

4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103-3564 +1 626-793-3334
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 492 reviews

The Gamble House

This historic landmark, owned and operated by the University of Southern California, is an excellent example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture.

Reviewed By DMUH - Honolulu, Hawaii

All the tours to the Gamble House is escorted. You cannot view the house on your own. The house is interesting. What makes the tour really fun, is the history provided by the tour guide. The "Gamble" is the Proctor & Gamble, Gamble. He and his wife were very committed to nature and the house reflects the care in planning the layout. Caution - you need to "reserve" a slot. The guides are broken into one hour segments. The first day we went (in the afternoon) all slots were taken. So, we made a reservation for the next day. And, then, not all time slots were available ( sold out). I recommend going a couple of days earlier, make the reservation and then return.

10. Vine Vera

400 S Baldwin Ave, Level 1 Store C39, Arcadia, CA 91007-1900 +1 626-447-0541
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 267 reviews

Vine Vera

Vine Vera is a luxury skin care company focused on providing a pampering and luxurious experience focusing on anti-aging. When you come into Vine Vera you will experience a welcoming atmosphere, expert staff and high quality skin care. Our expert beauty advisers provide one-on-one skin consultations and personalized recommendations for your skin. No matter your skin type or skin needs, they are happy to assist you find the beauty routine tailored perfectly to you. The Arcadia location is set up with multiple demonstration stations where customers can try out various skin care cosmetics right in the store. Vine Vera is committed to customer satisfaction and wants you to love your experience. Come in to experience a relaxing facial or check out the VIP room with a friend. The VIP room offers a more exclusive facial experience. This special room offers deep loungers for maximum comfort. Only the highest quality and top of the line skin care is used for our VIP room customers. For those who have been searching for the fountain of youth, search no further. Vine Vera is your answer for the ultimate in ageless beauty cosmetics. Welcome to Vine Vera, anti-aging straight from the vine.

Reviewed By jak1978 - Virginia

I visited your Vine Vera in Oahu Hawaii at the Marriott resort and spa. The staff was very knowledgeable and showed me their products. They did a facial on me and I was hooked. I bought a big package of their products. I really love their eye cream. It makes the appearance of my eyes look brighter and softer. Thank you Vine Vera and keep up the great work.

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