Botanical Gardens

Botanical collections feature roses, succulents, orchids, tropical plants, cycads, camellias, and more, including rare species and unusual specimens. Sixteen themed gardens span roughly 130 acres, and the botanical complex includes research facilities as well as a herbarium.

In 1903, Henry E. Huntington (1850–1927) purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch about 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. His superintendent, William Hertrich (1878–1966), was instrumental in developing the various plant collections that make up the foundation of The Huntington’s Botanical Gardens. The property—originally nearly 600 acres—today covers 207 acres, 130 of which are open to visitors.