Day Trip to Huntington Library, Art Museum, Gardens & Tea Room

Important: Please don't sign up for this event until you have purchased your ticket here. Admission is $29 and for seniors $24. Once I get a firm count of people, I have made reservations for exactly 20 people to have afternoon tea in the historic Rose Garden Tea Room. Traditional afternoon tea will be $65. We will be taking the first 20 ladies who sign up and will allow a waitlist. Here is a rough schedule that we will follow: 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM: Meet at the OC carpool location, organize into vehicles, and head north. 10:00 AM: Arrive at The Huntington, gather near the main entrance, and check in as a group. Everyone has already purchased their ticket online. 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Morning exploration starting with the Chinese Garden (Liu Fang Yuan) and neighboring Japanese Garden, which offer accessible walking paths, picturesque bridges, and shaded pavilions. 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Group lunch (sit-down tea service at the Rose Garden Tea Room. Reservations already made for 20 people. 12:15 PM – 3:30 PM: Finish walking through the Chinese and Japanese Gardens (if not finished before the tea). Then do an afternoon walk through the Huntington Art Gallery (featuring Blue Boy) and the Rose Garden and Desert Garden near the central estate buildings. 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Optional stop at The Huntington Store for gift shopping, then head back to Orange County to miss the worst of evening rush-hour traffic. Day Trip Overview & Logistics Target Location: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, CA. Drive & Transit: Plan for a ~45–60 minute drive each way from central Orange County via I-5 N to I-605 N or I-710 N. Carpooling Strategy: You may drive on your own (free parking at the Huntington Library) or arrange your own carpooling by using the chat section on this event. Several free, official Caltrans/OCTA commuter Park & Ride lots along or immediately adjacent to the Interstate 5 corridor in Orange County offer safe, all-day parking for carpooling: Fullerton & North OC (Closest to I-5 & SR-91 Direct Routes) Fullerton Park & Ride: Located at 3000 W Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton. Situated directly off the I-5 / SR-91 junction, this major OCTA hub offers a large, dedicated, well-lit commuter lot with free parking up to 72 hours. Central Orange County (Near I-5 / SR-55 Junction) Tustin St Park & Ride: Located at 2555 N Tustin St, Orange. Offers free commuter parking right at the interchange of SR-55 and SR-91, just minutes from I-5. Lincoln East Park & Ride: Located at 2896-3072 N Santiago Blvd, Orange. Free 24/7 commuter lot situated off SR-55 near Nohl Ranch Rd. South Orange County (I-5 Corridor) Jeffrey Rd Park & Ride: Located at 5595 Walnut Ave, Irvine. Situated immediately off I-5 at Jeffrey Rd, this Caltrans lot features free parking for up to 72 hours for commuters and carpoolers around 8:45 AM. Aim to depart by 9:00 AM to arrive in San Marino right around opening time. Free parking is available on-site at The Huntington. Description: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is a world-class cultural sanctuary offering an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, historic art, and serene outdoor living. Stunning Botanical Gardens: Stroll through 130 acres of exquisitely landscaped grounds featuring breathtaking themed areas, including the Japanese Garden, the serene Chinese Garden (Liu Fang Yuan), and an unmatched Rose Garden. Iconic Art & History: Explore legendary European and American art collections, featuring masterpieces like Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy, alongside rare literary treasures including a Gutenberg Bible and Shakespeare first folios. Refined Afternoon Tea: Enjoy an elegant high tea experience surrounded by vibrant blooms in the historic Rose Garden Tea Room—the ultimate setting to unwind, chat, and indulge. Effortless Discovery: Paved, accessible pathways make taking in the magnificent scenery at a comfortable, leisurely pace simple and enjoyable. Whether you're looking to spark your curiosity, snap stunning photos, or simply enjoy a relaxing day out in great company, it offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable getaway.