Planning for your family reunion in san marino California? Here are the top places and destinations to include in your things to do in san marino California
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Huntington Library and Gardens (San Marino)
Explore world-renowned botanical gardens, art collections, and rare manuscripts in this cultural institution featuring diverse themed gardens and museum galleries. The Huntington offers educational programs, seasonal exhibitions, and peaceful settings perfect for family gatherings. Perfect for culturally-minded families, the institution includes the Desert Garden, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden alongside galleries showcasing American and European art. The library contains rare books and manuscripts while the gardens provide year-round beauty and tranquil walking paths.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Adult admission is $29 on weekdays and $36 on weekends with group rates of $23 per person for parties of 15 or more booked at least 4 weeks in advance. Timed entry reservations are required and sell out 2 to 3 weeks ahead for weekend slots so book early for reunion groups. The grounds are mostly ADA accessible with paved paths through all major gardens and wheelchair loans available at the entrance for free on a first-come basis.
Website: huntington.org
Lacy Park (San Marino)
Enjoy a beautiful 30-acre park featuring mature trees, walking paths, and open spaces perfect for family picnics and recreational activities. The park offers tennis courts, playgrounds, and well-maintained facilities in a peaceful residential setting. Perfect for families seeking outdoor recreation, the park provides picnic tables, barbecue areas, and ample parking for group gatherings. The park includes a loop trail popular with walkers and joggers, plus open lawn areas ideal for games and family activities.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Non-resident entry is $5 per person on weekends with free entry on weekdays and the park closes at sunset year-round. The paved perimeter loop is 0.6 miles and fully ADA accessible with benches every 200 feet and accessible restrooms near the main entrance. Group picnic areas accommodate up to 40 people and can be reserved through the city recreation office at $75 per 4-hour block with 2 weeks notice.
Website: cityofsanmarino.org
San Marino Historical Society Museum (San Marino)
Discover the rich history of San Marino through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs showcasing the community's development and cultural heritage. The museum offers guided tours, historical research resources, and special events celebrating local history. Perfect for families interested in local heritage, the museum provides insights into the area's transformation from ranch land to prestigious residential community. The facility includes historical photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of San Marino's unique character and development.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Admission is free and the museum is open Saturdays from 1 PM to 4 PM or by appointment for groups of 8 or more by calling 2 weeks in advance. The single-story building is ADA accessible with a ramp at the side entrance and accessible restrooms inside. Street parking on Huntington Drive is free with no time limits on weekends and approximately 20 spaces are available within a block of the entrance.
Website: sanmarinohistoricalsociety.org
San Marino Community Church Gardens (San Marino)
San Marino Community Church features beautifully landscaped gardens with mature trees, flowering plants, and peaceful walkways surrounding the historic church building. The manicured grounds provide a serene setting where your reunion group of 15 to 50 can gather for quiet reflection, photos, or simply enjoy the beauty together. The gardens are open to visitors and offer shaded benches and pathways that accommodate elderly family members comfortably while others explore the plantings. The church's elegant architecture and garden setting create a dignified atmosphere perfect for reunion groups wanting a contemplative moment during their gathering.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The gardens are free to visit during daylight hours and groups of 10 or more should notify the church office at least 1 week ahead for scheduling courtesy. The main garden paths are paved and ADA accessible with level surfaces throughout though the meditation garden has a gravel section that may be challenging for wheelchairs. Free parking is available in the church lot with 50 spaces and I-210 freeway traffic between 3 and 7 PM can add 30 minutes to travel time from downtown LA.
Website: smccpby.com
Huntington Botanical Gardens (San Marino)
The Huntington Botanical Gardens span 120 acres with 16 themed gardens including the Desert Garden, Chinese Garden, and Japanese Garden offering year-round beauty. Group visits for 15 or more can be arranged with discounted rates, and the gardens' vast size means your reunion of up to 50 people never feels crowded. Different garden sections appeal to different interests, so your group can split into smaller clusters and reconvene at the central cafe for lunch together. The flat, well-paved paths through most garden sections make it accessible for elderly family members and those with mobility considerations.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Access is included with Huntington admission at $29 weekday or $36 weekend and the 120-acre garden complex requires at least 3 hours to explore the major collections. Motorized scooter rentals are available for $20 per day for visitors who cannot walk long distances and all main paths are ADA accessible. Visit the Desert Garden early in the morning before 10 AM during summer to avoid temperatures exceeding 95F in the unshaded succulent areas.
Website: huntington.org
El Molino Viejo (San Marino)
El Molino Viejo is the oldest commercial building in Southern California, a restored 1816 gristmill now serving as a museum and cultural center with lovely grounds. The intimate site works well for reunion groups wanting a brief but meaningful cultural stop, with the small museum taking about 30 minutes to explore together. The surrounding gardens and courtyard provide a charming setting for group photos with historic adobe architecture as the backdrop. Free admission makes it an easy addition to your reunion itinerary, and its proximity to other San Marino attractions allows efficient scheduling of multiple stops.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Admission is free to this 1816 gristmill and the grounds are open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM. The main floor exhibit is ADA accessible via a ramped entrance though the upper loft area requires stairs and cannot be accessed by wheelchair. Free street parking is available on Old Mill Road with space for about 12 vehicles and groups of 10 or more should call 1 week ahead to arrange a docent presentation.
Website: old-mill.org
San Marino Center & Parks (San Marino)
The San Marino Community Center and surrounding parks offer event spaces, sports facilities, and manicured grounds available for private group gatherings and reunions. The center's banquet rooms and outdoor patios can be reserved for reunion parties of 15 to 50, providing a dedicated space with catering options and audiovisual equipment. Adjacent park areas with playgrounds and open lawns give children space to play while adults enjoy the indoor facilities for planned reunion activities. The central location within San Marino makes it accessible from all directions, with ample parking for groups arriving from different hotels and homes.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The recreation center offers free open hours for parks and charges $5 to $15 per person for organized activities with group rates available for parties of 12 or more. All park facilities and the community center building are ADA accessible with paved pathways and accessible restrooms at each location. Reserve the large picnic shelter for up to 60 guests at $125 per half day by contacting the parks department at least 3 weeks in advance.
Website: cityofsanmarino.org