Best Hotels in Arcadia, California
Just northeast of downtown Los Angeles is the beautiful community of Arcadia. From chic rooms with views to classic mainstays, we’ve got the hotels you need close by.
At the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Arcadia is a sweet spot of Los Angeles. Whether you’re in town for the races at Santa Anita Park, exploring the landscapes of the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden or visiting Los Angeles at large – Arcadia has plenty to offer with hotels nearby to match.
Why We Love Arcadia
The larger Los Angeles area is expansive with neighborhoods reaching over 500 miles. Arcadia sits just outside of LA and offers a quiet space away from the chaos. Here are just a few of the many reasons why we think Arcadia is a great place to visit:
- Nearby hotels: Pasadena sits just next door of Arcadia, where we offer an array of sweet hotel options. From hip boutiques within walking distance of shopping and dining to reliable standbys you know and trust – we've got the hotels you want in the surrounding Arcadia area.
- Great race: If the season is right, you may find yourself in Arcadia for the horse races at the world-famous Santa Anita Park. Get the full experience with a trip to the Frontrunner restaurant (plus, its 215-foot long bar), and don't forget to take the Seabiscuit tour!
- Endless gardens: Wanna explore? Arcadia features the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, a unique 127-acre botanical garden in the historic Rancho Santa Anita area. Whether you consider yourself a novice plant fan or a total green thumb, you will find interesting plants from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species.
- Good neighbors: Arcadia is surrounded by neighboring communities with plenty to offer. From the famous Rose Bowl of Pasadena to the of the iconic sights of the rolling Hollywood Hills, there are countless attractions within reach.
Where to Stay in Arcadia
Arcadia is an upper-middle-class community known for its gorgeous neighborhoods, well-preserved green spaces and abundance of healthy trees. Californians look at Arcadia as a jewel in the San Gabriel Valley. With its proud community and range of diverse businesses, it's no wonder people love to call Arcadia home.
Arcadia is surrounded by other beautiful California communities such as Monrovia, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, San Marino and Temple City. You'll find a variety of hotels near Arcadia, whether you're looking for value hotels or luxe business hotels. Many of the hotels are located in Pasadena, east Arcadia and south of Arcadia. Here's what to expect with each area traveler-friendly area:
- Pasadena: Pasadena is located about 15 miles north of downtown Los Angeles and about 12 minutes west of Arcadia. You'll find your pick of accommodations here, whether you're searching for mid-range hotels near Arcadia or boutique hotels. The city is most famous for the Rose Bowl football game and the Tournament of Roses Parade, but there's plenty more to see and do in this culturally and historically rich city. Art lovers can spend the day exploring the Norton Simon Museum to become awe-struck by European masterpieces or Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. A trip to sunny California wouldn't be complete without an adventure in nature, which you can experience at the Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park and Nature Center. Wouldn't it be nice to explore 190 acres of zoological, botanical and geological gems at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains?
- Monrovia: Bordering Arcadia to the east sits the charming and historical city of Monrovia. This growing community of about 40,000 residents invites you to enjoy its welcoming small-town vibes. There's no shortage of amenities in this homey city such as Old Town – the city's unique downtown filled with historic buildings housing boutiques, restaurants, entertainment venues and luxurious living spaces. If you want to go on a rejuvenating hike and marvel at a cascading waterfall, take a trip to Monrovia Canyon Park. At HotelTonight, we can help you find a quality budget hotel in Monrovia to enjoy its offerings and be close to Arcadia.
- Rosemead: Rosemead is a small, diverse, down-to-earth city about 15 minutes southwest of Arcadia. You'll find plenty of affordable accommodations here and tons of shopping options to keep you well-stocked on your journey. While in Rosemead, make sure to save room for one of the city's amazing Asian restaurants like Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen or Tai-Kadai Kitchen.
- Downtown Arcadia: Downtown is Arcadia's entertainment, restaurant and shopping district where you'll find plenty to do, eat and buy. Along Huntington Drive, you'll find a range of places to stay and restaurants to check out. You'll have your choice of local chain restaurants to satisfy a group, or you can take a short drive to a supermarket like Sprouts Farmers Market or Traders Joe's to get everything you need.
Where to Eat in Arcadia
From the outside, Arcadia appears to be a mainly suburban LA neighborhood. Look closer, and you'll find exciting eats and some of the most exquisite Asian restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley. A large portion of the restaurants is inspired by Taiwanese cuisine to reflect the local culture. However, even if oyster pancakes and stinky tofu ain't your thing, you'll still find plenty of mouthwatering eats to dig into while you visit Arcadia. For example, you'll find a vast range of restaurants along Baldwin Avenue and Duarte Street. To inspire your eating choices, here are some of the top restaurants the city has to offer:
- Din Tai Fung: With a location on South Baldwin Avenue, Din Tai Fung is the restaurant that draws visitors to Arcadia. Din Tai Fung is a world-famous steamed dumpling and noodle restaurant with locations in Asia, the U.S. and Australia. Customers flock to Din Tai Fung to savor some of the best soup dumplings in the world plus other Taiwanese classics like noodles and buns. You might have to wait in line to try your first truffle and kurobuta pork soup dumpling, but it's totally worth it.
- Zelo: Gourmet pizzas featuring a cornmeal crust? Who would've thought? If you've been eating dumplings into a stupor while in Arcadia, you can refresh your palate at Zelo with an inventive slice of pie. Try a slice with toppings like roasted eggplant and homemade sausage or opt for their bestseller – a cornmeal crust pizza topped with mozzarella, fresh corn and marinated onions. If you're not in the mood for corny pizza, check out their entrees or skip dinner altogether and run to a slice of homemade zuccotto cake.
- Sinbala: If you want to bite into the best Taiwanese sausage in the city, Sinbala welcomes you with open arms. Sinbala's sausages are sweeter than other versions and pack a flavorful punch with your choice of condiment. They also offer other Taiwanese specialties to take your taste buds on a globe-trotting adventure like oyster pancakes and create-your-own shaved ice for dessert. It's a tiny place, so plan to eat close with fellow diners.
- Boiling Point: Boiling Point is a hot pot restaurant chain which adds a twist to Taiwanese classics. At Boiling Point, you get your own personal pot and choice of ingredients rather than dining family style. For example, the House Special Hot Soup includes ingredients like fermented tofu, a fish cake and a quail egg. Enjoy tofu pudding for dessert and relax in the casual modern setting.
- The Derby: The Derby is an upscale race-themed steakhouse that's been a popular choice for diners since 1922. The Derby is proud to serve quality food in a comfortable atmosphere and is the place to go to feel like a celebrity who just attended a horse race. Choose entrees from a menu titled Seabiscuit's Favorite like seared scallops or baby back ribs.
- Moffett's Chicken Pie Shoppe: Moffett's is a relaxed, family-friendly eatery that will make you feel cozy and warm inside. Serving comforting homestyle dishes such as chicken pot pie and basic burgers, this is your go-to spot to unwind and remember the good old days.
If you're looking for low-key restaurants with ultra-chill vibes, you won't have any trouble in Arcadia. Here are some laid-back eateries where the cool cats go to mellow out:
- Natural Selection: Natural Selection is perfect for health-conscious travelers who want to cure their hunger in a soothing space. You can feel good about their fresh all-organic food choices like delicious grilled sandwiches and freshly-made shakes.
- Chang's Garden: Tired from a long flight? Craving a satisfying meal in a laid-back, stress-free environment? Chang's Garden is waiting for you. This casual restaurant lacks flashiness but is full when it comes to flavor. Here you'll find classic Chinese cuisine and friendly service, and sometimes, what more could you need?
- Cafe LuMar: Cozy, casual and cute are three words to describe Cafe LuMar. Grab your honey's hand and head to Cafe LuMar for European delights like beef stroganoff and sweet crepes for dessert.
Things to Do in Arcadia
Arcadia is best known for Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden and Santa Anita Race Park. Although those are attractions not to be missed, there's plenty of other things to see and do in Arcadia. Arcadia is home to amazing recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, and it's also a haven for those who love to shop, eat and have a blast. Here are the top attractions that draw visitors to this beautiful valley town:
- Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden: As we mentioned above, the arboretum is perfect for exploring gardens and lush landscapes on a sunny day, and it's one of the city's top attractions. However, it's not all about sweet-smelling roses. The arboretum is also a wildlife sanctuary where you can observe various migratory birds, reptiles, mammals and the area's famous peacocks.
- Claro's Italian Market: Since the 1940s, the Claro family has been importing grocery items from Italy to sell to southern Californians. Stop in the market to shop for specialty ingredients, or leave the cooking to the Claros and treat yourself to a filling Italian sandwich.
- Santa Anita Park: Sanita Anita Park is a thoroughbred race track with a long history. The original location, which is now Arcadia Park, opened in 1907 by Elias "Lucky" Baldwin. The current park opened in 1934 and was a big success, even during the Great Depression. If you've ever watched the movie "Seabiscuit" or want to see a race at one of the most prestigious tracks in the country, you'll want to check out Santa Anita.
- Westfield Santa Anita: Westfield Santa Anita is not your typical suburban mall – it's a shopping, dining and entertainment mecca. If you want to fit some fun into your schedule, stop at neon-lit Bowlero where you can bowl, play arcade games and have a few drinks. Want to tap into your wild side and try a new immersive art experience? Partywith, which features fifteen electrifying installations, awaits you. You could easily feel like a teenager again and spend the entire day at Westfield Santa Anita.
- Angeles National Forest: The Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains is a popular outdoor destination. Visitors can explore 557 miles of trails whether they are beginner hikers or pros. Enjoy majestic vistas and look for a diverse range of wildlife like bears, bobcats and bighorn sheep.
- Arcadia Blues Club: If you catch a glimpse of a bighorn sheep while at the Angeles National Forest, you'll need to celebrate. That calls for a trip to the Arcadia Blues Club. Get ready to drink, eat hearty bar food, and let your soul get down to the best local blues bands. Check out their schedule to see what's shakin'.
- The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: You can enhance your Arcadia experience by visiting the Gilb Museum. Here you can learn about Acadia's fascinating past, or maybe even sign up for a workshop and chat with community members.
Have you already hit the top attractions in Arcadia and are looking for something a little more off the beaten path? Here are a few ways to spend a day like a local while enriching your journey and your mind:
- Vintage Treasures Arcadia: Treasure hunters who want a unique souvenir to remember Arcadia by should head to Vintage Treasures Arcadia. Vintage Treasures takes pride in the antiques and vintage clothing they sell and are most passionate about vintage wood. If you can't find what you're looking for at Vintage Treasures Arcadia, drive about five more minutes, and you'll reach Kaleidoscope Antiques, which is packed with antiques and vintage goodies.
- USC Pacific Asia Museum: If you'd like to learn more about Asian art and culture, make sure to take a trip to the University of Southern California (USC) Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. This museum is a rare gem and one of the few museums in the country dedicated to the art and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. View a collection over 15,000 objects spanning more than four thousand years, attend a lecture or participate in an enlightening workshop.
- Milly Frank Art Gallery: While in Arcadia, why not learn a thing or two about Japanese floral arrangement? If you're looking for something fun and educational to do while in Arcadia, consider signing up for an ikebana floral arrangement class at Milly Frank Art Gallery. If flowers aren't your go-to medium for creative expression, you can also take a drawing or painting lesson at the gallery.
Where to Find the Best Hotels in the Arcadia, California Area
Arcadia, California is a gorgeously scenic place to stay for those interested in a small-town vibe with friendly people, tons of recreational opportunities and mind-blowing restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley. If you're traveling to Los Angeles County and want to be close to the mountains but never far from city excitement, Arcadia is the place for you.
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