Fun Facts: Arcadia, California
- In 1875, Elias Jackson “Lucky” Baldwin acquired the Rancho Santa Anita and began subdividing and selling parcels. By 1903, he officially founded Arcadia and became its first mayor. In 1955, Baldwin's homesite and scenic grounds opened to the public as an arboretum.
- The beautiful Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden is like a living movie set—with roaming peacocks, a lake, and multiple historic buildings that been featured in countless films and TV shows.
- Arcadia is home to the legendary Santa Anita Park, where thrilling horse races meet Hollywood heritage. It also represents a difficult chapter in American history – when, during World War II, the racetrack was used as an Assembly Center for Japanese Americans, a soldier training ground, and even a Prisoner of War camp.
- Do not miss the old Van De Kamp’s building, now a Denny’s. This preservation success story shows off its unique combination of Dutch windmill style and Googie architecture — a fun reminder of Arcadia’s quirky, roadside past.
For more information:
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Denny’s
- 7 E. Huntington Dr.
- Botanical Gardens
- 301 N. Baldwin Ave.
- The Derby
- 233 E. Huntington Dr.
- Fantasy Island House
- Inside the Botanical Gardens