Huntington Library

Don't let the Huntington Library's name mislead you; a trip here offers much more than just books to wow your date. (Though it wouldn't hurt to display the library's Gutenberg Bible and the first copy of The Canterbury Tales to prove your age.) However, a stroll through the 207 acres of gardens on the property will amp up the romance considerably. The grounds contain something to charm almost everyone, from a rosebush-lined English garden to a Japanese botanical plan. On the first Thursday of each month, admission is free; otherwise, it costs $25.

Permanent exhibits housed in the Virginia Steele Scott Gallery of American Art and Huntington Art Gallery showcase the Huntington's treasures. Smaller, more focused shows are shown in the Works on Paper Room at the Huntington Art Gallery and the Susan and Stephen Chandler Wing of the Scott Galleries. Special temporary exhibitions are staged in the MaryLou and George Boone Gallery. Additionally, the gallery offers a variety of photography exhibitions throughout the year, including those focusing on various social and political issues.

The 120 acres (49 hectares) of botanical gardens at The Huntington have a diverse collection of flora. Huntington put forth effort to help them flourish in the hospitable California climate. His numerous horticultural endeavors continue today, offering chances for both leisure and botanical research. More than a dozen different themes are represented in the gardens, such as the Australian Garden, Camellia Collection, Children's Garden, Desert Garden, Herb Garden, Japanese Garden, Lily Ponds, North Vista, Palm Garden, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Subtropical and Jungle Garden, and Chinese Garden.

Location: San Marino, California, U.S.