Trying to get your fill of art and culture in one weekend can be tricky. Do you visit the science center, an art museum, or some botanical gardens? Visit all three at Huntington Library, a sprawling Pasadena-area estate and nonprofit that boasts a bit of everything, including 120 acres of botanical beauty ranging from jungle to desert to Japanese and Chinese gardens with bridges, patios, and waterfalls. (Note: Weekend reservations are required!)

A collection of European art has taken residence in the lavish former home of Henry Huntington. Spot rare books and manuscripts in the Beautiful Science exhibit, including Isaac Newton’s own copy of his seventeenth-century breakthrough book Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. There’s also a quirky collection of century-old light bulbs. This place is full of bright ideas.

DISNEY BONUS: Through March 27 “Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts” is currently on exhibit and looks at how Walt Disney incorporated his love for European motifs into his movies and the theme parks. It’s certainly a do-not-miss for Disney fans, but is also a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious setting for all. Don’t miss the candle that inspired Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, or the fantastical castles that helped Walt architecturally imagine the now iconic Disneyland landmark.

TIP: Enjoy dining and coffee options around the gardens.

The Huntington Library is located at 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino (directions). It’s closed on Tuesdays. *Weekend reservations required. Free audio tours are available for the art galleries. No picnicking allowed. No dogs.

Photos by Matt Pawlik, @mattitudehikes