HIDDEN CALIFORNIA : A Garden of History

AS ITS NAME INDICATES, the major attraction of the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum is the plant and garden displays. But set off on the edge of a pond in a lush, wooded section of the grounds is a collection of romantic structures rich with the area’s architectural and social history. It includes a fanciful Queen Anne cottage that “Lucky “ Baldwin built for his 14-year-old bride in 1875 (if it looks familar it is because it has served as the setting for television’s “Fantasy Island”). There are also a coach barn and a traditionally styled adobe, doors open and inviting, evoking Old California.

The Arboretum, located at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, (818) 446-8251, is open daily 9 to 4:30. Admission charges vary.