San Marino

 

Lavish, esteemed, and historically significant, San Marino flaunts its well-deserved reputation as a prestigious enclave serving up enviable seclusion for its affluent residents. Home to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, botanical gardens, and a nineteen-foot high centennial clock holding a time capsule, locals here prize their neighborhood's cultural heritage and arts scene. Restaurants line the main thoroughfare, while varieties await in neighboring areas a short drive away from home. The city's park boasts 30-acres of lush greenery, championship tennis courts, and a picnic area for musical concerts and pancake breakfasts. You'll take delight in San Marino's abundant sunshine, as well as its genteel charisma and family-oriented lifestyle.

Set out on the quiet streets to discover a paradise of luxury living and world-class design. Styles range from mid-century modern-style estates crafted among mature palms to elegant cape cods and Georgian mansions, all of which were designed by well-regarded architects such as Fredrick H. Kennedy Jr, William Sutherland McCay, and John Galbraith, among others.

 

What to Love

• Pedestrian-friendly community with easy access to nearby towns
• Friendly neighbors and aesthetically pleasing homes
• Prestigious schools 
• Open green spaces, walking trails, picnic areas, and tennis courts

Local Lifestyle

A relatively small city draped in tranquility, San Marino holds onto the historic charm embodied in an array of English and Spanish-style builds, as well as the extensive collection of 500+ years old art on display in Henry Huntington's Neoclassical-Palladian mansion. Abundant sunshine, extremely short commute, and nice residents are some of the neighborhood's major draws. You'll find kids playing in the streets without fear of fast cars speeding by and people lying in the park, enjoying the wonderful weather. The neighborhood's reputation as an academic powerhouse also makes it an ideal haven for families looking to raise their kids near excellent schools.

 

San Marino, California, is a small, affluent city in Los Angeles County with a rich history. It was originally part of the San Gabriel Mission, established in 1771 by Spanish missionaries. The land later became part of a Mexican land grant known as Rancho Huerta de Cuati.

 

The city's development began in earnest in the early 20th century. In 1903, Henry E. Huntington, a prominent railroad magnate and real estate developer, purchased a vast portion of land in the area. Huntington's vision was to create an exclusive residential community, and he played a crucial role in shaping San Marino's character. The city was incorporated in 1913, named after the Republic of San Marino, one of the world's oldest republics, to reflect its intended status as a prestigious community. San Marino is known for its large estates, meticulous landscaping, and strict zoning laws, which have helped maintain its residential and upscale character. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, established by Henry E. Huntington, are major cultural landmarks in the city. The city has preserved its historical significance and remains one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California.

 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

For years, denizens have flocked to the Huntington’s Rose Garden Tea Room to savor the long-standing tradition of afternoon tea. Treat yourself to classic English tea sided with yummy house-made scones or a chocolate raspberry tart in an elegant dining room nestled amid gardens of flora. Visit Julienne san for a hearty weekend brunch or a fantastic dinner of salmon hash and creamy espresso, and you can grab some scented candles at the gift shop on your way out! 

Craving a shrimp sandwich or clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl? Kick back on the patio at San Marino Seafood for all the fresh serving you can get. If a casual, California bistro-style breakfast is what you need to kick-start your day, The Terrace at Langham is sure to bring you delight.

 

Things to Do

Stroll through meandering paths of flora and lose yourself in the sprawling grounds of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, where gardens upon gardens of breathtaking blossoms and tranquility unfurl ahead of you. Art enthusiasts, bookworms, and history aficionados won’t be able to get enough of the collections at these breathtaking sites.

Looking for wide-open space to relax with the kids? That’s got to be Lacy Park! Teeming with the loveliest greens, picnic areas, a rose garden, and a fantastic children’s playground, this 30-acre lush expanse is the treasured secret of San Marino locals. Visit The Old Mill for a quiet walk through a charming garden flanked by historic architecture housing an art gallery and exquisite museum. Don’t miss out on an adventure through Huntington Drive — San Marino’s most prominent street! — with businesses aglow on both ends and the Centennial Clock ticking away at the center of it all!

 

San Marino, CA, offers a variety of public services to its residents:

 

These services contribute to the city's high quality of life and community-oriented atmosphere.

 

Walkability

• Residential Nature: San Marino is primarily a residential city with large homes and spacious lots. The low-density development means that destinations such as shops, restaurants, and businesses are limited within walking distance for most residents.
• Sidewalks and Streets: The city has well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, particularly in residential areas. The streets are generally safe and quiet, with low traffic volumes, making them pedestrian-friendly.
• Parks and Recreation: Lacy Park is a central recreational area in San Marino, offering ample space for walking, jogging, and other outdoor activities. The park's presence enhances the walkability for nearby residents.
• Accessibility to Services: Key services such as the library, community center, and post office are centrally located, but may still require driving for many residents due to the spread-out nature of the city.
• Connectivity: While San Marino is pedestrian-friendly in terms of safety and infrastructure, its overall walkability is limited by the distance between residential areas and commercial or service locations. Most errands and shopping trips will likely require a car.

Schools

San Marino is served by the San Marino USD, which ranks among the highest-performing school districts in California. Some prestigious educational institutions include:

 

• San Marino High School, 9-12
• Valentine Elementary School, K-5
• Henry E. Huntington Middle School, 6-8
• KL Carver Elementary School, K-5