Welcome to San Marino
An affluent, walkable neighborhood home to the serene Lacy Park and other multiple green spaces
San Marino is a posh community in the San Rafael Hills, just south of Pasadena. Towering palm trees flank Huntington Drive, the city's main thoroughfare, lending a magical ambiance to this neighborhood. It has one of the highest per capita incomes of any city in the country.
Everywhere you look in San Marino, you'll witness architectural styles popular among the city’s main expansion in the 1920s into the 1950s. San Marino is an excellent area for families and young professionals because of the area’s spacious homes, well-maintained lawns, and perfectly landscaped gardens.
San Marino was established in 1903 by railroad mogul Henry E. Huntington and is consistently recognized as one of the country's most expensive zip codes. Its neighborhoods and enormous mansions are frequently featured in Hollywood productions. San Marino provides an unrivaled quality of life because of its impeccable public facilities, excellent schools, and luxurious houses.
What to Love
- Close-knit community
- Gorgeous vistas
- Top-performing schools
- Ample green spaces, including Lacy Park
- Home to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Local Lifestyle
San Marino is a small and charming residential area known for its strong sense of community. While much of San Marino is made up of homes, there are several excellent eateries and retail stores along Huntington Drive, the city's main shopping district. Those craving more variety are only a short drive away from Old Town Pasadena.
San Marino's stringent landscaping rules guarantee a spacious lot with a lovely house and a well-manicured lawn. Families appreciate the quiet, tree-lined streets and the area's superb school district, which is regarded as one of the best in California. Lacy Park, a popular community spot for families and nature lovers, has provided an outdoor haven complete with ample recreational opportunities for many years.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Shops at Mission Village is a collection of more than 30 unique stores, salons, and restaurants located along Mission Street. Aside from Single Stone, other stores on Mission include Serafina, an apparel store, and The Monogrammed Home gift shop. On Huntington Drive, San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe offers a wide variety of children's books, games, activities, and much more from small, independent toymakers.
Julienne Fine Foods and Celebrations serves up inventive takes on traditional French breakfast and lunch fare. In the warmer months, patrons can enjoy the café's patio, and the attentive staff is always ready to answer any questions. If you are craving Chinese cuisine, head to New Moon Restaurant. Here, you’ll discover a laid-back eatery with a wide menu selection. Delicious food, reasonable prices, generous portions, and friendly staff make this one of the best restaurants in San Marino.
What sets Colonial Kitchen Restaurant apart from the rest of San Marino’s restaurants is its separate dining room full of Elvis memorabilia. Sip on the locale’s freshly squeezed orange juice as you explore the artifacts housed here.
Other notable eateries in the area include San Marino Café & Marketplace, Tony's Pizza, and San Marino Grill.
Things to Do
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a popular destination combining three fantastic attractions in one area. The botanical gardens are home to some of the world's most beautiful and rare flora, and the library’s shelves are teeming with rare book collections. 18th-century artwork is found inside the locale’s sprawling art gallery.
Lacy Park is San Marino’s central hub for all things recreation. Relax and unwind underneath the park’s many mature, shady trees, or spend some time in nature on a walking path. This dog-friendly park has plenty of green space for canine companions, and the ground’s six tennis courts make it a prime spot for fun recreation.
El Molino Viejo, also known as the Old Mill, is a historic building with rich gardens and harmonious grounds. Visitors are invited all year long to enjoy the lovely gardens and the on-site California Art Club Gallery, which boasts paintings of California scenes and seasonal exhibits. Afterward, spend some time relaxing with a good book at the Crowell Public Library.
Classic car fans will enjoy the San Marino Motor Classic, the premier automotive exhibition in the San Gabriel Valley. This event draws in thousands of spectators annually and showcases over 200 luxury sports and cars.
Spend an afternoon or a full day wandering the stunning Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden. This venue on Arlington Drive features a wide array of exotic plants, gorgeous ponds, and waterfalls.
Schools
San Marino falls under the San Marino Unified School District. Top schools in the area include:
- St. Edmund's Nursery School, Grade PK
- Carver Elementary School, Grades K-5
- Valentine Elementary School, Grades K-5
- Huntington Middle School, Grades 6-8
- San Marino High School, Grades 9-12