San Marino

San Marino is an affluent residential city southeast of Pasadena that is filled with stunning homes, wide tree-lined streets, and serene green spaces. Bordered by Pasadena, South Pasadena, Arcadia, and other highly sought-after neighborhoods, San Marino is one of Los Angele's most prestigious and exclusive communities.

 

Founded in 1903 by railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington, San Marino is a historic community that maintains much of its original charm today. Its neighborhoods and sprawling estates are frequently featured in Hollywood productions—from films to television shows—and San Marino is consistently ranked among the country’s most expensive zip codes.

 

With immaculately maintained public amenities, top-rated schools, and upmarket real estate, San Marino offers unparalleled living among Californian landmarks.

 

• Excellent school district
• Charming historic homes
• Top-of-the-line amenities
  
  

With a population of just over 13,000, San Marino is a tight-knit residential city with a strong sense of community. With one of the best school districts in the state, San Marino is an attractive neighborhood for families looking for more space and great schools, as well as retirees who have either called San Marino home for some time or relocated here to enjoy all that this part of Southern California has to offer.

 

Maintaining an active lifestyle is easy thanks to the seemingly endless summers in San Marino. You’ll find many residents taking advantage of the unbeatable whether by running, walking, biking, and pushing strollers along the neighborhood’s beautiful streets.

 

In San Marino proper, you’ll find a few small shopping areas spliced among the residential neighborhoods. Among them is Mission Street, where you will find Julienne Fine Foods —a San Marino staple and local favorite that serves French-inspired cuisine in the restaurant and sells gourmet products and gifts in the adjacent shop. You’ll also find Single Stone upscale contemporary clothing and some other shops on Mission, such as Serafina for clothing, and The Monogrammed Home gift shop.

 

Huntington Drive runs through the center of San Marino and houses restaurants and shops, including Colonial Kitchen, a top-rated throwback diner, The Fresh Gourmet Café, and New Moon Restaurant, the local spot for Chinese food.

 

San Marino’s shining star and the main attraction are The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Known as The Huntington, this San Marino institution was established in 1903 when railroad and real estate businessman Henry Edwards Huntington bought the San Marino Ranch property and turned it into his personal estate. Over the years, Henry and his wife Arabella amassed extensive library, art, and botanical collections, which continue to grow to this day. In 1928 the estate opened to the public.

 

The grounds encompass 207 acres, 120 of which are botanical gardens. Containing over a dozen spectacular gardens, The Huntington also plays host to exclusive weddings and special events throughout the year.

 

San Marino is also home to Lacy Park, a 30-acre public park that boasts tennis facilities, a large picnic area often used for concerts and other community events, open green spaces, a playground, and two walking loops.

 

The San Marino School District is consistently ranked among the best in California, thanks to its amazing educational institutions and the community’s dedication to students.