Pasadena things to do

Things to Do in Pasadena: The Little Gem of the Greater Los Angeles Area

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The places to visit in Los Angeles County seem to never end and so during our trip, we tried to make the most of our stay. After making some last stops on the coast, we headed towards Pasadena and we saw the landscape change before our eyes. In the distance, we could see the San Rafael Hills and also the granite peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains that are 9,800 ft high.

At the foot of the mountains and hills, there is Pasadena, the ninth-largest city in the county with about 143,000 inhabitants, whose name in the local Native American language means “valley”. The iconic Route 66, the Mother Road that goes from Chicago to Santa Monica, also passes through here. One interesting fact about Pasadena is that in 1980 an asteroid crossed the sky over the city and it was later christened Pasadena.

Map of the Attractions in Pasadena

A Walk in Old Pasadena

activities to do in pasadenaWe started our tour in the historic district (the “heart”, also known as Old Pasadena). On Colorado Boulevard, which is a long road that crosses Old Pasadena, you will find historic brick buildings and  Neo-classical and Art Deco buildings. The recent restoration has accentuated the atmosphere of this boulevard, which, like the whole neighborhood, is a succession of shops, restaurants, pubs, luxury cafes, nightclubs, hotels, beauty salons, art galleries, museums, arcades, and movie theaters. Old Pasadena is the hub of a thousand activities and entertainment in Pasadena.

If you are here on a Sunday between 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, you must stop by the Farmer’s Market (E Holly St), where farmers sell their produce from their fields. When we went, we tasted everything we could and had some nice conversations with the farmers. Our short visit to the Farmer’s Market allowed us to get to know a “slice” of local life.

It did not take us long to go from the market to the elegant Castle Green (99 S Raymond Ave), a beautiful villa, also in the historic district, with grand rooms decorated in Moorish, Turkish, and Victorian styles. Inside there is also a library and a ballroom where the only thing missing is music for dancing. The exterior has a Mediterranean design. There are palm trees, a beautiful garden, verandas, and walkways with arches, all embellished with a lake with lilies. This beautiful villa is the location for events, movies, and photoshoots.

best things to do in pasadena

When Castle Green was still a hotel, it hosted artists, designers, musicians, and collectors. The property is open to the public twice a year in the summer and also in December when the Holiday Tour usually takes place. Visitors can tour Castle Green independently and tickets cost $35. During the tour, food tastings are offered on the ground floor. The official website will specify the dates that the villa can be visited.

The reason we particularly liked the City Hall at 100 N Garfield Avenue, is because of its Spanish influences, but putting our personal preferences aside, this large Renaissance building definitely attracts attention, and the lines to get in do not go unnoticed. The City Hall has a rectangular shape, four towers on the sides, a dome above the west entrance, and a large interior courtyard in Spanish Colonial style. At the entrance, there are side arches and a coffered ceiling. We had a good experience visiting City Hall and the architecture reminded us of San Diego’s Balboa Park.

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In Pasadena, the “mecca” of shopping in the historic district is the Paseo Colorado (300 E Colorado Blvd), a lively outdoor shopping mall on two floors.

There are three parking lots with free parking for 90 minutes where you can park while visiting the Old Pasadena:

  • 45 S De Lacey Ave
  • 230 S Raymond Ave
  • 33 E Green St

Museums in Pasadena

things to do in pasadena caWhen you visit Pasadena, you will be confronted with its deep artistic soul that has its origins in the distant past. When the Santa Fe railway was completed in 1887, many wealthy people moved from the cold Atlantic coast to Pasadena’s mild climate and several artists came as well (which was normal in those years). That combination of talent and financial resources still exists and the city continues to have a thriving artistic tradition.

Among the museums in Pasadena, we recommend the Norton Simon Museum (411 W Colorado Blvd), the most famous museum in the city. It hosts one of the most beautiful private collections in the United States with works by European impressionists and Asian artists. Inside, there is an area for temporary exhibits, normally two at a time, while outside you can stroll among the sculptures in the Sculpture Garden. The Norton Simon Museum has a shop and cafeteria. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, during the Rose Day Parade on New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Admission costs $12 for adults and $9 for seniors.

To learn about the culture and art of this state that benefits from its ethnic diversity, visit the Pasadena Museum of California Art (490 E Union St). Its collection includes a unique contemporary art and design exhibit. For those who love the “classics”, this may not be their cup of tea, but it’s still worth stopping by. Periodically, some artists will express their extravagant creativity on the facades of the museum, and each time it is different. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and on the third Thursday of the month, the museum stays open until 8:00 pm. The entrance fee is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for children 12 years old or younger. UPDATE: Unfortunately the museum in question is closed permanently.

At the Pacific Asia Museum-PAM (46 N Los Robles Ave), you can fully experience the art and culture of Asia and the Pacific islands. Inside we found a great variety of exhibits, including jade collections, ceramics, paintings, drawings, and objects related to religious rituals. Dance shows are also organized here. The courtyard was inspired by a Chinese garden, evidenced by representations of dragons, stone lions, a bridge, lotus plants, and a bamboo pond with carp. The building can be easily recognized by its oriental-style facade.

The Villas and Neighborhoods of Pasadena

fun things to do in pasadena

Here in Pasadena, there is a wealthy residential district along Orange Grove Boulevard known as Millionaire’s Row. One of the villas is the Wrigley Mansion (391 S Orange Grove Blvd), once the residence of chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley. Now it is home to the Tournament of the Roses Association, a non-profit organization that organizes two significant events, namely, the New Year’s Day Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl. The rose has been the official flower of the city since September 22, 1961.

The residential area of Bungalow Heaven (bordered by E Washington Blvd, N Hill Ave, Orange Grove Blvd, N Lake Ave) borders part of the long Millionaire’s Row. The houses are smaller but very nice and are built mainly in the Craftsman style, which was adopted especially from 1900 to 1930. The Craftsman style is a technique that combines decorative arts, unique details, and local materials. It is a truly pleasant area to stroll around with tree-lined streets and gardens. The Bungalow Heaven Home Tour allows you to visit the houses once a year.

The Gamble House

Pasadena californiaAnother great example of a Craftsman style home is the Gamble House (4 Westmoreland Plaza). We really like wooden houses, but we are not the only ones who are captivated by the Gamble House, its terraces, and interior. The wood has an incredible brightness and creates a great harmony with the really unique furniture of the house (the staff who accompanied us on the tour defined its interior design as “superb” and indeed it is). The windows of the dining room and the front door have beautiful decorations. The residence dates back to 1908 when it was the summer residence of the Gamble family from Ohio. Now it belongs to the city of Pasadena and is managed by the University of South California.

The tours last about 1 hour and take place every day except Monday and Wednesday. The cost of the ticket is $15 for adults and $12.50 for people over 65 and students under 12. We can guarantee that this is a good investment of your money. You can visit the property grounds on a self-guided tour.

We also want to mention the Brown Bag. We asked ourselves: What is it? It’s a nice initiative. Every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 1:30 am at a cost of $8 you can bring your lunch and enjoy it on the lawn or on one of the terraces. The ticket includes a 20-minute tour of the house between 12:15 pm and 12:45 pm. The exterior of the Gamble House was used as the home of Dr. Emmett Brown (Doc) in Back to the Future.

Churches in Pasadena

where to stay in pasadena caFor those who like religious architecture or who like to discover all the best attractions when visiting a new place, we want to point out two churches. The best-known church in the city, as well as the oldest Catholic parish in Pasadena, is Saint Andrew Church (311 N Raymond Ave). Some people may notice that its interior is a replica of the Basilica of Saint Sabina in Rome. Make sure to look at the murals, decorations, and altar with the canopy in white Carrara marble. Its bell tower can be seen from many miles away.

We also recommend that you visit the First Congregational Church of Pasadena (466 E Walnut St). It is a Gothic-style church with beautiful ceilings, wooden beams, and stained glass windows.

Rose Bowl Stadium

where to stay in pasadena

If you watch soccer, you will surely remember the World Cup in the US in 1994. Well, if you go to visit the Rose Bowl Stadium, you can see for yourself where Roberto Baggio kicked the penalty shot in the final against Brazil. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium. For all the information you need about the Rose Bowl Stadium, have a look at the official website.

In the area around the stadium, every second Sunday of the month, there is the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the largest and most famous flea market in the United States. Here you can find anything.

Pasadena’s Natural Attractions

places to visit in pasadenaDo you love gardens? Then put the Storrier-Stearns Japanese Garden (270 Arlington Dr) on your list. In this place, you will be overcome by the feeling of peace that Japanese gardens can instill. The waterfalls, ponds, and the tea house create an oasis of tranquility. It is open on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and every last Sunday of the month.

Not far from the Japanese garden, there is the Arlington Garden (275 Arlington Dr), a free public garden open from dawn to dusk. The plants that grow here are native to California, which include poppies, sunflowers, cacti, and orange and olive groves, and there are also butterflies and birds. A path outlined by stones that forms seven circles allows you to take a short and relaxing walk. In this garden, you will find the”Wish Trees for Pasadena”. People are invited to leave a note on the trees with a wish.

Located a few miles east of Old Pasadena, Villa San Marino is home to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (1151 Oxford Rd). It has valuable French and English collections from the 18th century. It is not every day you get close to a Gutenberg Bible, the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, and a Chaucer manuscript, to name a few priceless pieces found here.

Activities and Events

pasadena ca tourist attractionsThe concomitance of city events makes visiting Pasadena even more interesting. The most famous event in the city is the Tournament of the Roses Parade (January 1st or January 2nd if New Year’s Day is on a Sunday). During the parade that starts on Orange Grove Boulevard and continues along E Colorado Boulevard, large floats pass by, and bands and equestrian units perform. The event is also broadcast on television.

But that’s not all. On the same day, there is also the Rose Bowl, an exciting football game at the Rose Bowl Stadium (1001 Rose Bowl Dr), home of the UCLA Bruins. On the last Saturday and Sunday of June at Brookside Park (360 N Arroyo Blvd), near the Rose Bowl Stadium, you should definitely attend the Arroyo Seco Week-End, which features musical performances on three stages and famous restaurants and chefs from Los Angeles and Southern California. Of course, the food is accompanied by beer, good wine, and cocktails. You must pay for a ticket to enter the event, and there are various types of passes that can also be purchased online.

The arrival of autumn is celebrated in late October at the Fall Festival (Victory Park – 257 S Paloma St) with games, live entertainment, face painting, pony rides, and train rides. There is no shortage of good food and booths with art and handicrafts. Admission is free, although some attractions require that you pay a fee. We recommend this event for families so that they can spend some time together and experience the city’s culture. At the end of October, right before the Mexican tradition of “Dia de Los Muertos” (All Souls Day) is celebrated in Old Pasadena. Dozens of local businesses create beautiful altars. And since here “business is business”, it is a good occasion to attract customers with eye-catching promotions and initiatives.

If you are looking for a pleasant “holiday” activity, we recommend ice skating at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center (300 E Green St). The schedule is always updated on the official website. Admission costs $11 and skates rental is $4. In Pasadena, you can play golf at the Annandale Golf Club (1 N San Rafael Ave) where access to the 18-hole golf course is not just a privilege of the club’s members. It is also possible to play tennis here. There is even an excellent restaurant.

Where to Eat

There are many restaurants here in Pasadena and the great thing is that you have plenty of choices. It’s just a matter of whether you want to try something lively, refined, or something different. We enjoyed the festive, friendly atmosphere of Kings Row Gastropub (20 E Colorado Blvd), a casual venue in a historic building from the early 20th century. The menu offers appetizers, salads, and sandwiches, but as it is also a pub with a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. The restaurant is divided into a patio bar, dining room, and a beer garden. On weekends, there is live music. We also recommend the Mediterranean cuisine of Cafè Santorini (64 W Union St) On Sundays, Cafè Santorini serves brunch.

Then there is the Madeline Garden Bistro & Venue (1030 E Green St), a refined European-style restaurant with Asian influences. Each room of the restaurant has its own unique design. It has outdoor seating where you can dine, have brunch, or have tea. This place is also perfect for vegetarians. In a casual-chic atmosphere at The Raymond Restaurant (1250 S Fair Oaks Ave), you can enjoy a refined, globally inspired menu. What is special about this restaurant is the fusion of flavors and cuisines. The dishes combine the familiar with the exotic and the traditional with the innovative.

Arroyo Chop House (536 S Arroyo Pkwy) is a restaurant with medium to high prices that has been awarded a certificate for the quality of its meat by the USDA; it is the best place in town to have meat, but the fish is also excellent. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and customers are entertained by music on the piano.

Where to Stay in Pasadena

fun things in pasadena ca
The Langham Huntington

We have already covered the subject of where to stay in Pasadena in our article dedicated to the best accommodations in the Greater Los Angeles Area. However, if you want to know what other choices of accommodations there are in this area, you can take a look at the following selection of hotels.

We will recommend some hotels where you can stay overnight in Pasadena. GreenTree Pasadena (400 South Arroyo Parkway) is an excellent centrally located hotel. The staff is welcoming and the rooms are spacious and have cable TV and all amenities. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant that serves coffee and baked goods in the morning, parking, and free wi-fi. For those who are interested, the famous Rose Bowl Stadium is less than 3 miles away. At 201 Orange Grove Boulevard, The Bissell House Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful Victorian B&B dating back to 1887 where the rooms are tastefully furnished and welcoming. It takes 15 minutes or less to walk to shops and restaurants nearby.

The Langham Huntington (1401 S Oak Knoll Ave) is certainly a refined and luxurious hotel. It is within walking distance of downtown. Rooms, suites, and cottages have a classic interior design. Guests can have fun and relax at the spa, pool, fitness center, tennis court, and even restaurants. In South Pasadena, we recommend the Arroyo Vista Inn (335 Monterey Rd) a historic B&B built in 1910 with nine rooms. Each room is furnished differently.

How to Get to Pasadena

To reach Pasadena, you can fly to the Los Angeles International Airport (1 World Way), which is about 20 minutes away, or to Bob Hope Airport (2627 N Hollywood Way) in Burbank. The latter is recommended for domestic flights and is located about 15 minutes away. If you decide not to rent a car, you can take the Pasadena Transit buses that circulate in the city and stop at various locations, such as the Old Pasadena and City Hall.

The trains operated by the L.A. Metro Gold Line Light Rail have six stops (367 Maple Way, 125 E Holly St, 202 S Raymond Ave, 750 S Raymond Ave, 395 N Allen Ave, 149 N Halstead St). The 549 bus of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) connects the city of Pasadena to the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, and Glendale.

Visit Other Places near Pasadena

From Pasadena, you can take several trips in Los Angeles County. For example, you can head to the coast and within about 30-50 minutes, you can reach Santa Monica, Malibu, and Long Beach, or you can go to the equally famous Hollywood, Bel Air and Beverly Hills and get there in 20-35 minutes.

But if you love nature and do not want to go too far from the cities, there is the Angeles National Forest (701 N Santa Anita Ave – Arcadia) in the San Gabriel Mountains about 15 minutes northeast of Pasadena. It’s the first “urban forest” in the state and it has pines, firs, oaks, and other shrubs. It is crossed by rivers, but also by the Pacific Crest Trail, a long trail that passes through California, Oregon, Washington State, and British Columbia in Canada. Along this route, you can take beautiful walks and horseback rides. In the park, you can spot pumas, bears, rodents, and rattlesnakes (mainly in the summer).

Los Angeles County has many attractions. From beaches to mountains, from mega-mansions to historic neighborhoods, from museums to the world of cinema, from parks to shopping districts. Here you never get bored. The pace is hectic, but there is also time to relax. The mild climate, palm trees, and sunshine are added bonuses. We also spent some time in Pasadena and enjoyed it. The historic district is the heart of this city. Pasadena has everything we were looking for; it’s a quiet oasis that knows how to keep up with the times, that loves art so much but also knows how to have fun, and has outdoor activities just a stone’s throw from a big “green lung”. The only thing missing is the ocean, but that’s not a problem. Santa Monica can be reached in half an hour.


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

fam-bendandi
Marianna Licia e Paolo

There are two passions that we share: photography and traveling, especially in the United States.

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