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City in California, United States
Photo: Adrianne Wadewitz, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pasadena is one of the oldest cities adjoining Los Angeles and is the main population center of the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. Known as the City of Roses, Pasadena is most famous for its New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.
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A 22-block historical area filled with 200 one-of-a-kind boutiques, national retailers, galleries, restaurants, and clubs. Old Pasadena is one of Southern California's hottest shopping/entertainment areas and gets very crowded on weekends. The area is very hip and young people love the great vibe! Old Pasadena is located between Arroyo Parkway on the east and Pasadena Avenue on the west, with Colorado Boulevard being the main thoroughfare. Get off the A Line at Memorial Park and walk south to Colorado. If you expect every building in the area to be old, you'll be disappointed, but fans of architecture from the Art Deco period back to the 19th century have quite a few beautiful buildings to appreciate. You can see many of them from a moving car, but to truly notice and enjoy the decorative details, you will need to park and walk. The Playhouse District and the Civic Center, a few blocks to the east of the district specifically named "Old Pasadena", also have beautiful historic buildings, including the lovely Municipal Building (city hall), built in 1927 and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium (carved on the exterior with the words "THE AUDITORIUM OF THE CITY OF PASADENA" in all caps), built in 1932.
Features seven centuries of European art ranging from the Gothic period to the 21st century, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Fragonard, Goya, Poussin, Claude Lorrain, Cranach the Elder, Botticelli and many more. The museum also features an extensive collection of South and some Southeast Asian sculpture and a sculpture garden including works of Rodin. You are likely to be amazed by the greatness of the collection of both European and ancient South Asian work, and also by the number of extremely famous and commonly reproduced paintings on view. If you are generally an art lover, you will probably want to allow at least 2½ to 3 hours so as to see most of the collections without feeling rushed.
Features artwork from Asia and the Pacific Islands spanning 5,000 years, with a range of innovative exhibitions and dynamic programming.
Built in 1908 by Charles and Henry Greene for David Gamble of Procter and Gamble, this National Historical Landmark is an architectural masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The house was also the exterior of Doc Brown's house in 1955, in Back to the Future I & II. Filming of the front door and the interior took place at another location.
Near the Gamble House is the Pasadena Museum of History with The Finnish Folk Art Museum, History Center Galleries, and the 18-room Fenyes Mansion. Built in 1905, the mansion contains its original furnishings.
A world-renowned institution for the study of science and engineering, Caltech's alumni and faculty have been awarded 32 Nobel Prizes. Albert Einstein studied here as a visiting scholar in the early 1930s. The campus offers interesting architectures, laid back atmosphere and colors displayed by ever-lasting blooming flora.
Kidspace offers more than 25 indoor hands-on exhibits, in addition to outdoor spaces, programs and activities, which are designed to encourage a child's growth and development through exploration of the environment, investigation in science, and artistic expression.
The memorial, directly across from City Hall, honors the historic accomplishments of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and his brother, Olympian Mack Robinson with two bronze portraiture sculptures. The Robinson brothers grew up in Pasadena. Jackie was the first African-American to play baseball in the previously segregated Major Leagues, and Mack was a sprinter who won a silver medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
This is a lovely neo-Gothic Episcopal church, with timbered ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. The rose windows are Tiffany and the windows on the sides are in a neo-Gothic Arts and Crafts style. There is also fine woodwork inside the church.
The Rose Parade is held on New Year's Day. If January 1 falls on a Sunday, then the parade is moved to Monday, January 2. The parade starts at Orange Grove Blvd. and then heads east along Colorado Blvd. for 5.5 mi to Sierra Madre Blvd. The easiest and best view of the parade are from the 70,000 grandstand seats that line the route. These tickets can be purchased starting each February. For those who want to view for free along the streets, people can start camping out at noon the day before the parade. Blankets, sleeping bags, lawn chairs and self-contained barbecues are permitted on the route; tents, ladders and upholstered furniture are not. There is a party atmosphere along Colorado Blvd. the night before, as everyone camps out to reserve their seats.
The last few days before the Rose Parade, you can help decorate or preview Rose Parade floats as they are readied for the New Year's festivities. Although the work is detailed and can be repetitive, it is incredibly fun and exciting to know that you glued the thousands of poppy seeds that became a shadow on a giant leaf. There is a sense of camaraderie amongst the volunteers, and you get to climb on and decorate actual floats. Children under 16 are not allowed, but if you have older kids, this is an excellent family activity. You work in four hour shifts, and volunteers are fed out of a chow wagon for free. For a list of float companies and independent float volunteer opportunities, visit: tournamentofroses.com/about/float-decoration-volunteer.
For two days after the Rose Parade, you can see the floats up close when they are parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Blvds. Crowds of people flock to see the floats, so instead of driving to the location yourself, it is suggested that you take the shuttles that are offered throughout Pasadena. Fees apply.
Experience the charming history, architecture, and folklore of historic Old Pasadena while feasting upon culinary delights from neighborhood eateries.
Located adjacent to the Pasadena Convention Center, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers year-round indoor skating, figure skating classes, and an ice hockey league in a regulation-sized rink.
Located adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium, Brookside features two 18-hole championship courses, a clubhouse, restaurant, golf shop, putting greens, driving range, and ample parking.
The center is a year-round facility with competitive teams in swimming, diving and water polo. Housing two 50-meter pools, it's open to the public and offers water aerobics, swimming, diving lessons, and therapy pools. Right behind the aquatics center is a pirate-themed playground with wheelchair ramps, swings, sand, and water features.
The historic Rose Bowl Stadium was built in 1922. It is home to the annual Rose Bowl Game and UCLA Bruins football. The stadium hosts numerous events, including concerts. Public tours are offered by online reservation at 10ː30AM and 12ː30PM on many dates. Tours include the Original 1922 locker room, current locker rooms for UCLA and visiting teams, field, press box, and suites.
The Rose Bowl Flea Market, one of the most famous in the world, boasts 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers. Nicknamed "America's Marketplace of Unusual Items," the market offers vintage jewelry, handmade quilts, antiques, clothes, plants, and collectibles. Held the second Sunday of every month, rain or shine.
Behold these wacky, unusual parade participants as they travel through East Pasadena down Colorado Blvd. between Sierra Madre and San Gabriel Blvds.
Held the third Saturday in June, Make Music Pasadena is a free musical celebration throughout Downtown Pasadena. From 11AM to 11PM, Pasadena is transformed into a musical playground where every conceivable genre of music played.
Held the third weekend in June, you can view hundreds of colorful chalk murals while enjoying live music, shopping and children's activities at Paseo Colorado.
Held every year in October, this is the largest, most comprehensive salute to Arts and Crafts-style architecture in the United States. Enjoy bus and walking tours of historic neighborhoods and visits to distinctive Craftsman-era homes.
110 Freeway
The Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway (110 Freeway) is a National Scenic Byway that runs for 9.4 miles (15.1 km) between Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles. The Parkway starts at Colorado Blvd., home of the famous Rose Parade, passes through the Arts and Crafts-style neighborhoods of South Pasadena into China Town, and ends at the 101 Freeway amongst the skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles.
Pasadena's oldest restaurant is its best kept secret! A local favorite, this restaurant and bar serves delicious Mexican cuisine in a delightful, family-style setting.
Vegetarian/vegan fast food, yummy. A bit on the pricy side for fast food -- about for a five dollars per person.
Good Indian food.
Great breakfasts in a converted old home. Come early because the crowds start to build up on weekends in the late morning. Esepcially recommended is the corn flake encrusted french toast.
Popular Japanese food chain, moderately priced.
Pastrami sandwiches, chili fries, Orange Bang, and other stuff that's bad for you but so good.
Easily the best ice cream spot in and around Pasadena. This small artisan ice cream and sorbet maker uses local farmers market produce and organic dairies to create unique flavors, such as Salted Caramel, Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean, Lavender Honey, Lemon Basil Sorbet, and Cucumber Sorbet. Ice cream and sorbet-making classes available too. Must try.
Gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and burgers served on King's Hawaiian Bread with massive toppings such as fried egg, haus garlic aioli, caramelized onions, grilled jalapeños, smoked bacon, curry ketchup, dill pickle chips, blue cheese crumbles, and all the usual suspects. Sides include fries, onion rings, and tater tots. Good soda selections.
If you have never eaten Salvadorian foods before, come try the pupusas. They are a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick, hand-made corn tortilla that is filled with a blend of cheese, pork, refried beans, and/or loroco. For first timers, try the Plato Tipico, which comes with rice, beans, one choice of pupusa, grilled pork, tamales, cheese, fried plantains, and vegetables. There is also a mini pupusas sampler plate.
A small Italian grocery store with a wide selections of cheeses, prosciutto, salami, pastas, olive oils, and homemade bread. The store also makes a simple but delicious sandwich consists of bread, cold-cuts, and olive oils. The sandwich maker is a helpful 80-year-old man who would sometimes let you sample a slice of cheese or meat as he goes on in making the sandwich. Just go up to the sandwich counter and say "one sandwich, please" and nothing else.
This small artisan bakery makes some of the best sandwiches, homemade bread, and desserts in Pasadena. It is famous for its open-face egg salad sandwich (yolky-creamy) and decadent macaroons. (Flavors include Blackberry, Hazelnut, Mocha, Passion Fruit, Pistachio, Raspberry, and Salted Caramel.)
No trip to Southern California is complete without experiencing eating tacos out of a food truck. Try the carne asada (beef), al pastor (pork), or whatever strikes your fancy. (Cabeza, anyone?) Choose red or green sauce. (Red is spicier.) Wash them down with a cold can of coke or Mexican soda. The truck is parked on the lot of Nishikawa Automotive. Do not get confused with the yellow taco truck nearby.
Classic Pasadena fast-food place known for breakfast burritos, chilli cheese fries, and burgers.
Miss Cheese
Unique Japanese Souffle Pancakes, Brunch & All-day Breakfast, Taiyaki, Popcorn Chicken and Boba Drinks. Ideal for family and large group gathering.
A great local coffee house that roasts its own beans on site! It is situated in an obscure but tastefully decorated warehouse. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and owners. On unspecified days they even have homemade tamales for sale.
Within walking distance of Old Pasadena. Features 296 rooms. Expensive Wi-Fi and breakfast ($19.95). Complimentary shuttle within 2 mi of hotel. Complimentary swimming pool
Built in 1907 when Pasadena was the prime destination for the affluent traveler, The Huntington is the last resort hotel left in town and is nestled in one of the more pristine residential parts of the town. Located on with historic ballrooms and gardens, a spa, award-winning dining, and 380 guestrooms.
Located in the heart of Old Pasadena with 314 rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Features 311 rooms. Across from the shops and restaurants of Paseo Colorado. Free shuttle within 3 mi of hotel.
Features 350 rooms, outdoor pool, state-of-the-art workout facility, and Heavenly Beds.
Features 81 rooms, Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and free hot Express Start Breakfast. Located just a couple blocks from the Sierra Madre Villa A line Metro station.
Features 60 rooms, free Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast.
Free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking.
On Rose Parade route. Free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. In-room refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker.
Features 75 rooms, elevator, pool, refrigerators, and Wi-Fi. Complimentary continental breakfast. On Rose Parade route.
Free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking.
On Rose Parade route. Complimentary continental breakfast and parking, Wi-Fi and heated pool.
Free parking, deluxe breakfast, pool, cable TV, and refrigerator.
Historic Old Pasadena is home to an eclectic mix of more than 200 one-of-a-kind boutiques and well-known national retailers concentrated in an authentic downtown.
The Playhouse District offers an intimate scene where art, architecture and culture abound. The shops in the area are a reflection, and include culinary, music and bookstores.
South Lake Avenue covers 10 blocks and features Macy's, along with brand-name fashion and home decor shops, all within its pedestrian-friendly area.
A shopping and dining area set amidst 19th-century architecture. Also offers free outdoor film festivals, live music, and arts events. The 25 stores include national retailers like Gap and Juicy Couture, as well as unique offerings like Elisa B. and The Soap Kitchen.
A fun, outdoor shopping area about a block east of Old Pasadena on Colorado Blvd., near Pasadena's Civic Center. With an array of shops, restaurants, an upscale grocery store, and movie theater, Paseo is great on warm evenings and a great place to eat and catch a movie.
This flea market, one of the most famous in the world, boasts 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers. Vintage jewelry, handmade quilts, clothes, plants, antique furniture, and collectibles are among the offerings.
The center boasts 130 dealers in . Find furniture, art, jewelry and rare books dating from the turn of the century to mid-century.
By train
It is possible to use the new LAX Metro Transit Center to take the train all the way to Pasadena by taking the Metro K and E lines to Union Station then transferring to the A line, by taking the…
By car
A. or other southern cities take the 110 freeway north until it ends. The 110 freeway ends at the south end of Pasadena. From the east and west Pasadena can be reached via Interstate 210.
By bus
Pasadena is primarily served by the county-wide Metro and the local Pasadena Transit network. Additional bus service is available from Foothill Transit and LADOT (Commuter Express).
On foot
Pasadena as a whole is large enough to require use of a car or public transit, but it is a very pedestrian-friendly city.
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Burbank · International · BUR
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