10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Pasadena in 2024

The New York Times recently placed Pasadena, California in their prestigious 52 Places To Go list in 2024.

2023 was a great year in Pasadena with the Doo Dah Parade making its return, restaurants making a splash in the LA food scene, the return of the Colorado Street Bridge Party, Coldplay rocking out at the Rose Bowl Stadium, an unforgettable soccer match between Club America and Guadalajara Chivas, and so much more.

Here’s what’s in store for 2024 - all the reasons Pasadena, California is a top tier recommendation for your next outing, romantic getaway, family gathering, family vacation, staycation, friendcation, and more.

The Cheeseburger was born in Pasadena in 1924 and you can experience the Cheeseburger Centennial Celebration this year, full of cheesy goodness.

Wearing the theme “Past, Present, and Future,” this year’s Black History Parade & Festival accounts for 42 years of the parade in Pasadena and will celebrate hometown hero, Jackie Robinson.

The Rose Bowl Stadium is a legendary sports stadium, but sometimes it moonlights as a killer music festival venue, a concert venue, or grounds for food festivals. The lineup for Cruel World has already dropped, and it’s got Duran Duran, Blondie, Interpol, and Tones on Tail. Stay tuned for the Just Like Heaven lineup from Goldenvoice, and in the meantime, plan a trip around the Pokemon Go Tour that is taking over the stadium on February 17 - 18.

The good news is any month is a good month to visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens to experience the flora, fauna, art, and culture. The newest addition is a 320-year-old Japanese Heritage Shōya House that provides an insight into sustainable living from the Edo period of Japan. When you get tired of walking, grab some afternoon tea at the newly renovated, historic Rose Tea Garden. Make sure you have a reservation.

Pasadena’s hotels are centrally located in walkable downtown areas, making them an ideal home base when exploring Greater Los Angeles. Stay at the Hotel Dena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which opened in 2023. Grab drinks at the cool Agents Only bar, where the moody lighting gives way to the string instruments hanging next to the wall of old box televisions. This is a creative’s enclave. At the end of Old Pasadena, the Courtyard Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town is enjoying a multimillion dollar renovation with revitalized rooms and common areas that spell: swanky.

The Pasadena Museum of History is the only museum and research library dedicated to preserving and sharing West San Gabriel Valley and Pasadena history, art and culture. It was founded as the Pasadena Historical Society in 1924 and turning 100 in 2024.

Try Pez Coastal Kitchen, a seafood-focused restaurant inspired by Mediterranean and European cuisine, has opened in an Old Pasadena building that was built in 1896. Get yourself a reservation at Bar Chelou, which offers eclectic, globally inspired bistro fare in a convivial space - you won’t regret it. It’s been recognized by Eater as one of the best twelve restaurants in America in 2023. Erewhon also opened in Pasadena in 2023 and it truly is stocked with an impressive ready-to-eat and hot bar section, perfect for picnics in Pasadena’s parks and charming outdoor areas. For our vegan and restrictive diet friends, taste your way through the Top Vegan & Plant-based Hotspots, and make sure to try the donuts at Hello, You’re Welcome.

The Pasadena Playhouse earned the 2023 Regional Tony-Award, and according to the distinguished LA Times theater critic Charles McNulty, it is living up to its official designation as the state theater of California. Catch the 2024 season, which is full of original content, fresh perspectives, and productions like Kate, One of the Good Ones, and Jelly’s Last Jam.

Get ready for a Rose Bowl tailgate, where the fandom and the energy legendary. Watch the home games as the UCLA Bruins Football team plays their first season in the Big Ten against Indiana, Oregon, Minnesota, Iowa, USC, and Fresno State.

Tucked away in Pasadena, you’ll uncover lush, natural areas that feel a world away from the city’s blend of urban and suburban landscapes. The bird population is thriving and the Pasadena Audubon Society has the resources for birding enthusiasts. The Arroyo Seco is full of varied experiences, including archery, hiking, biking, and other recreation.

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