2 Day Itinerary

Activity: Norton Simon Museum

On the west side of Colorado Blvd. sits the Norton Simon Museum, a remarkable art museum with an array of 12,000 objects packed into one location. The collections include European masterpieces from the Renaissance era and South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. If you're lucky, you may also be able to catch one of the museum's many lectures, art classes, film events, and performances.

Lunch: Cafe Santorini

In the picturesque alley of One Colorado is the perfect restaurant to take a lunch break – Cafe Santorini. There's an outdoor patio that sits on the second floor overlooking some of Pasadena's local shops and gives you a great view for people-watching while you enjoy some well-seasoned, authentic Mediterranean cuisine, a fresh and crisp salad, and a perfect pairing of wine.

Activity: Vroman's Bookstore

As you continue east, you will slowly begin to see more and more street art like painted power boxes and colorful street banners. This is the Playhouse District, home to Vroman's Bookstore, Southern California's oldest bookstore. But don't let the "old" fool you. Vroman's is filled with literary classics, up-and-coming authors, limited edition signed novels, and more. Their book clubs and author workshops are some of the locals' favorites.

Activity: Pasadena Playhouse

Wrap up the day at the historic Pasadena Playhouse. The Playhouse is considered the Official State Theater of California, with stars passing through from the classic Dustin Hoffman to one of modern-day's pop princesses, Ariana Grande. The venue is always putting on plays and musicals, which are a perfect afternoon matinee activity or an easy way to unwind with some live entertainment in the evening.

Activity: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Stuffed from breakfast? No worries. Spend a few hours strolling through the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. This 120-acre property includes 12 different botanical gardens to explore, each with their own locational theme. A few favorites include the Japanese Garden for its unique architecture and the Desert Garden for its one-of-a-kind, colossal succulents. When you're ready to cool off, you can stop into the library and art collection museums and view original historic prints dating back thousands of years ago and famous paintings from Van Gogh.

Activity: Wrigley Mansion/Tournament House

Take a quick trip over to the Wrigley Mansion. Yes, you guessed it. The Wrigley Mansion was previously owned by the creators of Wrigley Gum, but was gifted to the City of Pasadena in 1958 and now serves as the official headquarters for the Tournament of Roses, Rose Bowl Game, and Rose Parade. In addition to the mansion, the property is surrounded by a half acre of over 1,5000 varieties of roses, camellias, and annuals making for a true representation of "The City of Roses."

Dinner: Magnolia House

Get ready to explore another one of Pasadena's districts at the South Lake Avenue District where you can rest your feet and cool off at the Magnolia House for lunch. The restaurant features a gorgeous patio and perfectly mixed cocktails. The building was created from a redesigned, traditional craftsman home. Many homes and buildings in Pasadena are specialty-crafted like the Magnolia House, but none have been converted into such a picturesque restaurant with its own extensive menu.