USA Today 10Best - Pasadena’s 10 Best Attractions: Gardens, Museums, the Rose Bowl and more

Combining lots of Pasadena history with a walk through Old Town and stops for bites along the way, Melting Pot Food Tours gets you up close to places that locals love to go. The company is the oldest food tour operator in L.A., offering five different walking tours in various parts of the city; this Pasadena version hits an assortment of eateries that showcase the ethnic diversity of offerings here. Stops include eating empanadas at Tortas Mexico, falafel at Father Nature and curry at All India Cafe. And there’s dessert, too, of course, densely delightful cupcakes from Dot’s Cupcakes and incredible chocolate bites from Mignon Chocolate Boutique. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll cover 1.25 miles during the tour (with moments to sit and rest and nibble along the way), and bring a water bottle, too, as most days in Pasadena get pretty warm, even in the winter.

Recommended for Pasadena’s Best Attractions because: This walking tour is a terrific way to see the laneways and architecture of Old Pasadena while tasting tidbits from some of Pasadena’s yummiest eateries.

Jenny’s expert tip: Park in the structure right next to the Everson Royce shop where the tour begins for only $6 for the full day.

This museum’s two-acre site showcases several historic buildings, including the Fenyes Mansion, a 1905 Beaux-Arts masterpiece that still boasts its original furnishings. Part of “Millionaire’s Row” that sprang up along Orange Grove Avenue in Pasadena in the early 1900s, when rich Midwesterners took up winter residence in this perennially warm place, the mansion is filled with artworks, furniture and more from that time period. It has a beautiful garden as well and is a popular spot for local weddings (but only for the ceremony itself, not the reception). The history of Pasadena and of its original residents are explored in depth in the museum exhibits, located in a more modern building nearby. In addition, special exhibits focus on particular aspects of Pasadena’s history, including railways and transportation, fine and folk arts, and historic photographs.

Recommended for Pasadena’s Best Attractions because: One of Pasadena’s classic mansions, the Fenyes house is a throwback to when the city was an enclave of Midwest millionaires escaping the winter.

Jenny’s expert tip: Parking is free at the Pasadena Museum of History; look for a shaded space or you’ll come back to a car that is like a furnace (most times of the year).

Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a protected wilderness preserve located on the edge of the San Gabriel Mountains on the north end of Pasadena. With numerous hiking trails and a fascinating nature center that enlightens visitors on those trails and all the flora and fauna found there, as well as information on the geology and ecology of the area, the canyon has been protected since the 1930s. That means that there’s plenty of natural beauty to see on the easier nature trails located near the Nature Center (look for a trail guide to help you identify the trees, plants and animals you can see along the way) as well as on the more challenging hikes. You can climb to the top of Mount Wilson, going nine miles one way to the summit and nine more back; be sure to carry water and know that it’s a very strenuous trip.

Recommended for Pasadena’s Best Attractions because: This protected natural area is one of the wild and beautiful places of Pasadena, where a leisurely stroll or a tough hike are options.

Jenny’s expert tip: It can get very warm in the San Gabriel Mountains, so make sure to bring plenty of water along on any hike you take at Eaton Canyon.

With its curved exterior and dramatic, Frank Gehry-designed interior, the building that houses the Norton Simon Museum is a work of art in itself. The museum, home to businessman Norton Simon’s incredible private collection, features top-notch European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as an incredible trove of works from Asia that spans more than 2000 years. Be sure to search out the three stunning Rembrandt paintings housed here, as well as the Goya paintings and the over 100 Degas works on display. And don’t miss the sculpture garden, where the natural beauty is just as impressive as the man-made works throughout.

Recommended for Pasadena’s Best Attractions because: One of the world’s most impressive private art collections was amassed by businessman Norton Simon; this museum is his legacy to the world.

Jenny’s expert tip: Admission to this Pasadena landmark is free on the first Friday of every month from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.; otherwise, adults pay $12 and children under 18 are free.

Stroll the 120 acres of the Huntington’s astonishing and varied gardens (Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Desert, Rose, Jungle, Subtropical and more), then explore the library’s extraordinary collection of rare books. Finally, spend quality time enjoying the art gallery’s impressive collection of artistic masterpieces including Thomas Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy.” Be sure to check out the Greene and Greene collection that commemorates the work of Pasadena’s famed architects, too. The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens go into high gear in September 2019 as it begins a yearlong celebration of its centennial with a series of exhibitions and public programs. Not surprisingly given Pasadena’s year-round warm weather, one of the best (and least-crowded) times to visit is in the winter. Don’t miss having high tea in the Rose Garden Tea Room, where freshly baked scones and cakes await.

Recommended for Pasadena’s Best Attractions because: Railroad magnate Henry Huntington put his millions to good use here, creating a breathtaking botanical garden and art museum that features “The Blue Boy.”

Jenny’s expert tip: “Free Day” is the first Thursday of every month, but you must have a ticket and tickets sell out well before the free day. You must order them via phone or online, starting the first day of the preceding month.

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