Bungalow Heaven Home Tour

Explore the impressive and gorgeous collection of bungalows nestled in Pasadena with a one-of-a-kind walking tour through the historic neighborhood.

The Bungalow Heaven Home Walking Tour takes guests on a foot tour through the Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood in Pasadena. Built between 1888 and 1956, the houses in this district stand not only as a testament to their architectural era but also as nationally recognized landmarks.

Bungalow Heaven was added to the National Register of Historic Places after being named as a historic landmark in 1989. The district has also earned the title “10 great places in America” from the American Planning Association (APA)

In addition to exterior tours of the homes, the walking tour will also welcome you inside the houses and feature several talks with restoration teams and historical architecture professionals to share details about the homes and their histories.

Only held once a year, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your tickets before they’re sold out, and grab your walking shoes for this six-hour-long tour.

Tour Information

When: April 26, 2026 | 10 AM - 4 PM, though plan on arriving around 9:40 AM

Where: McDonald Park | 1000 Mountain Avenue

Ticket Information:

A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to aid individuals affected by the Eaton Fire. The Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood Association encourages guests to make a generous donation to this cause outside of ticket purchase.

  • Advanced tickets go on sale between March 8 and April 25, 2026
  • Advanced tickets are $25, but there will be tickets available on the day of the event for $30
  • Children younger than 14-years-old are required to have a guardian present
  • Purchase your advance tickets here.

Bungalow Heaven History

Much like Rome, Bungalow Heaven wasn’t built in a day. In fact, the neighborhood took decades to become what it is today. When settlement in the town first began, it was nothing more than an agricultural hub in the heart of Pasadena. It wasn’t until the introduction of Pasadena’s iconic trolley system that the population skyrocketed.

This first wave of construction started in 1906 and introduced the neighborhood to the craftsman aesthetic of architectural design. Just as half of Bungalow Heaven had been filled with homes, construction was abruptly put on pause as the news of a World War drew individuals to serve and resources to be rationed. In the prosperity that followed wartime, home construction boomed again before another blow hit Bungalow Heaven (and the nation as a whole): The Great Depression.

Construction stopped. Families abandoned. Homes were foreclosed. It took years for the economy to recover, leaving Bungalow Heaven half-developed and struggling to find residents. Finally, just before World War II was fully in swing, the final lots were bought up and developed upon. And so, by 1956, the Bungalow Heaven neighborhood stood as we know it in the 21st century

Craftsman Architecture

Due to the decades it took to develop the Bungalow Heaven neighborhood, the aesthetics of the homes show an obvious progression of time and a clear blending of architectural eras.

With the houses dating back to the 1880s, the Victorian style decorates their look with ornate details reminiscent of the medieval or Renaissance eras. In more modern structures, the minimal traditional design takes center stage. But, the face of the neighborhood – by far – is the arts and crafts homes.

Arts and Crafts homes, better known as Craftsman, took a sharp turn against the detailed design of the Victorian era before it. The architectural style highlighted simpler design elements with large roof overhangs, natural materials, ample porch space, and – perhaps their most notable feature – tapered porch columns.

Pasadena’s hub of craftsmans if not by mistake or coincidence. Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, two of the founding architects of the Arts and Crafts movement, built their firm in Pasadena. Their impacts on the movement are recognizable not only in Bungalow Heaven, but throughout Pasadena and the nation as a whole.

For a better eye for deciphering the different architectural styles found in Bungalow Heaven, read more here.

FAQ

Where should I park for the Bungalow Heaven Home Tour?

There is street parking around the starting point of McDonald Park.

Are there any tips for attending the walking tour?

  • Bring water
  • Wear sunscreen
  • Pack comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing
  • Be ready to stay longer than the tour itself! McDonald Park will also be hosting live music, local food vendors, homemade baked goods, and a silent auction!

Is the Bungalow Heaven Home Tour worth it for families?

Bungalow Heaven Home Tour is a great educational tour of a historic district in Pasadena. While guests of all ages are welcome, it’s important to keep in mind that the professional conversations led by historians and restoration experts, and long periods of walking, may not be suitable for all children and all interests. If you do choose to bring your family along, know that there is no children’s pricing for the tickets.

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