Destination Services
With 22 blocks designated as a National Register Historic District, Old Pasadena abounds with impeccably restored late 19th and early 20th-century architecture.
“Old Pas,” as locals affectionately call it, offers open-air shopping plazas, hidden laneways and a lively strip of retailers and restaurants along the main drag, Colorado Boulevard.
Maestro excels at modern Mexican in a plush setting, with a killer mezcal list to boot. True Food Kitchen specializes in ultra-healthy, super delicious fare. Osawa delights sushi and shabu shabu lovers with their meticulously prepared Japanese cuisine and artful presentation. The fruits of the sea are the star of the show at New England-inspired Fishwives. The intimate, Italian-inflected Union Restaurant is deservedly one of Pasadena’s most popular dinner destinations. Another Italian hot spot, Mi Piace has been pleasing palates for 30 years.
Colorado Boulevard and Green Street are lined with a large mix of national chains and independent retailers as diverse as Design Within Reach and Warby Parker, to name just a few. If you’re in the market for one-of-a-kind housewares and gifts, beeline to Gold Bug, Maude Woods, and Homage. Jenette Bras carries Southern California’s largest selection of size D-K bras and swimwear.
Play arcade and video games straight out of the 1980s at The Neon Retro Arcade, where more than 50 “vintage” games entertain all ages. Stroll through the 9.2-acre Central Park. Take exterior photos of the 1898 Nationally Registered Historic Monument Castle Green, a popular film production and event space—the inside is open to the public for tours only twice a year. Check out the latest exhibits at the Armory Center for the Arts, an independent contemporary art and community arts educational institution. Sip while you paint your very own masterpiece at Pinot’s Palette. Watch a movie paired with gourmet eats and drinks at IPIC Pasadena, a high-end cinema in One Colorado.
True to its name, The Speakeasy (25 N. Raymond Ave) is a proper 1920s bar where you need a password to gain entrance—email [email protected] to request the magic word. Oenophiles can swirl, sniff and sip California vintages at We Olive’s Wine Bar, and The Cellar. A good time can always be found at Pasadena’s largest night club, Club 54 Lounge & Nightclub, offering three levels of music, dancing, and drinks. A full-on nightclub experience is also on the menu at iX Tapa Cantina. Lively, laid-back Edwin Mills by Equator is the spot for late-night drinks with tasty eats.
Best Annual Events, Celebrations, and Festivals in Pasadena
Pasadena knows how to throw a party, and its annual events are the talk of the town. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are plenty of music festivals, food festivals, and city-wide celebrations to go around. Don't worry, we'll start with the granddaddy of them all – the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
Outdoor Dining Directory
Alfresco dining where diners can soak in the sun alongside some of the region’s most tantalizing cuisine
Memorable Museums
Pasadena is known for its abundance of renowned cultural institutions, many within walking distance of one another.
Shopping in Pasadena
Shopping in Pasadena is a popular recreational activity, count it in as sightseeing, catching up with friends, or treasure hunting.
