Skip to content
65°

Pasadena, California

Things to Do

Discover the vibrant charm of Pasadena, CA, a city brimming with exciting attractions, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures. Nestled at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena offers a diverse array of activities for every type of traveler. From exploring the iconic Huntington Library and Gardens to enjoying a leisurely stroll through the historic Old Pasadena district, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a foodie looking to indulge in top-notch cuisine, an art enthusiast eager to visit the Norton Simon Museum, or an outdoor lover ready to hike Eaton Canyon, Pasadena promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and uncover the many things to do in Pasadena, California!

Norton Simon Museum

Museums

Pasadena is known for its abundance of renowned cultural institutions, many within walking distance of one another.

More
Pasadena Shopping Destinations, Vintage Finds, Antique, One-of-a-kind, Southern California, Things to Do

Shopping

Shopping in Pasadena is a popular recreational activity, count it in as sightseeing, catching up with friends, or treasure hunting.

More

Dining

Trying new cuisines is one of the most thrilling experiences for taste buds and cultural immersion. Pasadena is home to over 650 restaurants, where...

More
Hiking at Angeles National Forest

Outdoors

With temperate weather, ample wildlife, and natural areas, Pasadena is home to the ancestral lands of the Hahamongna band of Tongva people. They...

More

Architecture

There are over 30 historic and landmark districts packed into 23 square miles in Pasadena.

More
Pasadena Civic Auditorium

Music & Theater

Do you accidentally give driving directions using stage left and stage right? Is your go-to dance move the jazz square?

More
Pasadena Hotels

Hotels & Lodging

Choosing Pasadena as your home base for any trip to the Los Angeles area is a smart strategy. From here, you’ll have fast, easy access to downtown...

More

Family-Friendly...

Traveling with children can be stressful and trying to satisfy every family members' interest when on vacation is a juggling act.

More

In Pasadena, California's history and heritage is met with palm-lined streets, ornate architecture, national landmarks, popular art & cultural institutions, shopping boutiques, and ethnically diverse food. Explore the “Crown of the Valley” solo or as a group to discover what makes the city one of Los Angeles’ unique hidden gems.

District Guide
Old Pasadena Street

Old Pasadena

With 22 blocks designated as a National Register Historic District, Old Pasadena abounds with impeccably restored late 19th and early 20th-century...

More
convention center exterior

Civic Center

The Civic Center District is a vibrant zone that sits between Old Pasadena and The Playhouse Village. The beautiful Beaux-Arts and Mediterranean...

More
Pasadena Arts

Playhouse Village

The artsy Playhouse Village is home to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse along with museums, galleries, eateries, and a smattering of independent shops.

More
South Lake Avenue

South Lake Avenue

South Lake is a 12-block stretch of boutiques, restaurants, and purveyors of beauty, health, and wellness. Major national chain stores like Macy’s...

More

Pasadena is home to over 30 nationally registered historic districts, including the thriving downtown neighborhoods that offer shops, bars and restaurants in well-preserved turn-of-the-century buildings.

The Brunch Guide to Pasadena: 5 Ways to Brunch

Brunch is back and leisurely weekend feasts have officially been revived across Pasadena, where even the brunch is a...
Celebrating 100 Years Since The Cheeseburger Was Invented in Pasadena

As the foodlore goes, the cheeseburger made its debut 100 years ago at The Rite Spot in western Pasadena. In January...

Jumak Restaurant in Pasadena, CA.
New Restaurants

Restaurant openings aren’t seeing any sort of slowdown with exciting new spots across Pasadena. Here are the hottest...
Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Pasadena

There’s so much to see and do with children in Pasadena, from world-class museums and botanical gardens to live...

Pasadena skyline
Pasadena Filming Locations

Driving around Pasadena, with its idyllic tree-lined streets and clusters of historic craftsman homes, it’s hard not to...

High Low Vintage
Top 12 Shops in Pasadena's Vintage Vault

With everything from Victorian to Art Deco and Hollywood Regency to Palm Springs modern, the Pasadena Vintage Vault is...
Vegan & Vegetarian

If you're vegan, semi-vegetarian, flexitarian, or undecided, the plant-based foodways in Southern California shines in...

Bone Kettle Berry Mango Mimosas
Cocktail Guide

Creative cocktails are on the menu at so many of Pasadena's watering holes and eateries.

Performing Arts

A Noise Within

A-Noise-Within-945x596-3_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

A Noise Within, called "an oasis for those who love classic stories" by Los Angeles Times, is a leading regional theatre producer based in Pasadena. ANW's...

Event Venue

Ambassador Auditorium

Ambassador Auditorium Image 4

The historic Ambassador Auditorium is Pasadena's premier cultural destination for events which inspire and uplift people through performing arts. The...

Outdoors

Angeles National Forest

dog

Follow Angeles National Forest on Twitter for updates on road closures and other activity. San Gabriel Mountains Oftentimes, pictures of Pasadena show...

Outdoors

Annandale Canyon

Annandale park

Catch a beautiful scenic overlook of the Los Angeles skyscrapers at the new Annandale Canyon Park. The park contains six parking spaces (one accessible). This...

Gardens

Arlington Garden

Arlington Pasadena

Pasadena's Public Garden. Arlington Garden is a non-profit garden that is the result of a collaboration between Arlington Garden in Pasadena, City of...

Museums

Armory Center for the Arts

Field Trip

Pasadena's Armory Center for the Arts is a leader for contemporary art exhibitions and community-based arts education. Our mission is to nurture our community...

Landmarks

Arroyo Seco

Dog-friendly

The Arroyo Seco refers to both the stream course and the canyon spans throughout the western portion of Pasadena. "The Arroyo" supports thriving natural...

Performing Arts

Beckman & Ramo Auditoriums

Caltech-2_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Caltech PresentsFor over 50 years, Caltech has offered a gateway to science and cultures through a wide variety of public programs in the arts and sciences....

Tours

Bikes and Hikes

Bikes-and-Hikes-LA-945x596-1_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Hiking and Biking Tours Through a selection of five regularly scheduled guided biking and hiking tours, Bikes & Hikes LA offers individual travelers an up...

Event Venue

The Blinn House

Blinn House

Pasadena Heritage’s historic Blinn House offers a unique hospitality experience to hold your next meeting or event in a historic setting. Built in 1906, The...

Results 1 - 12 of 77