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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.

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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.

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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...

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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...

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Architecture

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

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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?

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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...

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Family-Friendly...

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

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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.

Friends pose for a picture under colorful rainbow banners in Pasadena.
How to Experience Pasadena on a Budget

You don't have to break the bank to have an incredible time in Pasadena. A little strategy and know-how will help you...
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...

The Pasadena skyline at dusk with bridges, homes, and mountains in the distance
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.

Outdoors

Eaton Canyon

Eaton Canyon

Hiking Trails in Pasadena. Eaton Canyon is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. While...

Recreation

Eaton Canyon Golf Course

Photo Credit: Eaton Canyon Golf Course

Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Eaton Canyon Golf Course is a 9-hole par 35 course just under 300 yards. Built in 1962, the...

Landmarks

The Gamble House

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Craftsman Masterpiece. The Gamble House was designed in 1908 by Pasadena architects, Greene & Greene as the winter residence for David and Mary Gamble. The...

Outdoors

Hahamongna Watershed Park

HWP

Hahamogna Watershed Park is located at the Southeast corner of Oak Grove Drive and Foothill Boulevard. This 1300-acre park in the Arroyo Seco extends from...

Tours

Haunted Pasadena

Haunted Pasadena

Haunted Tours. Join Pasadena Walking Tours on an original and locally-run walking tour, Haunted Pasadena. Pasadena Walking Tours is well-known for its...

Entertainment

The Ice House Comedy Club

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Legendary Comedy Club. Since opening in 1960, many well-known comedians have graced the Ice House Comedy Club stage. As the oldest comedy club in the nation,...

Entertainment

IPIC Theaters

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Pasadena Movie Theater A pioneer of the dine-in theater concept, IPIC® Theaters' mission is to a create an unforgettable experience for guests. IPIC Theaters'...

Museums

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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NASA Facility in PasadenaJPL is a research, development, and flight center for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), it is operated and...

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