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Pasadena, California

Things to Do

Whether you're a foodie, culture vulture, nature lover, music chaser, movie fanatic, fine art aficionado, or history buff, there's more than enough in Pasadena to keep you busy. Here are the best things to do, from shopping boutiques and breathtaking museums to trendy restaurant bars and lush outdoor adventure.

UCLA Football
How to do UCLA Bruins Football at the Rose Bowl Stadium like a local

Be a part of the UCLA Bruins Football Fandom and experience the beloved Rose Bowl Stadium just like the locals do.

hiking forest bathing couple
The Arroyo Seco

The Arroyo Seco translates to "dry gulch" in Spanish and was named by explorer Gaspar de Portolà. The land was first...
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...
Boba Trail

Rooted in local Asian American history and cultural relevance, Pasadena’s boba culture is a vibrant celebration of the...

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.

Architecture

From historic architectural marvels to heavenly craftsman homes, there are over 30 historic and landmark districts packed into 23 square miles in...

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

Shop Pasadena

Shopping in Pasadena is a popular recreational activity, set against the backdrop of ornate buildings and historic landmarks, the one-of-a-kind shops...

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Pasadena Shopping, Bookstore, Things to Do

Bookstores & Comic...

Are you tired of the same old bookstore chains? Have you read enough "New York Times Best-Sellers" to make your eyes go dry?

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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 Civic Auditorium

Music and 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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Restaurants &...

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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Pasadena Hotels

Hotels and 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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Hiking at Angeles National Forest

Outdoor & Recreation

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

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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.

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...

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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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Outdoors

Brookside Golf Club

Brookside Golf Club is a 36-hole complex designed by William P. Bell and the oldest golf course in Los Angeles County. Enjoy swinging among golden foothills of...

Brookside park
Outdoors

Brookside Park

Park Near the Rose BowlPasadena's largest fully maintained park facility (61.1 acres) is located just south of Rose Bowl Stadium. Lots of parking is available...
Shopping

Canterbury Records

Founded in 1956, Canterbury Records is LA’s oldest surviving record shop. The family-owned, independent store has long catered to music lovers of all genres....

Castle Green
Architecture

Castle Green

Historic Hotel. Built in 1898, the Castle Green was designed with influence of Moorish, Spanish and Victorian elements. It was an annex to Hotel Green which...

Central Park sign in Pasadena, CA.
Outdoors

Central Park

Pasadena Central Park was established in 1902 and is one of Pasadena's two earliest parks. Located in the heart of the city, the park occupies several blocks...

Century Books
Shopping

Century Books

Century Books is an independent used bookstore and art gallery located at the beautiful Green Street Village. The charming shop offers a wide array of books in...

spread of dim sum offerings at Chef Tony's including har gao, dumplings, and shumai.
On the Parade Route

Chef Tony Dim Sum

Chef Tony Dim Sum is a modern dim sum experience, blending Cantonese staples with inventive interpretations. The dishes are a reflection of Guangdong Cantonese...

Colorado street bridge
Architecture

Colorado Street Bridge

Picturesque Views. The Colorado Street Bridge is a historic Beaux Arts bridge that spreads over Pasadena. The bridge was built across the Arroyo Seco...
Shopping

Commune Records

Commune Records is located in a brick building on Holly Street, in Old Pasadena. The shop offers a highly curated selection of vintage records and unique...

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