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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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View of donuts being boxed at Hello You're Welcome in Pasadena, CA.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options

Hello You're Welcome

HYW is a place where cultures converge through food heritage, incorporating the flavors of Rwanda, South America, Morocco, and Sicily into their donut lines...
Shopping

Homage

Homage has a little bit for everyone. It's almost guaranteed that you will find something that catches your eye, and probably so much more. Their carefully...

Howard Johnson hotel
Motels & Inns

Howard Johnson Pasadena

Howard Johnson Pasadena is located across the street from Pasadena City College, and within walking distance to Caltech. The Huntington is 1 mile away (1.6...
Motels & Inns

Hyland Inn

The Hyland Inn near Pasadena Civic Center is minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Burbank, Arcadia and San Marino. Additional area attractions include the...
Landmarks

Ice House Comedy Club

Legendary Comedy Club. Since opening in 1960, many renowned comedians have graced the Ice House Comedy Club stage. As the oldest comedy club in the nation,...
Movie Theaters

IPIC Theaters

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'...

JPL museum
Historic Building

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

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

Kimono no Kobeya

Located in the Burlington Arcade, Kimono no Kobeya is a boutique shop with the largest selection of authentic Japanese kimonos on this side of the Pacific....

la grande orange
Outdoor Dining

La Grande Orange Café

AT&SF Train Depot. La Grande Orange Café gives new life to an old train depot — the space was formerly a Santa Fe Railway depot, later Amtrak took over, and...

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