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.

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.

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.

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...

American

Lovebirds Café & Bakery

Established in 1984, Lovebirds Cafe & Bakery features fresh salads & sandwiches made with homemade breads, delicious cookies, danishes, pastries, muffins,...

Outdoors

Lower Arroyo Park Area

Enjoy mild hiking trails, a bridle path, an archery range, a casting pond, and a natural space that feels a world away from the nearby urban centers. The...

Luggage Room Pizzeria
Outdoor Dining

Luggage Room

Pizzeria in Old Pasadena. Luggage Room is a pizzeria in Old Pasadena located at Del Mar Station, featuring indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant is...

Outdoors

MACH 1 Equine Assisted Therapy

Founded by longtime Pasadena Resident Joy Rittenhouse, MACH 1 (“Move A Child Higher”) began operations in 1996. Joy had polio as a child and found healing...

Outdoor Dining

Maestro Restaurant

Mexican Restaurant and Mezcaleria. Maestro is an upscale Mexican restaurant and Mezcaleria located in historic Old Pasadena. Maestro specializes in...