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.

Shopping

The Soap Kitchen

The Soap Kitchen is a mother/daughter business established in Old Pasadena, California in 2003. All soaps are handmade from scratch, hand-cut, and hand-wrapped...

Motels & Inns

Travelodge Pasadena

Rose Parade Route. Travelodge Pasadena is located on the Rose Parade route along Historic Route 66.Check-in: 2:00 pmCheck-out: 11:00 am Hotel Amenities. Free...

True food kitchen
Outdoor Dining

True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is a restaurant and lifestyle brand inspired by the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse, and that great tasting food...

Ucla football at rose bowl stadium
Outdoors

UCLA Bruins Football

The nation's most famous college football stadium – The Rose Bowl – has been the home of UCLA football since 1982. UCLA football was a member of the Pac-12...

Pacific asia museum
Architecture

USC Pacific Asia Museum

USC Pacific Asia Museum. USC Pacific Asia Museum is the only university museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia...

Vista del Arroyo Hotel
Architecture

Vista del Arroyo Hotel

Richard H. Chambers Courthouse. The Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals is located in what was once the Vista del Arroyo Hotel. The property...

vromans
On the Parade Route

Vroman’s Bookstore

Oldest Independent Bookstore. Founded in 1894, Vroman's is the oldest bookstore in Southern California. It is located next door to the Laemmle Playhouse 7...

Historic Building

Wanderlust Creamery

Flavors from Around the World. Located in Old Pasadena's Indiana Colony is Wanderlust Creamery. Treat yourself to artisanal ice cream flavors inspired and...

Whitmore Rare Books
Shopping

Whitmore Rare Books

If you're an antique book collector and are traveling through Old Pasadena, Whitmore is not one to miss. The owner, Dan Whitmore, has a passion for rare books...