Old Pasadena

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With 22 blocks designated as a National Register Historic District, Old Pasadena abounds with impeccably restored late 19th and early 20th-century architecture. “Old Pas,” as locals affectionately call it, offers open-air shopping plazas, hidden laneways and a lively strip of retailers and restaurants along the main drag, Colorado Boulevard.

Eat

Maestro excels at modern Mexican in a plush setting, with a killer mezcal list to boot. True Food Kitchen and Sage Plant Based Bistro specialize in ultra-healthy, super delicious fare. Osawa delights sushi and shabu shabu lovers with their meticulously prepared Japanese cuisine and artful presentation. The fruits of the sea are the star of the show at New England-inspired Fishwives. The intimate, Italian-inflected Union Restaurant is deservedly one of Pasadena’s most popular dinner destinations. Another Italian hot spot, Mi Piace has been pleasing palates for 30 years. Luggage Room Pizzeria prepares delectable pizzas in their woodburning oven.

Shop

Colorado Boulevard and Green Street are lined with a large mix of national chains and independent retailers as diverse as Design Within Reach and Warby Parker, to name just a few. Meander through the upscale One Colorado outdoor shopping center to find elegant clothing stores like Finn + Willow. If you’re in the market for one-of-a-kind housewares and gifts, beeline to Gold Bug, Maude Woods, and Homage. Jenette Bras carries Southern California’s largest selection of size D-K bras and swimwear.

Play

Play arcade and video games straight out of the 1980s at The Neon Retro Arcade, where more than 50 “vintage” games entertain all ages. Stroll through the 9.2-acre Central Park (275 S. Raymond Ave.). Take exterior photos of the 1898 Nationally Registered Historic Monument Castle Green, a popular film production and event space—the inside is open to the public for tours only twice a year. Check out the latest exhibits at the Armory Center for the Arts, an independent contemporary art and community arts educational institution. Sip while you paint your very own masterpiece at Pinot’s Palette. Watch a movie paired with gourmet eats and drinks at IPIC Pasadena, a high-end cinema in One Colorado.

Nightlife

True to its name, The Speakeasy (25 N. Raymond Ave.) is a proper 1920s bar where you need a password to gain entrance—email info@speakeasypasadena.com to request the magic word. Oenophiles can swirl, sniff and sip California vintages at We Olive’s Wine Bar, and The Cellar. A good time can always be found at Pasadena’s largest night club, Club 54 Lounge & Nightclub, offering three levels of music, dancing, and drinks. A full-on nightclub experience is also on the menu at iX Tapa Cantina. Lively, laid-back Edwin Mills by Equator is the spot for late-night drinks with tasty eats.

Take-Out

21 Choices

21 Choices serves a variety of customizable frozen yogurt flavors to help you stay cool. Choose from fruits, nuts, cookies, and other sweets to make your froyo...

Bar

35er Bar

No matter what team you're rooting for, 35ers is the ideal sports bar to watch the game. There are 15 TVs positioned everywhere and anywhere, so no seat is a...

American

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery

Agnes is a restaurant and cheesery from chef/owners Vanessa and Thomas Tilaka Kalb, primarily inspired by the timeless tradition of gathering around a table...

Take-Out

All India Café

All India Cafe is a low-key Indian restaurant in Old Pasadena, it is family-run and the food here is authentic. Their menu features dishes from all parts of...

Shopping

All Love Collections

All Love Collections is an Asian and woman-owned skincare and wellness shop that sells soaps, Korean face and skin care, body wash, cleansers, and more. Book a...

Outdoor Dining

Amara Chocolate and Coffee

Amara Chocolate and Coffee is a Venezuelan café specializing in coffee, arepas, cachapas, and Spanish churros. They offer unique Venezuelan flavors. A full...

Shopping

April Blooms

Shopping at April Blooms' clothing boutique will not only make you look good, but it will also make you feel good. April Blooms strives to empower women to...

Art Museums

Armory Center for the Arts

The Armory builds on the power of art to transform lives and communities through creating, teaching and presenting the arts. The Armory Center for the Arts has...

Outdoor Dining

Arroyo Chop House

Classic American Steakhouse. Arroyo Chop House is a classic American steakhouse located near the mansions of Millionaire's Row. Their USDA Prime beef is aged...

Outdoor Dining

Barney’s Beanery Pasadena

Route 66 Roadhouse. Barney's Beanery is a Route 66 Roadhouse located in Old Pasadena. Their large newspaper-style menu features 40 craft beers on draft, a...

Shopping

Battery Books and Music

The Battery Books and Music is a used bookstore in Pasadena, located within walking distance of the Pasadena Convention Center. Search through aisles filled...

Active Life and Sports

Bikes & Hikes LA

Hiking and Biking ToursThrough a selection of five regularly scheduled guided biking and hiking tours, Bikes & Hikes LA offers individual travelers an up close...