Nestled on the outskirts of Los Angeles, Pasadena won’t come to thoughts once you’re considering of neighbourhoods to go to, particularly when put next with its extra well-known counterparts akin to Hollywood, Santa Monica or lots of the metropolis’s different iconic spots. Nonetheless, Pasadena is a hidden gem, backdropped by the gorgeous San Gabriel mountains. Issues to do in Pasadena embrace procuring, discovering historical past, reside leisure and consuming scrumptious meals.
Whether or not you favor to spend time in nature in a zen backyard, hike Mount Wilson, or need to expertise an evening of comedy and wonderful native meals, it’s all proper at your fingertips in Pasadena – with an area and genuine Californian vibe.
Pasadena, California
High 3 Pasadena Excursions
- Discover Pasadena Strolling Tour – study the secrets and techniques of Outdated Pasadena, its pioneers, historic vaudeville and extra.
- Haunted Pasadena Strolling Tour – hunt for ghosts in spooky buildings, tunnels and alleys and study concerning the mysteries of this historic metropolis.
- Self-guided Tour – This finances model will take you to among the metropolis’s most beautiful posts. It’s good for photographers.
20 Issues To Do In Pasadena
1- Discover Outdated Pasadena
Outdated City Pasadena is surprisingly filled with historical past and plenty to discover, given that is the guts of the neighbourhood.
Head alongside Colorado Boulevard to take a look at varied outlets, eating places and cafes – there are over 200 fascinating shops right here to find.
There are additionally museums, markets, theatres and extra right here.
A lot of Pasadena’s prime issues to do are situated on this space, so taking a stroll might be a good way to familiarise your self with the world.
Be certain to not miss Citadel Inexperienced Monument, Central Park and The Speakeasy for a primary style of the actual Pasadena.
In the event you’re on a finances, this self-guided tour of Pasadena will take you to the historic and most instagrammable spots with out breaking the financial institution.
2- Go to The Gamble Home
One of the vital stunning homes in Pasadena, the Gamble home was constructed for one of many recipients of the Procter & Gamble fortune, the now world-renowned huge pharma firm.
The Nationwide Historic Landmark is a well-liked attraction because of its beautiful structure, which relies on the Artwork and Crafts motion within the space.
Excursions run 4 days per week the place you’ll be able to study extra concerning the historical past of the home and gardens, or for those who’re particularly within the design and interiors, there are additionally frequent in-depth excursions on the topic.
The Gamble Home is at 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103.
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3- Watch A Sport At The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl might be Pasadena’s most well-known attraction, a 90,000-seat stadium used for the whole lot from faculty matches to the Olympics and big music concert events.
The stadium is one other of Pasadena’s Nationwide Historic Landmarks, because it stored a lot of its unique design, though it has been renovated a number of instances.
In the event you’re visiting in winter, you could be fortunate sufficient to catch a soccer match right here, which is nice for experiencing the all-American environment at sports activities video games.
On sure weekends, it additionally hosts one of many space’s largest flea markets, the place you’ll be able to decide up fabulous antiques, garments and souvenirs.
The Rose Bowl is at 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103.
4- Admire The Structure Of Metropolis Corridor
Pasadena Metropolis Corridor is among the space’s most iconic sights, that includes unbelievable Renaissance structure and engaging historical past.
The constructing has an enormous six-storey tower and a reasonably courtyard inside.
You possibly can stroll by means of the constructing to see its fairly rose backyard, courtyard and fountains, well-liked spots for marriage ceremony photoshoots.
Many individuals go to Metropolis Corridor for a memorable photographs because the constructing has been utilized in well-known motion pictures akin to Mission Inconceivable, The Massive Bang Idea and Parks & Recreation.
Metropolis Corridor is at 100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. Meet in entrance of Metropolis Corridor for a strolling tour of Pasadena’s prime spots however make sure that to prebook your spot on the tour right here.
5- Discover Nature At Eaton Canyon Nature Centre
Pasadena will quickly show you fallacious for those who thought LA was only a built-up metropolis.
Eaton Canyon is among the greatest locations within the metropolis to get out into nature, with a great deal of nice hikes and walks which take you thru forests and to waterfalls within the San Gabriel Mountains.
Even for teenagers, the centre might be instructional, with a guests centre filled with details about the world’s wildlife, nature and historical past.
Other than fairly hikes, there are picnic trails the place you’ll find yourself at a scenic spot alongside together with your lunch, areas for horse-riding, and for those who’re not as skilled, guided walks and excursions can lead you to the scenic spots.
Eaton Canyon Nature Centre is at 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107.
6- Admire Works Of The Outdated Masters At Norton Simon Museum
Norton Simon Museum homes one in all California’s greatest artwork collections, with a everlasting exhibition comprising over 12,000 items.
It’s particularly well-liked because of its giant variety of Outdated Masters, with works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Manet, Monet and extra.
The museum additionally hosts restricted runs of exhibitions with art work spanning centuries and internationally, in addition to workshops, excursions and lessons that are good for artwork buffs or budding artists.
It has fairly grounds to discover, together with an unlimited sculpture backyard good for a post-museum stroll, and is one in all Pasadena’s unmissable points of interest.
Norton Simon Museum is at 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105.
7- Transport Your self To The Future At The Jet Propulsion Laboratory
You will discover all kinds of cool tech-related points of interest in California, so it’s no shock that there’s a collaboration between NASA and Caltech in Pasadena.
The lab research the whole lot to do with aviation, house, robotics and astronomy and is even behind innovations such because the Curiosity Rover and house probes.
That you must ebook excursions right here effectively prematurely, however for those who handle to snag a spot, you’ll study all concerning the science behind what goes on right here.
You’ll watch the scientists who management house rovers peek contained in the Area Flight Operations Centre and see cool house and know-how demonstrations.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is at 4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109.
8- See A Present At Pasadena Playhouse
The Pasadena Playhouse is the world’s well-known 600+ seat theatre venue, the place you’ll be able to catch all kinds of enjoyable exhibits, from musicals to performs, dance performances and concert events.
It’s the official state theatre of California, and for those who don’t handle to see a present, do be part of a guided tour of the theatre to admire its beautiful inside.
The Playhouse District is a neighbourhood full of among the space’s greatest eating places, bars and golf equipment, and a number of museums, so that you received’t be in need of issues to do throughout your go to.
Pasadena Playhouse is at 39 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. The Haunted Pasadena Strolling Tour meets at 6.30 pm throughout the road from the Pasadena Playhouse and is a spooky tour with haunting tales. Discover out extra about it right here.
9- Browse By means of Vroman’s Bookstore
Vroman’s bookstore is a must-visit for anybody who likes to learn and even those that don’t.
It’s the most important unbiased bookshop in SoCal and one of many largest within the USA.
Lots of the world’s most well-known writers have held ebook signings right here, akin to Salman Rushdie and Joan Didion, and it has an unlimited number of books on all types of subjects, together with California.
If you are going to buy a ebook or two, they’ve an onsite wine bar, 1894, which is the proper place to get pleasure from a drink when you learn.
Vroman’s Bookstore is at 695 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101. On the lookout for a enjoyable strategy to go to Pasadena’s highlights (together with Vroman’s bookstore)? Try this enjoyable challenge-solving recreation you’ll be able to play in your telephone.
10- See The Colorado Avenue Bridge That Starred In La La Land
Regardless of its tragic historical past, the Colorado Avenue Bridge has turn into one in all Pasadena’s most well-known places.
Throughout the nice despair, over 100 suicides occurred right here, resulting in police having to patrol the world.
Extra just lately, you might recognise the gorgeous Beaux-Arts arches and streetlamps from the movie La La Land, which has given the bridge new life and continues to draw guests from throughout for an iconic film picture.
You’ll discover it most busy at sundown when folks flock to attempt to seize the purple and orange hues as their backdrop.
The Colorado Avenue Bridge is at 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105.
11- Hike The San Gabriel Mountains
The San Gabriel Mountains sit simply behind Pasadena and make an ideal escape from town for individuals who love nature.
The mountains stretch by means of many northern Californian cities and conceal many beautiful peaks, canyons and waterfalls, which you’ll discover by means of hikes.
In the event you’re up for a problem, hike as much as Mount San Antonio, the best peak in LA County.
Alternatively, there are a couple of much less strenuous locations to see, such because the Bridge to Nowhere, Jackson’s Lake and Strawberry Peak, good for much less skilled hikers.
Barely additional afield, get pleasure from a winter vacation within the ski area of Mountain Excessive earlier than returning to the sunny shores of LA.
12- Brookside Park
For a calming time out in nature with out an excessive amount of strenuous exercise, try Brookside Park.
The huge 62-acre (25 ha) Pasadena park is ready towards the San Gabriel Mountains and is the place you’ll be able to spend a day outside.
Take a picnic, go for a stroll, carry a ball and play on the sports activities fields. It’s a prime spot to immerse your self within the native way of life.
You too can go operating or biking across the park or attempt to catch a recreation on the Jackie Robinson Baseball Stadium within the north of the park.
There are many facilities, akin to barbecue pits, picnic areas and playgrounds for a enjoyable and relaxed time out.
Brookside Park is at 360 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103.
13- Tour Match Home
You’ve undoubtedly heard of Wrigley chewing gum, so why not go to Match Home and Wrigley Gardens, an property purchased by William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate himself?
The home is house to the Match of Roses Affiliation which organises video games on the close by Rose Bowl, however the home is an attraction in itself.
With beautiful Renaissance structure, exhibitions and excursions inside, plus the 4.5 acres of superbly manicured gardens with over 1,000 completely different flower varieties exterior, it’s a sight value visiting.
Excursions run for half the 12 months, so it’s value checking beforehand that you simply’ll be there on the proper time.
Match Home and Wrigley Gardens are at 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105.
14- Grasp Out At Caltech
Caltech (California Institute of Know-how) is a world-renowned college for pioneering scientific and technological discoveries.
It’s one of the preeminent universities for science and engineering and has produced among the greatest minds in these industries.
Though the campus is usually closed to the general public, there are frequent excursions of the 124-acre (50 ha) grounds the place you’ll study extra about its historical past and alumni.
Plus, anybody can attend the exhibits and musical performances within the theatre or try the historic buildings – you’ll really feel smarter simply by visiting.
Caltech is at 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125.
15- Drive Or Hike Up Mount Wilson
Mount Wilson is one other peak that sits among the many San Gabriel Mountains, nonetheless, this one is way extra well-liked, and its peak might be seen from throughout LA.
It may be a ache to hike right here, though you’ll be able to for those who’re decided, however you can too drive up, the place you’ll uncover the Mount Wilson Observatory, which homes a 100-inch telescope, as soon as the most important on the earth.
It was additionally the placement the place the velocity of sunshine was first recorded.
Other than science, there are additionally spectacular views throughout Pasadena, LA and most of California on a transparent day.
There’s additionally a museum filled with artefacts owned by Edward Hubble and many strolling trails to find.
16- Have A Good Snicker At The Ice Home Comedy Membership
Certainly one of Pasadena’s hottest and iconic venues because the Nineteen Sixties, Ice Home Comedy Membership is a constant barrel of snickers and is the oldest comedy membership within the nation.
It’s a easy membership with easy exhibits, however you’re assured an excellent time for those who spend the night right here, whether or not you get to see a well-known face or an up-and-coming comic.
Some large comedic names have carried out right here, together with Jerry Seinfeld and Robin Williams, and now two rooms host as much as 7,000 attendees per 30 days.
You possibly can simply make a night of it on the Ice Home, because it provides onsite dinner, drinks and snacks so you’ll be able to get pleasure from a tasty meal and cocktails earlier than settling in for the present.
The Ice Home Comedy Membership is at 24 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106.
17- Calm down In Huntington Library & Gardens
Huntington Gardens are a tranquil oasis within the metropolis, created by Henry E. Huntington, a railroad magnate, in 1919.
The library and gardens mix artwork, analysis and nature in a single place, and the artwork gallery right here options three collections: British, American and French from the 18th and nineteenth centuries.
The botanical backyard is stuffed with wildflowers, housing a Chinese language backyard, rose backyard, Japanese backyard and a rose backyard which you’ll discover.
There are two eating places, a café and a sublime tea room for once you want a refuelling cease.
Huntington Library & Gardens is at 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108.
18- Store At A Flea Market
As talked about, the Rosebowl market is hosted on sure weekends of the month (9 am to three pm) on the well-known Rose Bowl Stadium.
You’ll discover over 2,500 distributors promoting the whole lot from antiques and classic clothes to crafts and artwork.
Working for over 45 years, that is an iconic market to go to for its procuring, historical past and concession stands supply meals and drinks.
Maintain looking out for a Hollywood superstar or two.
One other market to take a look at is the Metropolis School Flea Market, which is often on the primary Sunday of every month, between 8 am to three pm.
Tons of of distributors right here supply all types of products, nevertheless it’s not as giant because the Rosebowl market.
There are greater than 500 stalls promoting antiques, garments, books and souvenirs.
It’s referred to as the Metropolis School Market, as many stalls are run by college students who want jobs to fund their research.
It’s primarily well-liked with locals, however that simply means you’ll see a much more genuine facet of Pasadena for those who determine to go to.
Metropolis School Flea Market 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106. Rosebowl Flea Market is at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103.
19- Have Enjoyable At A Pageant At Levitt Pavilion
This unassuming pavilion is in Memorial Park, within the coronary heart of Pasadena.
Throughout the summer season, it’s the centre level of the world’s largest competition, with reside music performances and actions inside a miniature Hollywood Bowl.
Every summer season sees round 50 concert events hosted right here, with each doable style from Pop to RnB, Jazz and Soul to Rock.
Many foods and drinks distributors supply a few of California’s greatest delicacies and leisure for teenagers and adults alike.
The occasion is at all times utterly free, nevertheless it does get busy, so attempt to arrive early to arrange in a great spot.
Levitt Pavilion is in Memorial Park, 85 E Holly St, Pasadena, CA 91103.
20- Go to Bungalow Heaven
Admiring actual property won’t be the very first thing in your sightseeing listing for those who’re visiting Pasadena, particularly in comparison with extra well-known property places like Mulholland Drive not far-off, nonetheless, Bungalow Heaven is a must-see.
This space was voted one of the stunning locations in America because of its large assortment of among the nation’s prettiest and most architecturally beautiful bungalows.
Round 800 classically-designed bungalows courting again to the 1900s are on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations listing.
Very often (as soon as per 12 months), the neighbourhood provides excursions, with guides arrange all alongside the road so you’ll be able to have a peek inside among the most stunning houses.
