What kind of Pasadena trip is right for you?

Calling all art lovers, hikers, vintage treasure hunters and burger and boba connoisseurs: Pasadena has something to satisfy you all. This historic city in Los Angeles County, located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains with the iconic Route 66 running right through it, is only about 10 miles from downtown LA. The City of Roses is famous for the millionaires who built their mansions here, including chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.; the annual Rose Bowl Game, known as the “granddaddy of them all;” and the Rose Parade of flower-covered floats. Pasadena is also a major science hub, with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory located here.

This tradition in science, sports and architectural excellence has created a city with both big-deal attractions and small-town charm. Explore world-class art museums, trek canyon terrain and shop cobblestone alleyways—all in the same city and sometimes all in the same day.   

Advertisement

What are the best arts and cultural experiences in Pasadena?

Part art museum, part library and part botanical gardens, The Huntington has something to scratch just about any cultural itch, and it’s located just outside Pasadena in San Marino. For even more extraordinary art viewing, the Norton Simon Museum holds one of the most impressive private collections in the world, including works from the Renaissance through the 20th century.

Less than two miles away, the USC Pacific Asia Museum has a collection that spans more than 5,000 years and includes East Asian paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, and Chinese jade. From there, you could walk to catch a show at the Pasadena Playhouse, a legendary theater that’s been around since 1917 and where works by Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill and Suzan-Lori Parks have premiered.

Where should food lovers eat in Pasadena?

Widely recognized as the birthplace of the cheeseburger, Pasadena serves a mean patty, particularly at Pie ‘N Burger, which has been around since 1963, and Lucky Boy, which is equally beloved for its burgers and breakfast burritos. While the city’s burger history runs deep, a more recent bakery boom has locals pining for maple cinnamon pecan rolls at Artisanal Goods by CAR and the Japanese salt bread (aka shio pan) that’s gone viral from Wa-Iro. As for washing down all that buttery goodness, Pasadena is also home to a boba trail, with over two dozen bubble tea spots on and around Colorado Boulevard (aka Route 66), including Tea Spots and Bubble Puff & Tea.

Of course, there’s more than quick bites in the City of Roses. Dig into a plate of squid-ink pasta shells with Maine lobster, lemon and truffle butter at Union, the California-meets-Northern Italy restaurant honored with a Bib Gourmand distinction from Michelin. 

Advertisement

What are the best outdoor things to do in Pasadena?

Just because Route 66 passes through Pasadena doesn’t mean the city is only about car culture. Rack up serious mileage in your hiking boots with a visit to the Arroyo Seco, a scenic stretch of protected parkland with 22 miles of trails connecting hte Angeles National Forest with Pasadena and continuing south toward South Pasadena and Los Angeles.

For a relatively easy 3.2-mile loop trail, head to the Lower Arroyo Park Area. The Arroyo’s Hahamongna Watershed Park has a more intense 7.7-mile trek – Devil’s Gate via Flint Canyon – as well as the world’s first disc golf course. Or, make your way to Central Arroyo Seco and check out the 3.3-mile Recreation Loop, open to hikers, joggers and bicyclists. This paved path circles the Brookside Golf Course and Rose Bowl Stadium.

Speaking of which, if you prefer your cardio with a side of treasure hunting, a visit to the Rose Bowl Flea Market (held the second Sunday of each month) is some of the most thrilling outdoor shopping in Southern California. Over 2,500 vendors hawk everything here from vintage Dodgers tees to Mexican folk art to midcentury modern furniture.

What can you see and do around Old Pasadena?

Old Pasadena, the city’s original downtown, spans 22 blocks and features more than 300 restaurants and shops. Strolling the area’s main drag, Colorado, is an architectural attraction in itself, with perfectly preserved 19th and 20th century facades lining the boulevard. As for the shops, don’t miss Vroman’s, an independent bookstore that’s been around since 1894, and Gold Bug, filled with one-of-a-kind creations by local artists. And be sure to meander down some of the area’s boutique-lined alleyways, like the cobblestone ones that lead to a European-style square at One Colorado. The complex often hosts free events, like outdoor concerts, salsa dancing and workshops for kids. 

How can you experience sports in Pasadena beyond the Rose Parade?

Beyond the annual Rose Bowl Game and Rose Parade, which typically take place on New Year’s Day, catch Big Ten football games throughout the fall – Rose Bowl Stadium serves as the home field for UCLA. The stadium has also hosted soccer matches, including MLS preseason games and a FIFA Women’s World Cup Final.

In 2028, Pasadena and the Rose Bowl will be abuzz with activity, as the men’s and women’s soccer semifinals and gold medal finals will take place at the stadium during the Summer Olympics in LA. Additionally, the nearby Rose Bowl Aquatics Center will host the Olympic diving competitions.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Pasadena?

Two to three days in Pasadena is ideal, especially if you plan to attend a special event, like a football game or the flea market at the Rose Bowl. This way, you’ll still have time to explore the city’s museums, hiking trails and diverse food scene without feeling rushed.

What is the best time of year to visit Pasadena?

Pasadena is blessed with a warm-temperate climate, making it a pleasant place to visit all year. That being said, summer can get particularly hot (sometimes climbing into the 90s), and rain is most likely between January and March.

Is Pasadena walkable and how do you get around?

Old Pasadena is incredibly walkable, with shops and restaurants concentrated within a 22-block radius and centered around Colorado Boulevard. For destinations that are farther afield—such as the Huntington, Rose Bowl and Arroyo Seco – you’ll either need a car or ride share service. Or, hop on a Pasadena Transit bus. Route 51 runs between Old Pasadena, the Rose Bowl and Arroyo Seco.

Is Pasadena good for families?

Walkable Old Pasadena and all the outdoor spaces mentioned above make the city perfect for families. Youngsters will also love a visit to Kidspace, the children’s museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits that’s right by the Rose Bowl. Exhibits include a mini-version of the Arroyo ecosystem with splashable water features, plus an obstacle course for crawlers, tricycle tracks and craft workshops.