Pasadena

Introduction

Located in Los Angeles County, you will find Pasadena situated just a short distance northeast of downtown Los Angeles. As the primary cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley, the area offers a distinct atmosphere rooted in its local heritage.

You can explore Old Pasadena, which serves as the city's original commercial district and provides a glimpse into the historical heart of the community.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by noting that Pasadena sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, a short distance from Downtown Los Angeles. You can explore various neighborhoods with distinct characters: Old Pasadena offers boutiques, national retailers, restaurants, and clubs in its western section, while South Lake provides chic shopping and dining. For those interested in culinary history, you can visit the birthplace of Julia Child or explore the area where the first Trader Joe's market opened.

When planning your itinerary, keep these safety considerations in mind:

• Stick to well-known areas like Old Pasadena, Playhouse District, and South Lake Avenue for amenities.
• Exercise caution when entering Northwest Pasadena due to historical gang activity.
• If you venture into the neighboring Angeles National Forest, stay on established trails, inform others of your plans, and carry plenty of water to manage the intense summer heat.

Getting there

You can reach Pasadena by flying into several nearby airports, including Burbank/Bob Hope, Los Angeles, Ontario, or Orange County. From the Burbank/Bob Hope airport, you can take a shuttle to reach your destination. If you land at LAX, you have several options for transit: you can book a shared-ride van from a representative in red jackets, or choose a multi-step public transit route involving the FlyAway bus and the Metro A Line light rail.

For those traveling by train, various routes exist from the LAX Metro Transit Center to Union Station before transferring to the A Line. These rail options involve more complex transfers but offer different routes through the region. If you prefer to drive, you can reach the southern end of Pasadena via the 110 freeway from Downtown L.A. or other southern cities, use Interstate 210 to access the city from the east or west, or take California Highway 134 East if traveling from Glendale or Burbank.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using an extensive network of trains and buses. The Metro A Line serves Arroyo Seco Parkway, Old Pasadena, and East Pasadena, providing connections to other Los Angeles-area rail lines, Amtrak, and routes heading east toward Azusa. For local travel, you can utilize the Pasadena Transit network along with services from Foothill Transit and LADOT (Commuter Express). If you are looking for a scenic ride, the Metro 180 bus travels from Pasadena to visitor-oriented areas of Hollywood.

While the size of the city generally requires the use of public transit or a car, many areas are very pedestrian-friendly. You can easily explore on foot within neighborhoods containing major shopping and entertainment hubs such as Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District, and South Lake Avenue. When using metro trains or buses, you can pay directly with a contactless credit card or Apple Pay to automatically receive free rides once daily and weekly fare caps are reached.

Where to stay

You can find a wide range of accommodations in Pasadena to suit your needs. Full-service hotels are clustered around downtown, providing you with easy access to local shops, restaurants, and entertainment. If you prefer a more secluded experience, some properties are nestled in pristine residential areas featuring historic ballrooms and gardens. Be mindful that many hotels increase their rates during the time of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and location, you can choose from various lodging styles:

• Full-service hotels located near Old Pasadena or across from the shops and restaurants of Paseo Colorado.
• Motels situated in the eastern part of the city, some of which are positioned along the Rose Parade route.

Food & drink

As the birthplace of Julia Child, Pasadena serves as a destination for diverse culinary experiences with hundreds of restaurants offering global cuisines. You can enjoy traditional Salvadoran pupusas or a hearty platter of grilled pork and tamales in the Lake area. For those seeking local favorites, visit an old converted home for breakfast featuring corn flake encrusted french toast, or find a family-style Mexican setting at the city's oldest restaurant. If you prefer quick bites, you can find vegetarian fast food, gourmet hot dogs served on Hawaiian bread with various toppings, or classic fast-food staples like breakfast burritos and chili cheese fries.

Explore unique flavors across different neighborhoods:

• Savor artisan ice cream and sorbet made with local produce in the East Washington area.
• Visit a specialty Italian grocery to find homemade bread and select a sandwich from the counter.
• Experience the local food truck scene by grabbing tacos at a nearby lot.
• Indulge in Japanese souffle pancakes or boba drinks for a group gathering.
• Find an artisan bakery known for its open-face egg salad sandwiches and decadent macaroons.

What to see and do

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Old Pasadena, a historic district filled with unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. You can admire architectural details ranging from the 19th century to the Art Deco period as you walk through the area. Nearby, the Playhouse District and Civic Center feature impressive historic buildings, including the Municipal Building and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. For those interested in history and art, visit the Norton Simon Museum to view centuries of European art and a collection of South Asian sculpture, or explore the USC Pacific Asia Museum for works from across the Pacific Islands. You can also tour the Gamble House, an American Arts and Crafts masterpiece, or visit the Pasadena Museum of History, which houses the Fenyes Mansion and the Finnish Folk Art Museum.

Experience the local culture by catching independent or foreign films in the theater houses of Old Pasadena and the Playhouse district. If you prefer the outdoors, hike through the San Gabriel mountains to see sites like Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point along the abandoned Mount Lowe Railway. You can also visit the California Institute of Technology campus to enjoy its unique architecture and blooming flora, or stop by the Robinson Memorial to see bronze sculptures honoring baseball legend Jackie Robinson and his brother Mack. For families, the Kidspace Museum offers hands-on exhibits for children. If visiting during the New Year, you can witness the Rose Parade along Colorado Boulevard or volunteer to help decorate floats in the days leading up to the event.

Three days in Pasadena

Day one, you can begin your exploration in Old Pasadena. You can wander through the Playhouse District and experience the local atmosphere of this historic area.

Day two, travel toward Northwest Pasadena or explore the surrounding areas near the San Gabriel Mountains to enjoy the scenery of the region.

Day three, you can head toward the eastern side of the city or plan your journey toward nearby locations such as Glendale or Burbank.