Pasadena

Introduction

You will find Pasadena nestled within Harris County in the state of Texas. Situated as part of the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area, the city offers a sense of history rooted in its 1893 founding. The name was chosen by John H. Burnett to reflect the lush vegetation of the region.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by noting that Pasadena sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, just northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. You will find a vibrant culinary scene as the birthplace of Julia Child and home to various international cuisines and a Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated culinary school. If you enjoy shopping and nightlife, head to Old Pasadena for boutiques and clubs, or explore South Lake for chic dining. While most areas are safe, you should exercise caution in Northwest Pasadena due to gang-related activity.

If your plans include exploring the neighboring Angeles National Forest, pack plenty of water to manage the intense summer heat. To stay safe while hiking:

• Stick to established trails.
• Inform others of your planned route.
• Be aware of hazards such as rattlesnakes.

Getting there

You can reach Pasadena by air through several nearby airports, including Burbank/Bob Hope, Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario, and Orange County. From Burbank/Bob Hope Airport, you can take a shuttle service to reach the city. If arriving at LAX, you have several transit options: you can book a shared-ride van from a representative in red jackets or flag down a van with a "Pasadena" placard, or you can utilize the Union Station FlyAway bus followed by the Metro A Line light rail.

For those traveling by train, multiple routes exist from the LAX Metro Transit Center involving various combinations of the K, E, C, J, and A lines. The Metro A Line provides a direct connection from Union Station to several stops within Pasadena, including those in the Old Pasadena area and along the 210 Freeway. If you prefer to drive, you can reach the city via the 110 freeway from Downtown L.A., the Interstate 210 from the east or west, or California Highway 134 East from Glendale and Burbank.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using an extensive network of trains and buses. The Metro A Line serves key areas including Old Pasadena, East Pasadena, and the Arroyo Seco Parkway, 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 or regional services from Foothill Transit and LADOT. If you choose to ride the Metro 180 bus, it offers a journey from Pasadena to visitor-oriented areas of Hollywood.

While the size of the city generally necessitates the use of public transit or a car, many neighborhoods are designed for pedestrians. You can easily explore the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue, and Old Pasadena on foot, as these areas feature nearby accommodations and concentrated shopping and entertainment options.

Where to stay

You can find a wide range of accommodations in Pasadena to suit your needs. Full-service hotels are concentrated around downtown Pasadena, providing you with easy access to local shops, restaurants, and entertainment. If you prefer a different atmosphere, motels are located in the eastern part of the city, some of which sit along the Rose Parade route.

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

• Full-service hotels situated near Old Pasadena or across from the shops and restaurants of Paseo Colorado.
• A historic resort hotel nestled in a pristine residential area featuring grand ballrooms and gardens.
• Motels located along the eastern side of town, including options with pools and complimentary breakfasts.

Food & drink

As the birthplace of Julia Child, Pasadena offers a diverse culinary landscape with hundreds of dining options ranging from global cuisines to local favorites. In Old Pasadena, you can enjoy Indian food or find an artisan bakery known for its decadent macaroons and open-face egg salad sandwiches. For a traditional experience, visit a local favorite for family-style Mexican cuisine or head to a truck to enjoy carne asada or al pastor tacos. If you prefer a hearty breakfast in a converted home, look for corn flake encrusted french toast, or find a classic fast-food spot known for its breakfast burritos and chili cheese fries.

Explore various flavors across the city's neighborhoods:

• Savor Salvadoran pupusas or a traditional platter featuring grilled pork and tamales.
• Visit an Italian grocery store to grab a sandwich made with local meats and oils, or find vegetarian and vegan fast food options.
• Indulge in gourmet hot dogs and burgers served on Hawaiian bread with various toppings like fried eggs and jalapeños.
• Cool off with artisan ice cream and sorbet featuring local produce, such as lavender honey or lemon basil.
• Visit a warehouse coffee roaster that prepares its own beans and occasionally offers homemade tamales.

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 an array of architectural styles ranging from Art Deco to the 19th century, particularly in the Playhouse District and Civic Center where you can see the Municipal Building and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. For art lovers, the Norton Simon Museum houses a vast collection of European works and South Asian sculpture, while the USC Pacific Asia Museum features artwork from across the Pacific Islands. You can also visit The Gamble House to see an architectural masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts Movement or explore the Pasadena Museum of History, which includes the Fenyes Mansion and the Finnish Folk Art Museum.

Experience local culture by visiting the Robinson Memorial to see sculptures honoring baseball legend Jackie Robinson and his brother. If you prefer a more serene environment, the California Institute of Technology offers a campus with a relaxed atmosphere and blooming flora. For families, Kidspace Museum provides hands-on exhibits for children. You can also find beauty in the neo-Gothic architecture and stained glass of All Saints Church. Beyond the city limits, the San Gabriel mountains offer hiking opportunities along the abandoned Mount Lowe Railway, where you can see sites like Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point.

• Old Pasadena
• Norton Simon Museum
• USC Pacific Asia Museum
• The Gamble House
• Pasadena Museum of History
• California Institute of Technology
• Kidspace Museum
• Robinson Memorial
• All Saints Church

Three days in Pasadena

Day one, you can explore the historic charm of Old Pasadena. You will find yourself immersed in the local atmosphere as you wander through this established area of the city.

Day two, your journey takes you to Northwest Pasadena. You can enjoy the distinct character of this neighborhood while experiencing the local surroundings.

Day three, you can spend your final day exploring more of the local area within the heart of Texas.