Overview
Pasadena is one of the oldest cities adjoining Los Angeles and is the main population center of the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. Known as the City of Roses, Pasadena is most famous for its New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.
9 sights · 15 things to do · 18 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 14 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Pasadena
USC Pacific Asia Museum
Features artwork from Asia and the Pacific Islands spanning 5,000 years, with a range of innovative exhibitions and dynamic programming.
The Gamble House
Built in 1908 by Charles and Henry Greene for David Gamble of Procter and Gamble, this National Historical Landmark is an architectural masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The house was also the exterio…
Pasadena Museum of History
Near the Gamble House is the Pasadena Museum of History with The Finnish Folk Art Museum, History Center Galleries, and the 18-room Fenyes Mansion. Built in 1905, the mansion contains its original furnishings.
California Institute of Technology
A world-renowned institution for the study of science and engineering, Caltech's alumni and faculty have been awarded 32 Nobel Prizes. Albert Einstein studied here as a visiting scholar in the early 1930s. The 124 acres …
Rose Parade
The Rose Parade is held on New Year's Day. If January 1 falls on a Sunday, then the parade is moved to Monday, January 2. The parade starts at Orange Grove Blvd. and then heads east along Colorado Blvd. for 5.5 mi to Sie…
Rose Bowl Stadium
The historic Rose Bowl Stadium was built in 1922. It is home to the annual Rose Bowl Game and UCLA Bruins football. The stadium hosts numerous events, including concerts. Public tours are offered by online reservation at…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Jun. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Very hot (Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Feb and Jan.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BUR Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport, Burbank — 13 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HHR Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Hawthorne — 20 mi away. Directions
The closest and most convenient airport is the Burbank/Bob Hope Airport in Burbank (BUR), which is 16 mi from Pasadena. Other nearby airports are in Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), and Orange County (SNA).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $5 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Museum of History, The Gamble House
- Lunch All India Cafe
- Afternoon Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, Kidspace Museum
- Dinner Dog Haus
- Evening Jones Coffee Roasters
Day 2
- Morning Old Pasadena, Robinson Memorial, All Saints Church
- Lunch Marston's
- Afternoon USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena Ice Skating Center
- Dinner Miss Cheese Tea Cafe
Day 3
- Morning California Institute of Technology, Float Construction Viewing & Decorating
- Lunch The Hat
- Afternoon Doo Dah Parade, Craftsman Weekend
- Dinner Ricchardo's the Total Vegetarian
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
As the birthplace of Julia Child, Pasadena was destined to be a foodie's paradise. The city is home to more than 500 restaurants, offering cuisine from around the world.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Pasadena is located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, just 11 mi northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. Over a million people flock to Pasadena every year after Christmas, as visitors come from all over to decorate and view the floats, and to attend one of the most famous college football bowl games of the year. Pasadena also boasts the renowned California Institute of Technology, whose alumni and faculty have garnered 32 Nobel Prizes.
Pasadena has become the most exciting place for nightlife in the San Gabriel Valley. Old Pasadena has many boutiques, national retailers, restaurants and clubs in the western section, with chic shopping and dining on South Lake and abundant services in the eastern area.
As the birthplace of Julia Child and home to numerous restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, Pasadena is a good destination for foodies. Adding to its culinary credentials, one of only 15 Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated culinary schools in the United States resides here. In addition, the first Trader Joe's market opened its doors in Pasadena in 1967. That same store on Arroyo Parkway is still serving customers today.
Climate
Get in
By plane
The closest and most convenient airport is the Burbank/Bob Hope Airport in Burbank (BUR), which is 16 mi from Pasadena. Other nearby airports are in Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), and Orange County (SNA).
The best way to get to Pasadena from Burbank/Bob Hope Airport is via Prime Time Shuttle or Xpress Shuttle. There are a couple of ways to get to Pasadena from LAX, which is 27 mi from Pasadena. A taxi from LAX will cost approximately $80. Prime Time offers shared-ride vans which serve the Pasadena area from LAX. Stand under the orange "shared ride vans" sign in the center concrete island outside the airport. Tell a customer service representative that you need a ride to Pasadena. They are easy to identify by their red jackets. If no representative is available, then flag down a red van with a "Pasadena" placard in the windshield. Approximate cost is $25 per person. Approximate time to Pasadena is 1 hour.
FlyAway + A Line
Another method to get to Pasadena from LAX is to use the Union Station FlyAway bus (which is available 24 hr a day) and the Metro A Line light rail (which is available from 3:40AM to 11:56PM daily). At LAX, stand under the green "FlyAway, Buses and Long-Distance Vans" sign in the center concrete island outside the terminal (the bus stops in each terminal). Board a blue FlyAway bus heading to Union Station; $9.75 one way (a trip lasting from 45 minutes to 1 hr 30 min, depending on the traffic). It is a large charter-style bus and is occasionally not labeled. FlyAway buses operate 24 hours a day, every half hour (except from 1AM to 5AM where they run hourly). You may need to pay once the bus arrived in Union Station. In that case, do not forget to pay at the little kiosk near the bus stop.
Once you arrive at Union Station, walk behind the ticket counter and proceed down the stairs. Follow the path and enter Union Station on the left. Walk to the Metro A Line (yellow signs), which is located at track 1 in Union Station. As of June 2026, payment for metro rail can be done by tapping directly with a contactless credit card or Apple Pay. You can also use the kiosk near the entrance to purchase a tap card and a ticket if you don't have a contactless card to use. Proceed up the stairs to the trains. Be sure to board the northbound (Pomona) trains. The A Line stops in Pasadena at Filmore, Del Mar, Memorial Park, Lake, Allen, and Sierra Madre Villa stations. The travel time is almost 30 minutes, depending on system congestion.
The entire trip from LAX to Pasadena using FlyAway + A Line lasts about 2 hours.
By train
It is possible to use the new LAX Metro Transit Center to take the train all the way to Pasadena by taking the Metro K and E lines to Union Station then transferring to the A line, by taking the Metro C line to Willowbrooks/Rosa Parks Station and transferring there to the A line, or by taking a combination of the Metro C line, J line, and A line. To access the Metro Transit Center from LAX you will have to take a bus from LAX - follow signs for LA Metro. Pickup for this shuttle is located in a different location than the Union Station Flyaway. These routes, while cheaper than the FlyAway ($1.75), are longer and require more complicated transfers. If choosing this option, make sure to research the route in advance and follow signage for the correct trains and directions. The K and E line may feel safer for those unused to traveling on public transit in the US.
Pasadena is approximately 20 minutes from Union Station in Downtown L.A. via the Metro A Line light rail. There are six stops in Pasadena. Filmore is the first stop, Del Mar and Memorial Park stations are located in Old Pasadena on the west end of town, and three stops (Lake, Allen, Sierra Madre Villa) are in the median of the 210 Freeway. The line continues east towards Azusa from Sierra Madre Villa.
By car
From Downtown L.A. or other southern cities take the 110 freeway north until it ends. The 110 freeway ends at the south end of Pasadena. From the east and west Pasadena can be reached via Interstate 210. California Highway 134 East is the most direct way from Glendale and Burbank.
Get around
By train
The Metro A Line serves the Arroyo Seco Parkway, Old Pasadena, and East Pasadena. Visitors can take it to connect to other Los Angeles-area rail lines or Amtrak, or go east towards Azusa. All metro trains and busses can be paid directly using a contactless credit card or Apple Pay and will automatically provide free rides once the daily and weekly fare caps are reached.
By bus
Pasadena is primarily served by the county-wide Metro and the local Pasadena Transit network. Additional bus service is available from Foothill Transit and LADOT (Commuter Express).
Metro's 180 bus goes from Pasadena to visitor-oriented areas of Hollywood - it's an (often interesting) ride that takes about an hour.
On foot
Pasadena as a whole is large enough to require use of a car or public transit, but it is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Many hotels and motels are located within easy walking distance of major shopping and entertainment areas like Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District and South Lake Avenue.
See
See Old Pasadena
A 22-block historical area filled with 200 one-of-a-kind boutiques, national retailers, galleries, restaurants, and clubs. Old Pasadena is one of Southern California's hottest shopping/entertainment areas and gets very crowded on weekends. The area is very hip and young people love the great vibe! Old Pasadena is located between Arroyo Parkway on the east and Pasadena Avenue on the west, with Colorado Boulevard being the main thoroughfare. Get off the A Line at Memorial Park and walk south to Colorado. If you expect every building in the area to be old, you'll be disappointed, but fans of architecture from the Art Deco period back to the 19th century have quite a few beautiful buildings to appreciate. You can see many of them from a moving car, but to truly notice and enjoy the decorative details, you will need to park and walk. The Playhouse District and the Civic Center, a few blocks to the east of the district specifically named "Old Pasadena", also have beautiful historic buildings, including the lovely Municipal Building (city hall), built in 1927 and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium (carved on the exterior with the words "THE AUDITORIUM OF THE CITY OF PASADENA" in all caps), built in 1932.
See Norton Simon Museum
Features seven centuries of European art ranging from the Gothic period to the 21st century, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Fragonard, Goya, Poussin, Claude Lorrain, Cranach the Elder, Botticelli and many more. The museum also features an extensive collection of South and some Southeast Asian sculpture and a sculpture garden including works of Rodin. You are likely to be amazed by the greatness of the collection of both European and ancient South Asian work, and also by the number of extremely famous and commonly reproduced paintings on view. If you are generally an art lover, you will probably want to allow at least 2½ to 3 hours so as to see most of the collections without feeling rushed.
See The Gamble House
Built in 1908 by Charles and Henry Greene for David Gamble of Procter and Gamble, this National Historical Landmark is an architectural masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The house was also the exterior of Doc Brown's house in 1955, in Back to the Future I & II. Filming of the front door and the interior took place at another location.
See California Institute of Technology
A world-renowned institution for the study of science and engineering, Caltech's alumni and faculty have been awarded 32 Nobel Prizes. Albert Einstein studied here as a visiting scholar in the early 1930s. The 124 acres campus offers interesting architectures, laid back atmosphere and colors displayed by ever-lasting blooming flora.
See Robinson Memorial
The memorial, directly across from City Hall, honors the historic accomplishments of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and his brother, Olympian Mack Robinson with two 9 ft bronze portraiture sculptures. The Robinson brothers grew up in Pasadena. Jackie was the first African-American to play baseball in the previously segregated Major Leagues, and Mack was a sprinter who won a silver medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Do
The San Gabriel mountains above Pasadena offer some excellent hiking opportunities. Of specific interest are some of the hikes along the abandoned Mount Lowe Railway in the Angeles National Forest. You can pass the site of the White City, Echo Mountain, the site of an old observatory, and Inspiration Point. Start at the northern end of Lake Avenue. As with any hiking excursion, let someone else know where you are going and when to expect you back again. Stay on the trails and most especially, do not attempt to go to the "second waterfall" in Eaton Canyon. Many people are killed each year attempting to climb up the loose rock slopes. In the summer months, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.
Old Pasadena and the Playhouse district have a number of theater and movie houses and are a good place to see some of the latest independent or foreign films.
Do Rose Parade
The Rose Parade is held on New Year's Day. If January 1 falls on a Sunday, then the parade is moved to Monday, January 2. The parade starts at Orange Grove Blvd. and then heads east along Colorado Blvd. for 5.5 mi to Sierra Madre Blvd. The easiest and best view of the parade are from the 70,000 grandstand seats that line the route. These tickets can be purchased starting each February. For those who want to view for free along the streets, people can start camping out at noon the day before the parade. Blankets, sleeping bags, lawn chairs and self-contained barbecues are permitted on the route; tents, ladders and upholstered furniture are not. There is a party atmosphere along Colorado Blvd. the night before, as everyone camps out to reserve their seats.
- If you are camping out, the most crowded area is on Colorado Blvd. between Orange Grove Blvd. and Lake Ave. To avoid the congestion, try to find a space on Colorado east of Allen Avenue. On average, more than 150,000 people attend the parade, so parking is at a premium. It is suggested that you purchase parking in advance. Colorado Blvd. shuts down to all traffic the night before the parade. The north/south streets shut down at various times the morning of the parade.Keep in mind that the parade starts at 8AM on the west end of town and lasts for two hours. If you're sitting farther east, the parade will begin and end later.
- If you go to the beginning of the parade at about 2AM on the morning of the parade, you can see the floats up-close as they stage themselves on South Orange Grove Blvd. It will likely be quite cold, so dress warmly.
Do Float Construction Viewing & Decorating
The last few days before the Rose Parade, you can help decorate or preview Rose Parade floats as they are readied for the New Year's festivities. Although the work is detailed and can be repetitive, it is incredibly fun and exciting to know that you glued the thousands of poppy seeds that became a shadow on a giant leaf. There is a sense of camaraderie amongst the volunteers, and you get to climb on and decorate actual floats. Children under 16 are not allowed, but if you have older kids, this is an excellent family activity. You work in four hour shifts, and volunteers are fed out of a chow wagon for free. For a list of float companies and independent float volunteer opportunities, visit: .
Do Post-Parade Float Viewing
For two days after the Rose Parade, you can see the floats up close when they are parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Blvds. Crowds of people flock to see the floats, so instead of driving to the location yourself, it is suggested that you take the shuttles that are offered throughout Pasadena. Fees apply.
Do Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
The center is a year-round facility with competitive teams in swimming, diving and water polo. Housing two 50-meter pools, it's open to the public and offers water aerobics, swimming, diving lessons, and therapy pools. Right behind the aquatics center is a pirate-themed playground with wheelchair ramps, swings, sand, and water features.
Do Rose Bowl Stadium
The historic Rose Bowl Stadium was built in 1922. It is home to the annual Rose Bowl Game and UCLA Bruins football. The stadium hosts numerous events, including concerts. Public tours are offered by online reservation at 10ː30AM and 12ː30PM on many dates. Tours include the Original 1922 locker room, current locker rooms for UCLA and visiting teams, field, press box, and suites.
Do Rose Bowl Flea Market
The Rose Bowl Flea Market, one of the most famous in the world, boasts 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers. Nicknamed "America's Marketplace of Unusual Items," the market offers vintage jewelry, handmade quilts, antiques, clothes, plants, and collectibles. Held the second Sunday of every month, rain or shine.
Do Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway (110 Freeway)
The Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway (110 Freeway) is a National Scenic Byway that runs for 9.4 miles (15.1 km) between Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles. The Parkway starts at Colorado Blvd., home of the famous Rose Parade, passes through the Arts and Crafts-style neighborhoods of South Pasadena into China Town, and ends at the 101 Freeway amongst the skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles.
Buy
Shop Paseo Colorado
A fun, outdoor shopping area about a block east of Old Pasadena on Colorado Blvd., near Pasadena's Civic Center. With an array of shops, restaurants, an upscale grocery store, and movie theater, Paseo is great on warm evenings and a great place to eat and catch a movie.
Eat
As the birthplace of Julia Child, Pasadena was destined to be a foodie's paradise. The city is home to more than 500 restaurants, offering cuisine from around the world.
Eat Mijares Mexican Restaurant
Pasadena's oldest restaurant is its best kept secret! A local favorite, this restaurant and bar serves delicious Mexican cuisine in a delightful, family-style setting.
Eat Ricchardo's the Total Vegetarian
Vegetarian/vegan fast food, yummy. A bit on the pricy side for fast food -- about for a five dollars per person.
Eat All India Cafe
Good Indian food.
Eat Marston's
Great breakfasts in a converted old home. Come early because the crowds start to build up on weekends in the late morning. Esepcially recommended is the corn flake encrusted french toast.
Eat Kabuki
Popular Japanese food chain, moderately priced.
Eat
Eat
Eat The Hat
Pastrami sandwiches, chili fries, Orange Bang, and other stuff that's bad for you but so good.
Eat Carmela Ice Cream
Easily the best ice cream spot in and around Pasadena. This small artisan ice cream and sorbet maker uses local farmers market produce and organic dairies to create unique flavors, such as Salted Caramel, Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean, Lavender Honey, Lemon Basil Sorbet, and Cucumber Sorbet. Ice cream and sorbet-making classes available too. Must try.
Eat Dog Haus
Gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and burgers served on King's Hawaiian Bread with massive toppings such as fried egg, haus garlic aioli, caramelized onions, grilled jalapeños, smoked bacon, curry ketchup, dill pickle chips, blue cheese crumbles, and all the usual suspects. Sides include fries, onion rings, and tater tots. Good soda selections.
Eat La Caravana Restaurante Salvadoreno
If you have never eaten Salvadorian foods before, come try the pupusas. They are a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick, hand-made corn tortilla that is filled with a blend of cheese, pork, refried beans, and/or loroco. For first timers, try the Plato Tipico, which comes with rice, beans, one choice of pupusa, grilled pork, tamales, cheese, fried plantains, and vegetables. There is also a mini pupusas sampler plate.
Eat Roma Italian Deli and Grocery
A small Italian grocery store with a wide selections of cheeses, prosciutto, salami, pastas, olive oils, and homemade bread. The store also makes a simple but delicious sandwich consists of bread, cold-cuts, and olive oils. The sandwich maker is a helpful 80-year-old man who would sometimes let you sample a slice of cheese or meat as he goes on in making the sandwich. Just go up to the sandwich counter and say "one sandwich, please" and nothing else.
Eat Europane bakery & cafe
This small artisan bakery makes some of the best sandwiches, homemade bread, and desserts in Pasadena. It is famous for its open-face egg salad sandwich (yolky-creamy) and decadent macaroons. (Flavors include Blackberry, Hazelnut, Mocha, Passion Fruit, Pistachio, Raspberry, and Salted Caramel.)
Eat
Eat
Eat El Taquito Mexicano Truck
No trip to Southern California is complete without experiencing eating tacos out of a food truck. Try the carne asada (beef), al pastor (pork), or whatever strikes your fancy. (Cabeza, anyone?) Choose red or green sauce. (Red is spicier.) Wash them down with a cold can of coke or Mexican soda. The truck is parked on the lot of Nishikawa Automotive. Do not get confused with the yellow taco truck nearby.
Eat Lucky Boy
Classic Pasadena fast-food place known for breakfast burritos, chilli cheese fries, and burgers.
Eat Miss Cheese Tea Cafe (Miss Cheese)
Unique Japanese Souffle Pancakes, Brunch & All-day Breakfast, Taiyaki, Popcorn Chicken and Boba Drinks. Ideal for family and large group gathering.
Drink
Drink Jones Coffee Roasters
A great local coffee house that roasts its own beans on site! It is situated in an obscure but tastefully decorated warehouse. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and owners. On unspecified days they even have homemade tamales for sale.
Sleep
Pasadena has a wide range of hotels to accommodate all budgets. The full-service hotels tend to cluster around downtown Pasadena, which provides ready access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Pasadena also has motels in the eastern part of the city, some of which are along the Rose Parade route. Take note that many Pasadena hotels charge significantly more around the time of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl.
Hotels
Stay The Langham Huntington
Built in 1907 when Pasadena was the prime destination for the affluent traveler, The Huntington is the last resort hotel left in town and is nestled in one of the more pristine residential parts of the town. Located on 23 acres with historic ballrooms and gardens, a spa, award-winning dining, and 380 guestrooms.
Motels
Stay safe
Much of the city of Pasadena is inhabited by students, professors, scientists, and many other kinds of professionals, and is generally very safe. During your visit, you will probably need to take only basic safety precautions. Most amenities for visitors can be found in and around the hotels and shopping districts, including Old Pasadena, Playhouse District and South Lake Avenue. These areas are all located south of the 210 Freeway. As with much of the Los Angeles area, however, there are areas that a visitor should be cautious about entering. In large measure, Northwest Pasadena should be approached with caution, as this is the heart of Pasadena's longstanding, and frequently violent, gang-related activity. Police and emergency services can be reached by calling 911. Pasadena also borders the 660,000 acres Angeles National Forest, a wonderful place to explore if you are prepared. There are many hazards in the forest, however, including rattlesnakes. Also, summer heat can reach into the triple digits Fahrenheit (well above 38 degrees Celsius), so it is *critically* important to take plenty of water with you should you plan to hike in the forest. Stay on established trails and let others know where you are going.
Go next
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where the Mars rovers are built, is also just a 10-minute drive north in La Cañada Flintridge and is sometimes open for tours.
Most visitors to the area will not want to miss the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, located in neighboring San Marino, which features a large art collection but is more famous for its 150 acres of botanical gardens that have been used as a backdrop for many Hollywood films.
Drive to the northern end of Lake Avenue for a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Valley.
During Christmas time, see amazing light displays at: 1) the Balian House at about 2000 N. Allen and 2) Hastings Ranch (go north on Michillinda, about 1 mi past Sierra Madre Blvd. and make a left; about a of residents in the area decorate their properties!).
Enter the Eaton Canyon Nature Preserve just north of the intersection of Altadena and New York. Great hiking, and during the spring, a pretty good river to hike next to (though with the current years-long drought, assume nothing and inquire before hiking). Go far enough up and you will get to a waterfall that is well known to locals. Do not, however, attempt to climb to the "second waterfall." Believe the posted signs that there is *no* safe trail beyond the first waterfall.
Take the Metro A Line south to Downtown Los Angeles.
Nearby Alhambra, San Gabriel, and Monterey Park are home to some of the largest Chinese-speaking populations outside China and Taiwan. There you will find authentic restaurants specializing in dim sum, dumplings, roasted duck, and many other specialties of regional Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. A visit to any large Chinese supermarket in the area might be a treat (or shock) for the uninitiated.
Nearby
San Marino
City / town · 2 listings · 3 mi away
South Pasadena
City / town · 4 listings · 4 mi away
La Cañada Flintridge
City / town · 3 listings · 4 mi away
San Gabriel
City / town · 5 listings · 5 mi away
Alhambra
City / town · 11 listings · 6 mi away
Arcadia
City / town · 14 listings · 6 mi away
Glendale
City / town · 27 listings · 7 mi away
Rosemead
City / town · 4 listings · 7 mi away
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