How to Experience Pasadena on a Budget

Enjoy Arts & Entertainment

ArtNight Pasadena

The can't-miss cultural extravaganza that won't cost you a dime is ArtNight Pasadena. The free citywide evening of art, music and entertainment takes place on a Friday evening twice a year with a spring and fall edition. The popular biannual event attracts thousands of locals and visitors, who come out to take advantage of the unique opportunity to hop between 18 venues via a network of free shuttles. Special exhibitions, interactive installations and musical performances are open to the public at institutions and attractions like Gamble House, ArtCenter College of Design and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.

Free Museum Admission

If you can't make ArtNight Pasadena, many major museums and cultural attractions offer free admission on specific days and nights year round.

• Kidspace Children's Museum hosts a free family night on the first Tuesday of every month (except September) from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
• The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens is free the first Thursday of every month. Tickets are required and they get scooped up fast.
• The Norton Simon Museum is free the first Friday of every month from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., which is the perfect amount of time to explore the galleries and sculpture garden and sit for refreshments at the café.
• Both Descanso Gardens and the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden grant complimentary admission on the third Tuesday of every month.

Public Art Spots

Pasadena offers a robust collection of public art which locals and tourists can find more information about at the Pasadena Visitors Center. In summer, Old Pasadena hosts a month-long Summer Cinema Series with outdoor screenings held in a variety of venues. Check our calendar of events for dozens more free events and festivals well worth planning a visit around.

Admire Architecture

The Old Mill

The Old Mill is a 200-plus year old historic adobe in San Marino that houses the California Art Club Gallery. Also known as El Molino Viejo, it was the original 1816 gristmill for Mission San Gabriel and its open free-of-charge Tuesdays through Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In the summer, they host a Magical Music at the Mill Summer outdoor summer concert series on the patio.

The Gamble House

The Gamble House is a pristine example of the American Arts & Crafts style of architecture that Pasadena is renowned for. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the home was designed and decorated by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company. Hour-long docent-led tours are offered to the public Thursdays through Sundays. Pre-bookable tickets are priced at an affordable $12.50 for students and seniors and $15 for regular admission. More in-depth tours as well as a neighborhood walking tour are also available through Gamble House.

California Institute of Technology

Caltech Architectural Tour Services offers in-depth, complimentary two-hour tours of the California Institute of Technology campus on the first Thursday of most months (except July, August and December) at 10:30 a.m. starting at the Athenaeum. Reservations are required and you'll need to be up for walking 1.5 miles, which is definitely worth the effort to gain an insider's perspective of one of the world's foremost institutions of science and engineering. It also happens to be a deliberately planned microcosm of architectural styles, from Mediterranean to Brutalism.

ArtCenter College of Design

Continuing on the higher education theme, the ArtCenter College of Design has two campuses in Pasadena and the public is welcome explore the grounds, public art and galleries during operating hours. The Hillside Campus is noted for its striking modernist steel and glass main structure, which was designated a Pasadena Historic Landmark.

Explore Higher Realms

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory offers free tours by appointment with reservations made at least one month in advance. Individual and family tours are available on Mondays and Wednesdays and start off with "Journey to the Planets and Beyond," a multimedia presentation that provides an overview of the Laboratory's activities and accomplishments in planetary exploration and Earth science. Other tour highlights include the Space Flight Operations Facility and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility.

Mount Wilson Observatory

You can also explore the cosmos at the Mount Wilson Observatory, perched more than 5,700 feet above Pasadena. For the nominal price of $15, a two-hour docent-led walking tour (available Saturdays and Sundays during the spring, summer, and fall months) will get you inside both the 60-inch and 100-inch telescope domes. Public ticket nights are the prime opportunity to star gaze through the historic big telescopes, which are the largest in the world available for public use. The Observatory is also open to the public daily for self guided tours.

Active Pursuits

Pasadena Ice Skating Center

There are countless ways to be active on a budget. Stay cool gliding on the ice at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center located in the Pasadena Convention Center. The Thursday Night Cheap Skate rate will run you $16 for admission and skate rental during public skate periods.

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center

You can also cool off while channeling your inner Olympian swimming at the world class Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Brookside Park by the Rose Bowl Stadium. Check the website for current recreational swimming hours and daily lap swimming times. Day passes range from $10 to $13.

Hiking & Biking Adventures

Hiking will only cost you sweat equity. The most popular hiking spots include Eaton Canyon (nature preserve and waterfall), Mount Wilson (for intermediate and advance hikers) and Hermit Falls Trail in the Arcadia Wilderness Park (family friendly). Pasadena is also a very walkable city, so you can log lots of steps meandering around pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District, the Civic Center District and South Lake Avenue.

And if you want to get around on two wheels, Pasadena Cyclery offers premium day-long bike rentals starting at $40.

Cheap Eats

Breakfast Staples

When it comes to where to eat when you're being cost-conscious or simply seeking good value, you'll be spoilt for choice here. Russell's is an all-day classic that serves a mean American-style breakfast that won't break the bank. Green Street Restaurant is another locals' go-to for quality fare in an inviting setting at reasonable prices.

Lunch & Dinner Spots

Lavender & Honey is a stylish spot to start the day, pop in for an artisan coffee or linger over lunch. Family- and team-friendly La Grande Orange Café has 50% deals on its drinks during happy hour, from Monday to Friday. Pie n' Burger is a Pasadena institution beloved for its cheeseburgers, which made the Food Network's list of the top 5 in the nation.

Internationally Inspired Flavors

Transport your taste buds to different parts of the world without an expensive plane ticket. Ramen Tatsunoya is an authentic love letter to Japanese cuisine; each bowl is bursting with rich umami flavors—all of which are under $22. If you're looking for a king's feast at a budget-friendly price, Lunasia Dim Sum House features a variety of classic Chinese bites.

This is just a sampler to whet your palate. Additional inexpensive eats can be found in our dining guide.

Affordable Accommodations

Pasadena hotels come at a variety of price points. Some of the most budget-friendly that offer convenient locations and a welcoming atmosphere include GreenTree Inn and The Pasadena Rose & Crown Hotel. Boutique-y Hotel Le Reve in East Pasadena includes breakfast daily. And the Astro is a fun and funky motel with a hip vibe.