Fact Sheet

Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

According to the 2010 United States Census, the population of Pasadena was 137,122, making it the 180th-largest city in the United States, down from 168th place in 2009.

Vital Statistics

Location

GPS 34.144607 – 118.144148

Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, less than 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Climate

Mild, year-round Mediterranean climate:

76 F | 24 C average daytime
54 F | 12 C average nighttime

Airports

  • Burbank/ Bob Hope Airport [BUR] 16 miles
  • Los Angeles International Airport [LAX] 28 miles
  • Long Beach Airport [LGB] 35 miles
  • Ontario International Airport [ONT] 37 miles

Wi-Fi

Numerous establishments offer free Wi-Fi service, including hotels and eateries.

Freeways

I-110, I-210 and US-134 highways

Transportation

Metro
6 stations in Pasadena take riders into downtown Los Angeles [approximately 20 minutes]

Prime Time and Xpress Shuttle
Service to all Pasadena accommodations from area airports

Districts

Old Pasadena is a bustling urban center. On the National Register of Historic Places, this 22-block area of streets and alleyways reflects the traditions of early California, blending more than 200 retail stores, art galleries, trendy boutiques, vintage clothing stores, theaters and restaurants while maintaining the heritage of Pasadena’s early downtown charm.

Pasadena Playhouse Village is an eclectic mix of art, theatre, literature and retail with numerous restaurants. At its center is the Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theatre of California and a National Historic Landmark built in 1917. Experience Southern California’s oldest and largest independent literary haunt, Vroman’s Bookstore or neighboring Canterbury Records.

South Lake Avenue is a mixture of an active business community and thriving retail center. Many locals frequent this tree-lined avenue featuring retailers like Macy’s, Anthropologie and Orvis. Local-only eateries include Smitty’s, Green Street Restaurant and Pie ’n Burger, a Pasadena institution since 1963.

Accommodations

Stay in one of our relaxing luxury hotels just a short walk from shopping, dining, museums, and theaters, or book your room at one of our intimate, affordable inns or bed & breakfasts, many of which are situated on the route of the famous Rose Parade®. Immersed in Pasadena’s urbane atmosphere, you’ll relish scenic views of the surrounding mountains and stroll among artfully maintained architectural treasures that once played host to affluent turn-of-the-century travelers.

Signature Events

Whether it’s a major sporting event, an exhibit, or a home tour, be sure to catch a quintessential Pasadena occasion. View a complete list here.

Shopping

Only-in-Pasadena shopping experiences include two monthly flea markets, three shopping districts, museum gift stores, and two shopping centers filled with national retailers, antique havens, independent bookstores, and boutiques exclusive to Pasadena. Click here for more information.

Art & Culture

Pasadena is alive with remarkable art collections, architecture, literature, and entertainment, so plan carefully to fit in everything on your must-see list.

Want to feast your eyes on Gainsborough’s masterpiece, “The Blue Boy”? It’s here at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Not to be outdone, Pasadena’s Norton Simon Museum also has one of the most remarkable private art collections in the world. And don’t miss the USC Pacific Asia Museum, among just four institutions in the country dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Food & Wine

Considered one of California’s most exciting culinary destinations, Pasadena’s dynamic, constantly evolving dining scene features a line-up of more than 600 restaurants representing nearly every cuisine category. You know it’s a serious food town when there are more restaurants per capita than New York City, not to mention Pasadena originated game-changing creations like the cheeseburger.

Fit & Fun

UCLA Bruins football games, Rose Bowl Stadium events, Brookside Golf Course, Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, tennis, hiking and camping in Angeles National Forest, running, biking, archery, and Rollerblading.® Click here for more information.

Fun Facts

  • Celebrities from the area include Julia Child, Albert Einstein, Jackie Robinson, Sally Field, General Patton, Mary See of See’s Candies.
  • The Rose Bowl Flea Market attracts more than 2,200 vendors with over one million items for sale.
  • The cheeseburger was invented by Lionel Sternberger in Pasadena in 1926.
  • There are 23 parks in Pasadena which a combined amount of 1000+ acres of lush green space.
  • The first Rose Bowl college football game was played in 1902.
  • The former home of William Wrigley Jr., the maker of Wrigley’s Chewing Gum, serves as the Tournament of Roses Headquarters.
  • Naturalized parrots are a unique and frequent sight around the city. They were first released in the late 1950s.
  • Pasadena has more than 600 restaurants.
  • Pasadena is home to Vroman’s Bookstore, the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California.
  • 10 walking tours are available in Pasadena including Lower Linda Vista, Arroyo Craftsman, Arroyo View, Old Pasadena, etc.