Skip to content
62°

Pasadena, California

Things to Do

Discover the vibrant charm of Pasadena, CA, a city brimming with exciting attractions, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures. Nestled at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena offers a diverse array of activities for every type of traveler. From exploring the iconic Huntington Library and Gardens to enjoying a leisurely stroll through the historic Old Pasadena district, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a foodie looking to indulge in top-notch cuisine, an art enthusiast eager to visit the Norton Simon Museum, or an outdoor lover ready to hike Eaton Canyon, Pasadena promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and uncover the many things to do in Pasadena, California!

Norton Simon Museum

Museums

Pasadena is known for its abundance of renowned cultural institutions, many within walking distance of one another.

More
Pasadena Shopping Destinations, Vintage Finds, Antique, One-of-a-kind, Southern California, Things to Do

Shopping

Shopping in Pasadena is a popular recreational activity, count it in as sightseeing, catching up with friends, or treasure hunting.

More

Dining

Trying new cuisines is one of the most thrilling experiences for taste buds and cultural immersion. Pasadena is home to over 650 restaurants, where...

More
Hiking at Angeles National Forest

Outdoors

With temperate weather, ample wildlife, and natural areas, Pasadena is home to the ancestral lands of the Hahamongna band of Tongva people. They...

More

Architecture

There are over 30 historic and landmark districts packed into 23 square miles in Pasadena.

More
Pasadena Civic Auditorium

Music & Theater

Do you accidentally give driving directions using stage left and stage right? Is your go-to dance move the jazz square?

More
Downtown Pasadena Hotels, Places to Stay, Los Angeles Hotels, Where to Go, Southern California

Hotel Deals

Plan your perfect getaway to Pasadena with exclusive hotel deals that make your stay as charming as the city itself. From luxurious accommodations to...

More
Pasadena Hotels

Hotels & Lodging

Choosing Pasadena as your home base for any trip to the Los Angeles area is a smart strategy. From here, you’ll have fast, easy access to downtown...

More

In Pasadena, California's history and heritage is met with palm-lined streets, ornate architecture, national landmarks, popular art & cultural institutions, shopping boutiques, and ethnically diverse food. Explore the “Crown of the Valley” solo or as a group to discover what makes the city one of Los Angeles’ unique hidden gems.

District Guide
Old Pasadena Street

Old Pasadena

With 22 blocks designated as a National Register Historic District, Old Pasadena abounds with impeccably restored late 19th and early 20th-century...

More
convention center exterior

Civic Center

The Civic Center District is a vibrant zone that sits between Old Pasadena and The Playhouse Village. The beautiful Beaux-Arts and Mediterranean...

More
Pasadena Arts

Playhouse Village

The artsy Playhouse Village is home to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse along with museums, galleries, eateries, and a smattering of independent shops.

More
South Lake Avenue

South Lake Avenue

South Lake is a 12-block stretch of boutiques, restaurants, and purveyors of beauty, health, and wellness. Major national chain stores like Macy’s...

More

Pasadena is home to over 30 nationally registered historic districts, including the thriving downtown neighborhoods that offer shops, bars and restaurants in well-preserved turn-of-the-century buildings.

Friends pose for a picture under colorful rainbow banners in Pasadena.
How to Experience Pasadena on a Budget

You don't have to break the bank to have an incredible time in Pasadena. A little strategy and know-how will help you...
The Brunch Guide to Pasadena: 5 Ways to Brunch

Brunch is back and leisurely weekend feasts have officially been revived across Pasadena, where even the brunch is a...
Celebrating 100 Years Since The Cheeseburger Was Invented in Pasadena

As the foodlore goes, the cheeseburger made its debut 100 years ago at The Rite Spot in western Pasadena. In January...

Jumak Restaurant in Pasadena, CA.
New Restaurants

Restaurant openings aren’t seeing any sort of slowdown with exciting new spots across Pasadena. Here are the hottest...
Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Pasadena

There’s so much to see and do with children in Pasadena, from world-class museums and botanical gardens to live...

The Pasadena skyline at dusk with bridges, homes, and mountains in the distance
Pasadena Filming Locations

Driving around Pasadena, with its idyllic tree-lined streets and clusters of historic craftsman homes, it’s hard not to...

High Low Vintage
Top 12 Shops in Pasadena's Vintage Vault

With everything from Victorian to Art Deco and Hollywood Regency to Palm Springs modern, the Pasadena Vintage Vault is...
Vegan & Vegetarian

If you're vegan, semi-vegetarian, flexitarian, or undecided, the plant-based foodways in Southern California shines in...

Bone Kettle Berry Mango Mimosas
Cocktail Guide

Creative cocktails are on the menu at so many of Pasadena's watering holes and eateries.

Tours

My Valley Pass Film Tour

Doc's House

Join "Jared on Location" as he guides you throughout Pasadena in a comfortable limo bus to some of the most iconic filming locations of your favorite movies...

Entertainment

Neon Retro Arcade

Neon-Retro_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Neon Retro Arcade is a "new" entertainment concept that celebrates the history of video games. Proudly featuring 40+ classic arcade games and pinball machines...

Museums

Norton Simon Museum

Galleries

Known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled, industrialist Norton Simon spent over 30 years amassing an...

Recreation

Oak Grove Disc Golf Course

OGDC

World's 1st permanent ""polehole"" disc golf course. Directions From the 210 Fwy, exit Berkshire Dr., turn east off ramp to a left at stop light. Go past La...

Landmarks

Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena

With 22 blocks designated as a National Register Historic District, Old Pasadena abounds with impeccably restored late 19th and early 20th-century...

Performing Arts

Parson's Nose Theater

Parsons_1_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Classic Theater. Parson's Nose Theater is a classical comedic theater company that established a new permanent home in Pasadena, California. Parson's Nose is...

Event Venue

Pasadena City Hall

City-Hall-40-1024x683_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

City Beautiful Movement. The exquisite 1927 landmark exhibits Italian Renaissance and Spanish influences with its red tile roof, ornate fountain, and lush...

Entertainment

Pasadena Civic Auditorium

pasadena-civic-auditorium_0006_Civic_Auditorium_Exterior-006-Jamie_Pham-2013_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca

Historic Venue. This 3,000-seat theater was dedicated in 1932, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Civic—as it is colloquially...

Entertainment

Pasadena Civic Auditorium

pasadena-civic-auditorium_0006_Civic_Auditorium_Exterior-006-Jamie_Pham-2013_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca

Historic Venue. This 3,000-seat theater was dedicated in 1932, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Civic—as it is colloquially...

Entertainment

Pasadena Convention Center

Pasadena_Convention_Center_Campus_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Campus-style Convention Center. The Pasadena Convention Center is located near City Hall, Central Library, Police Department and other civic buildings that...

Recreation

Pasadena Croquet Club

Pasadena Croquet Club

"The Pasadena Croquet Club shares clubhouse facilities with the Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club (hyperlink business listing), located in Pasadena's Central Park....

Results 49 - 60 of 89