Things to do & places to visit in Pasadena, California, United States

Most famous for hosting the annual New Year's Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl, Pasadena is more than just a football town. Its extravagant City Hall boasts a beautiful Baroque dome, a courtyard garden and relaxing fountain. On South Orange Boulevard, known as Millionaires' Row, there are landmarked mansions to rival the most opulent homes of Beverly Hills. That chattering in the air is probably the local population of naturalized Red-crowned Amazon parrots.

Pasadena city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:48.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Norton Simon Museum (1.257 reviews)
- A world tour of art in one day
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Modern and Contemporary Art from Europe and the United States, acquired by the former Pasadena Art Museum, also occupies an important place in the Museum’s collections. See more..
5.0 Rose Parade (208 reviews)
- Al Brooks Best decision for my Rose Parade Bucket list trip
Cultural Events

If you are planning a trip to the rose parade and don't want to deal with 20 hours in the trenches camping on the street, stop looking any further for a GREAT Rose Parade tour company. Al Brooks Rose Bowl Tours is THE BEST!! Cannot say enough good things about Al Brooks. I truly felt like family with every representative in the office and onsite. Our Guide Jim was AWESOME! We did the Orange Rose package and added float decorating the day before. Highly recommend if you have a chance to volunteer to help with float construction. You will truly understand the dedication, scale and detail put into these floats as well as the monstrous amount of work. We had great seats at the parade in the grandstands on Colorado blvd, watching them round the corner then come past our seats! The Rose Parade is something everyone should experience at once in their lifetime, and Al Brooks was the right choice to make it easy, affordable and fun! See more..
5.0 Stark Spirits Craft Distillery (61 reviews)
- Tasty Handcrafted Spirits & Great People!
Friday: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Up the street and around the corner from the famous Pasadena Rose Bowl, is Stark Spirits Distillery. The owners will give you a personalized educational tour, explaining the production of their hand-crafted spirits. A tasting of the awarding winning traditional whiskeys, rums, gin, aquavit and unique Sunshine Orange Brandy follows. Tours are $10 and scheduled through the website. See more..
4.5 Old Pasadena (685 reviews)
- Lively and lovely town
Historic Walking Areas

Old Pasadena is the downtown historic business district of Pasadena, a lively and diverse city located just ten miles from downtown Los Angeles. This eclectic old town area features entertainment and activities for kids and adults alike: museums, galleries, and music events, as well as movies, shopping, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. Families often stop by after sports events at the Rose Bowl; this clean and safe district is pedestrian friendly and provides convenient parking and easy access to public transportation, served by major bus lines and two Metro Gold Line stops. See more..
4.5 The Gamble House (590 reviews)
- A treasure of wood creativity
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Gamble House in Pasadena, California, is an outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture. The house and furnishings were designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company. See more..
4.5 City of Pasadena City Hall (269 reviews)
- Beautiful Architecture
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I absolutely love coming to this location just to take photos and every time we come, we have to respectfully wait our turn, because other photographers also covet taking prime spots to photograph their quincenera, bride, graduate you name the occasion and this is the spot to capture the memory. There are stairwells, arches, hallways, and the beautiful European Style Fountain. When not taking photos, you can also sit on one of the many benches and enjoy the roses, the architecture and garden type setting. See more..
4.5 Colorado Boulevard (255 reviews)
- Rose Parade 2020
Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Drives

The site of the Rose Parade in Pasadena. See more..
4.5 Eaton Canyon (183 reviews)
- Great hike - but don't expect to see waterfalls in autumn
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Canyons

I hiked in this Canyon last week. I highly recommend it if you're looking to return to nature/get away from the busy city. Notes: because it has been so dry, the waterfall was barely a trickle Most of the signs are in poor condition (see pic below) so make sure you have access to the trail directions before you stop hiking. I accidentally added an extra 4 miles and 2000 foot elevation gain I read several reviews on alltrails about this being a shady hike, but if you hike it after 3 p.m., it isn't. Take more water than you think you need. Parking was plentiful and free. See more..
4.5 Jet Propulsion Laboratory (165 reviews)
- Take the tour if you can secure tickets. Very good!
Science Museums

We toured after snagging tickets online when they became available. It is a free tour, but you must secure your tickets as soon as they become available. They will be gone right away. Our tour guides were fun, knowledgeable and friendly. We had Greg and Brian. The tour was from 1-3:30 pm and required some walking and stairs. We loved it. I would go again, if I could get tickets again. This facility makes robots to explore space. See more..
4.5 California Institute of Technology (159 reviews)
- Beautiful Campus
Spent 1-2 hours Educational sites

CalTech as it is popularly called has a beautiful campus. There is a lot of greenery as well in the midst of all the buildings. Certainly would very highly recommend to visit the CalTech campus to anyone. See more..
4.5 Kidspace Children's Museum (158 reviews)
- What a great place to keep children engaged
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums

One of Southern California's premier family destinations, Kidspace Children's Museum is located on over 3.5 acres in Pasadena, CA, with more than 40 hands-on exhibits, as well as daily interactive activities and programs. The mission of Kidspace is to nurture the potential of all children through kid-driven experiences, inspiring them to become joyful, active learners. Admission is $14.95 for adults and children, infants under 1 are free. See more..
4.5 Pasadena Playhouse (121 reviews)
- Great vintage theater experience!
Friday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Theaters

Discover the Playhouse Making an Impact on the American Theatre Pasadena Playhouse is under the guidance of Artistic Director Sheldon Epps, whose commitment to cultural and theatrical diversity brings vitality and direction to the theatre. This commitment is reflected in seasons featuring Tony and Pulitzer award-winning plays as well as in outreach and artistic programs, which have doubled in size in the last two years. See more..
4.5 Pasadena Convention Center (111 reviews)
- Huge Place
Convention Centers

When planning your next group event, look no further than dynamic Pasadena - an alluring Southern California city just 11 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The Pasadena Convention Center - with its state-of-the-art design and plenty of flexible space - makes our city more attractive than ever. With LEED(R) Gold Certification, you can take comfort in knowing you are meeting at one of the greenest convention centers in North America. The state-of-the-art Pasadena Convention Center offers a 55,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall, 25,000-square-foot Ballroom and 29 Meeting Rooms. An ideal spot for meetings, events and weddings. See more..
4.5 Arlington Garden in Pasadena (89 reviews)
- Hidden gem
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Arlington Garden is a community-built climate-appropriate habitat garden offering learning inspiration and enjoyment for all. See more..
4.5 Eaton Canyon Natural Area (82 reviews)
- Peaceful Getaway from Bustling City
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Eaton Canyon Falls is about a 25min drive from the Downtown, LA hustle and bustle. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Along with a powerful waterfall, spring brings a bountiful bloom to the park, but winter doesn't stay behind. The cool weather shining sun, and the pleasant smell of wet earth, makes this a marvelous hiking experience! What to bring with you: water, snacks, hiking boots or any shoes will do BUT bring extra socks. It is very easy to accidentally dip a foot or two in water See more..
4.5 Colorado Street Bridge (65 reviews)
- Part of Pasadena Not to Miss
Bridges

Totally biased review. I have loved this bridge since I was young and it still enthralls me. History, architecture, beautiful views. The Pasadena Historical Society has an event usually every other year or so to benefit the bridge with upkeeping and beautification. It is worth it if you can to take a slow drive and enjoy it. Yes the suicide fencing does not add to its beauty yet sadly since the Depression it has been known as Suicide Bridge. The Colorado Street Bridge is worth the drive, even over and over again. See more..
4.5 Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden (32 reviews)
- A charming garden in Pasadena Area.
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Japanese Garden is a charming garden in Pasadena Area. When I first came here, I can feel the freshness in the air. The garden was a masterpiece of art. It was decorated with Bonsai tree, Koi Fish, Japanese bridge and Janpanese house. The highlight of the garden was the Lemon tree. The fragrance from its flower is very unique. If you have time, I would recommend you to spend some time to visit this garden. A little notice that make sure you check for the operation time of the garden before you go. By the chance you read my review, I would love to say have a happy day today! From Sukha’s channel. (A Youtube channel on Personal Development through Traveling) See more..
4.5 A Noise Within Theatre (28 reviews)
- Great theatre, easy parking
Friday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM Theaters

Wonderful theatre, comfy, professional productions ( I saw A CHRISTMAS CAROL). I would definitely go back and we another show See more..
4.5 Pasadena Antique Mall (26 reviews)
- Really fun history! Kids love it
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Antique Shops • Shopping Malls

We visited the Antique mall in Pasadena on a nice Sunday afternoon. This place is situated right next to a large mall with a lot of stores and restaurants. This place is really fun! Once you walk inside it feels like walking back in time. They have lots of sections and it is nice that they have things like in categories. Our kids loved to see all this incredible very useful thins and we got a great opportunity to talk about how life has change and how life is now different because of technology. They also have a Lots of movie memorabilia and props. Remember everything is for sale. They had the original glasses that Marilyn Monroe used in a movie. The employees are super friendly and you can handle most of the stuff. We loved the section with old lightbulbs. They are lit and you can see this magical display. We sat in an area full with old books. That was really fun for our two kids, as you can find these books in a regular library. We saw old typewriters, cameras and lots of beautiful art. It felt like a museum that you can touch the displays. Towards the end of our visit we sat and saw lots of old pictures. Ah, I almost forgot - the jewelry cases are great. Take a trip back in time with the family and enjoy a history afternoon. See more..
4.5 Pasadena City College Flea Market (22 reviews)
- One of the Best Flea Markets in LA Area
Friday: Spent 2-3 hours Flea & Street Markets

OPEN THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH! PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE FOR SPECIFIC DATES. The Pasadena City College Flea Market is known primarily for selling antiques and collectibles, with the products varying from high-end antiques to rummage sale-type items. Over 400 vendors attend our market, located in the PCC parking lots along the East and West sides of campus. See more..
4.5 South Pasadena Farmers' Market (18 reviews)
- Great source for vegetables, fruits etc and most important a KNIFE sharpening service
Friday: Spent 1-2 hours Farmers Markets

Jeff's Knife Sharpening Service is at So Pasadena Farmers Market every other Thursday. He services all kinds of knives and scissors. See more..
4.5 Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (16 reviews)
- Water Exercise in a Beautiful Setting
Friday: 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM Sports Complexes

The Rose Bowl aquatic center has two Olympic sized pools and a smaller teaching/therapy pool. For lap swimmers, one of the larger pools is dedicated solely for this purpose. The second large pool, has diving classes at the deep end, several lanes roped off for short lap swimmers, and a shallow end for children and senior water exercise classes. There is also a gym for workouts. This is a great resource for recreational swimming, exercise, and classes for children and seniors. Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Henninger Flats Campground (13 reviews)
- Camping so close!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Camped for one night with my daughter on a Saturday. Began our hike at 3 pm so as to avoid the hottest part of the day. Still hot, but many little shade spots to stop on the constant uphill. No switchbacks, but lots of gradual curves, going up, up, and up. We both carried 25 lbs. in our packs and used trekking poles. 3 liters of water in our packs as well, which easily lasted us overnight and the next day. As a reward there is an old fashioned soda machine (75 cents) in the ranger station offering coldish Coke, Pepsi, 7 Up, etc. Also, a candy machine for 25 cents. Upper Campground and Fuji are more secluded, off the trail, and quieter, especially in the morning when the day hikers start showing up. Lower campground is larger, and right off the trail, but with the best views. You can easily walk between campgrounds though. When we arrived, sites were filling up fast, so I asked the very nice ranger what happens when it fills up, who I have to go back down? She said no, there is back up campground without the views behind the ranger station. We loved being able to have a fire (in a fire box) and free firewood everywhere, so bring your s'mores. Several kids who made the trek up also having fun camping. The pit toilet is vile; more so than other I have ever been in. I suggest covering your mouth and trying not to breath in the stench. Horrible. That being said, still worth it. Also, very dog friendly. I felt bad for some of the dogs going up. It was hot, so bring lots of water for Fido. The views of the twinkling lights of LA were fantastic. See more..
4.5 Brookside Park (9 reviews)
- BEAUTIFUL AND RELAXING
Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Parks • Playgrounds

I frequently visit Bookside Park, it's down next to the Rose Bowl. This park has lots of mature trees for shade and plenty of picnic tables. If you have kids, there's a playground! I often sit here and just enjoy being out in the "green". Easy parking too. The Rose Bowl Aquatic Center is right there as well, where you can go for a nice swim. See more..
4.0 Rose Bowl Stadium (733 reviews)
- A record setting Grandaddy of em all!
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Sports Complexes

This famous stadium is the home of one of America's most popular annual college football games. See more..
4.0 USC Pacific Asia Museum (107 reviews)
- We went to see the special exhibit of artist Oscar Oiwa
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

The mission of this museum is to preserve, present and interpret the arts and culture of the Pacific Islands and Asia in order to promote appreciation of these cultures. See more..
4.0 South Lake Avenue Shopping & Dining (56 reviews)
- Restaurant row and shopping
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Considered to be a Rodeo Drive for the middle-rich. See more..
4.0 Pasadena Museum of History (37 reviews)
- Engaging account of the city and denizens
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

A multitude of documents, furnishings, decorative items and art works are to be seen. Housed in impressive abodes, we got an interesting appreciation of the life of the well to do in the past. A tour was the highlight of the visit, hosted by a very good guide. It was great to see the beautiful mansion. See more..
4.0 Pasadena Ice Skating Center (36 reviews)
- This is the best
Sports Complexes • Arenas & Stadiums

Occupying what was once the ballroom in Pasadena's civic auditorium, which is considered a historical landmark, is the home of the Pasadena Figure Skating Club. See more..
4.0 Wrigley Gardens (35 reviews)
- Rose Garden Perfection
Gardens

I have visited the garden many times during Spring. It's easily accessible with street parking. You can meander around this Rose Garden then make your way to the Arbor and sit to take in the fragrance of the flowers, but then you can also walk around the grounds of the Historical Wrigley Mansion and enjoy the beautiful architecture, which is the Tournament House for the Rose Parade. See more..