Best Things to Do In Pasadena (From an LA Local)

Despite all the amazing things to do in Pasadena, it still seems like it escapes so many tourist’s radars.

When most people visit LA, they head straight for Santa Monica, Venice, or *shudder* Hollywood. On my few visits to LA before moving here a few years ago, I never even thought to visit Pasadena. 

It wasn’t until I moved to the LA area, that an internship brought me to the city twice a week for a few months. Whenever I go back to visit every few months or so, it completely lives up to my fond memories. It’s seriously one of my favorite places for just walking around, shopping, taking photos, and just being out-and-about.

With that said, if you love beautiful Spanish style architecture, a walkable area, delicious food, and lots of shopping, then absolutely visit — and here are the best things to do in Pasadena that you can’t miss.

Walk Around Old Pasadena

People complain about how LA isn’t walkable, and then they skip places like Old Pasadena! For that reason alone, Old Pasadena needs to be on every LA itinerary, but it also helps that the architecture is so beautiful, and this whole area is filled with shops, restaurants, bars and cafes to explore.

When I used to intern out here a few years ago, I’d take my whole hour lunch break to eat as fast as I could and then just wander around. Even though the actual historic area isn’t that big, I could seriously never get sick of it. Even years later, just wandering around is one of my favorite budget-friendly things to do in LA.

Pasadena City Hall

When I first stumbled upon the city hall a few years ago, I was literally shocked – I’d never seen a city hall so beautiful — and that still rings true nearly eight years later (except maybe the city hall in Santa Barbara).

This is a gorgeous building to walk around and photograph. The last few times I’ve visited, there were literally photo shoots happening everywhere you looked. Unlike in Santa Barbara, the inside isn’t super special, so you really only need 20 or 30 minutes or so to (slowly) walk around here.

The Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum is one of the top — if not the top — cultural institution on Pasadena. It’s $20 (or free if you have a Student ID, are a senior, or are under the age of 18), but it’s free every first Friday of the month. It’s closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and mostly features a really impressive collection of European art from the 14th to 19th centuries.

Armory Center for the Arts

If you love art but want a quicker (or more budget-friendly alternative), instead stop by the Armory Center for the Arts. It’s somewhat of a blend between a museum and an arts education space, and it hosts contemporary art exhibits. It’s pretty small, but it’s also free!

The Gamble House

If you’re interested in architecture, visit the Gamble House. This historic home is still on my list of things to do, so I can’t speak for it, but tickets are $15, and it’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. It’s one mile away from Old Pasadena.

Burlington Arcade

Burlington Arcade is a small shopping corridor that’s not unlike streets in London (or what I imagine they look like, since I haven’t actually been to London haha).

Not going to lie, I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t bigger, but it was still really cute and a great place to grab a coffee. But, I maybe wouldn’t go too out of my way to come here if you’re short on time.

Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Southern California (if you ask me.) Although it’s technically in San Marino, it’s basically considered part of Pasadena, so it’s a worthwhile addition to your Pasadena itinerary. It’s around three miles, or just 10 minutes driving, from Old Pasadena.

Tickets are $30, and reservations ahead of time are required Fridays through Sundays.

This place is giant — 130 acres to be exact, only counting the part that’s open to visitors — so you can definitely spend a few hours here. During my visit, I definitely didn’t get to see it all!

Wrigley Mansion Rose Garden

If you’re looking for a little bit of nature that’s quicker and free, go to the Wrigley Mansion Rose Garden.

It’s relatively small, so I’d probably just spend 20 or 30 minutes here.

Just a heads up, the mansion here is only open during events.

It’s the headquarters for the Tournament of Roses, an annual parade that happens in Pasadena (and that’s a huge deal here. Don’t ask me why, I have no idea). It’s about a mile away from Old Pasadena.

Shopping

While you can find tons of your classic stores here, like Sephora, Free People, and so on and so forth, Pasadena is full of unique shops and hidden gems, making it the perfect place to do some shopping.

Pasadena Antique Mall

While you’re here, definitely don’t miss the Pasadena Antique Mall.

This extensive shop has literally any type of item you can imagine. It’s been around for over 30 years, and it’s full of hidden treasures.

Vroman’s Bookstore

I love a good bookstore, and you can definitely spend ages here exploring the giant collection in Vroman’s Bookstore.

It’s also the definition of a local institution, since it’s been open since 1894, and claims to be the largest and oldest independent bookstore in SoCal! There’s also a cozy little cafe and wine bar inside, which just makes me love it even more.

The Open Book

Ok, as much as I love Vroman’s, sometimes you just need a different bookstore vibe. I stumbled upon this one during my last visit to Pasadena and it’s so cute! It’s much smaller than Vroman’s and I loved the various little displays and decor. But most importantly, the books are used, and super affordable.

Homage

Homage is a great place to check out for everything ranging from jewelry, to accessories, to home decor, and more.

Gold Bug

For unique jewelry and funky art and home decor, head to Gold Bug.

Explore Pasadena’s food scene

There are over 100 restaurants in Old Pasadena alone, so luckily, you’ve got plenty of options depending on what you’re craving and your budget! 

Here are some places I’ve tried and loved:

Russell’s

Maybe it’s just because I’m from New Jersey, but I’m always craving cozy diner food, and Russell’s definitely fits the bill for me. I would eat here all the time when I was frequently in Pasadena.

They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, and close at 2 p.m. daily.

El Toreo and Urth Caffe

El Toreo Cafe

El Toreo Cafe is a cute Mexican spot that’s been around for decades. It has a great ambiance, delicious food, and an affordable price point.

Urth Caffe

Urth Caffe is a trendy chain with healthy and delicious sandwiches, salads, bakery items, and more. (594 E Colorado Blvd.)

Crepes De Paris

Crepes De Paris is another spot I used to frequent a lot during my intern days thanks to its affordability. They of course serve a variety of sweet and savory crepes, but they also have a number of sandwiches, salads, and omelettes. (84 S Fair Oaks Ave.)

There are also lots of other food options about a mile away from Old Town Pasadena on Lake Avenue.

Urban Plates

I love Urban Plates when I’m looking for a casual but healthy meal. If you’re not familiar, it’s a mostly Southern California-based chain with lots of sandwiches, salads, and bowls where you can essentially pick your protein and sides.

Nick’s Pasadena

If you’re looking for a fancier meal, Nick’s Pasadena is also around here.

I haven’t been to the Pasadena location, but I’ve been to the Long Beach and Laguna Beach ones and have enjoyed them (there are seven locations total), and the menus are all fairly similar.

Where to Stay in Pasadena

If you want to spend more time in Pasadena, you will find plenty of accommodation options — but it is true that Pasadena is a fairly bougie area, so it’s not the easiest if to find a hotel if you’re on a budget. But the good news is, I have found a few hotel options that aren’t egregiously expensive.

Here are a couple highly rated places that won’t break the bank:

Pasadena Rose & Crown Hotel

Pasadena Rose & Crown Hotel includes breakfast, an outdoor pool, free parking (!), and is in a great location, with lots within walking distance. Book your stay here.

Saga Motor Hotel Pasadena

Saga Motor Hotel Pasadena has more of a vintage feel, but also includes breakfast, a pool, and parking. It’s also in close proximity to lots of sightseeing. Check it out here.

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• Best Things to Do In Pasadena (From an LA Local)
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