Pasadena, CA

Travel Guide

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With remarkable museums and art galleries, this Californian city is known as one of the cultural centers of the San Gabriel Valley.

Pasadena has many cultural and scientific institutions, including the renowned California Institute of Technology. This city is an important hub of creative and historic life in California. Visit well-known museums, art galleries and city landmarks.

Stop at the Norton Simon Museum, a famous art center featuring European paintings, Asian artworks and sculpture gardens. Explore Old Pasadena, with one of the first modern art museums in the United States. Take an architectural walking tour and admire some of Old Town’s historic buildings.

Old Pasadena, the significant center of Pasadena, has some of the best shopping and entertainment in Southern California, with over 200 one-of-a-kind shops. Dine in award-winning restaurants and charming sidewalk cafés. Shop for antiques, boutique fashions, vintage items and fresh produce.

Admire masterpieces of modern art in the Pasadena Museum of California Art. See ongoing exhibits of expressionist and contemporary art. This museum preserves the artistic and cultural history of California through painting, graphic design, photography and architecture.

In San Marino, the affluent community about 10 minutes’ drive to the southeast from Pasadena, tour the Huntington Library and Gardens, an educational and research institution that features 12 gardens with over 15,000 plant species. Admire European art from the 15th to the 20th century and American art from the 17th to the 20th century. The Huntington Library is one of the largest research libraries in the world, with over 9 million items, including rare books, manuscripts and photographs.

Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium is an outdoor athletic arena built in the 1920s. This site is regarded as one of the most famous arenas in sporting history and has hosted five Super Bowl games. Watch a sporting event or attend one of the Rose Bowl Flea Markets on the second Sunday of each month.

Pasadena is located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Los Angeles International Airport. Alternatively, fly into Bob Hope Airport about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Pasadena.

Pasadena is the perfect city to appreciate California’s cultural and artistic history.

Where to stay in Pasadena

Find the best Pasadena areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Pasadena
Learn more about Pasadena
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Old Pasadena

Consider a visit to Old Pasadena Historic District and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Old Pasadena. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Memorial Park Station or Del Mar Station.

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South Lake Avenue District

While South Lake Avenue District might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pasadena Playhouse and Pasadena City Hall.

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Playhouse Village

While visiting Playhouse Village, you might make a stop by sights like Pasadena Playhouse and Playhouse District.

The Norton Simon Museum with a large sign and a poster advertising Fragonard's artwork.

South Arroyo

If you're spending some time in South Arroyo, Norton Simon Museum and Colorado Street Bridge are top sights worth seeing.

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North Central

When in North Central, you can plan a visit to Rose Bowl Stadium and Kidspace Childrens Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Stay near popular Pasadena attractions

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Rose Bowl Stadium

8.6/10 (1,079 reviews)
Catch an event at Rose Bowl Stadium during your trip to Pasadena. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
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Things to do

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Frequently asked questions

Is Pasadena worth visiting?
Pasadena is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium and the Norton Simon Museum. Travelers can explore distinct areas like Playhouse Village and North Arroyo, and enjoy diverse dining experiences with Latin American and Asian cuisine.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Pasadena?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Pasadena depend on what you want to see:

  • Playhouse Village is known for entertainment and culture, featuring the Pasadena Playhouse and The Mixx.
  • North Arroyo offers sports and history, with the Rose Bowl Stadium, Brookside Golf & Country Club, and the Pasadena Museum of History.
  • Old Pasadena is ideal for arts and dining, home to the Armory Center for the Arts and Old Towne Pub, Pasadena.

What is Pasadena known for?
Pasadena is known for the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, a major landmark. Travelers can also explore cultural sites like the Norton Simon Museum and the Kidspace Childrens Museum. The city, with neighborhoods such as Playhouse Village and North Arroyo, also offers a vibrant Latin American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Pasadena?
A good itinerary length for Pasadena is two to three days to explore Old Pasadena, visit the Rose Bowl Stadium, and see the Norton Simon Museum. For a longer trip of four to five days, travelers can also experience the Kidspace Childrens Museum, enjoy an Old Pasadena Food Tasting, or take an Explore Pasadena Walking Tour. See Pasadena Activities.
How do you get around Pasadena?
Pasadena is well-served by metro and train, offering convenient ways to explore. Travelers can access stations like Del Mar Station, Memorial Park Station, and Fillmore Station. For greater flexibility, rental cars are available in neighborhoods such as South Arroyo, North Central, and Lamanda Park. Rideshare services also provide a practical option for getting around the area.
What are the top things to do in and around Pasadena?
Pasadena offers a mix of iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, and unique local experiences to discover:

  • Visit the Rose Bowl Stadium
  • Explore the Norton Simon Museum
  • Experience the Christmas Market and Christmas Lights
  • Savor local flavors on an Old Pasadena Food Tasting
  • Discover local legends on a Pasadena Ghost Tour.

What cuisines can you find in Pasadena?
In Pasadena you can find Mexican cuisine, with dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Travelers also enjoy a wide range of Asian options, including Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes. Other choices include Italian, various North American styles, and European cuisines such as Mediterranean and French.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Pasadena?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Pasadena by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Pasadena with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Pasadena trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Pasadena?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Pasadena can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Pasadena trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Pasadena trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Pasadena trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Pasadena trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Pasadena?
If it's your first trip to Pasadena, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Pasadena hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Pasadena hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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