Pasadena, CA

Travel Guide

A corridor with arches, a hanging lantern, and a tiled floor.
A bronze statue of a contemplative man seated on a rock.
A grand clock with Roman numerals, set within an ornate arched ceiling with decorative elements.
A bronze statue of a muscular man with a beard, holding a clenched fist.
A covered walkway with a pergola, palm trees, and a building in the background.

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

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.

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.

Playhouse Village

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

South Arroyo

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

North Central

When in North Central, you can plan a visit to Rose Bowl Stadium and Pasadena City Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pasadena Hotel & Pool

Pasadena Hotel & Pool

4 out of 5
928 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena CA
$143 nightly
The price is $167 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$167 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,633 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at this boutique hotel. The room was comfortable and clean with a contemporary layout and appointments. The best part is the location. Near good coffee shops. Also enjoyed the breakfast burritos and coffee at bbad (breakfast burritos all day) attached to the lobby."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Pasadena Hotel & Pool
Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

4 out of 5
180 N Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena CA
$139 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$163 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,453 reviews)
"The only thing I didn't like was that the $40 per day parking fee wasn't disclosed until after I'd already booked the room."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

4 out of 5
404 S Figueroa St Los Angeles CA
$191 nightly
The price is $222 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$222 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fenix Hotel Hollywood

Fenix Hotel Hollywood

4 out of 5
7070 Franklin Ave Los Angeles CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood Bowl ...
Fenix Hotel Hollywood
Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

3 out of 5
5825 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (403 reviews)
"Amazing!!"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
219 W 7th St Los Angeles CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (922 reviews)
"Very decorative and clean with a safe security to get into your place. Helpful people to guild and tell you what to do"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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