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.

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

4 out of 5
180 N Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena CA
$152 nightly
The price is $178 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$178 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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! (1,407 reviews)
"For as much as this hotel charges, they need to fix the TV, and upgrade the plumbing and hvac. The TV got maybe 5 channels and the guide was wrong and the signal was interrupted every minute or so. The old style heater/ac kept shutting off, and the sink faucet was broken"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town
Pasadena Hotel & Pool

Pasadena Hotel & Pool

4 out of 5
928 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena CA
$152 nightly
The price is $179 total per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
$179 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
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! (1,627 reviews)
"Good location to Caltech. Clean and many sitting areas at the lobby"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2026

Pasadena Hotel & Pool
Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles

Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles

5 out of 5
1401 S Oak Knoll Ave Pasadena CA
$419 nightly
The price is $491 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$491 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
Langham Huntington, Pasadena, 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.
Historic Modern House Pasadena

Historic Modern House Pasadena

Pasadena CA
Stay at this vacation home in Pasadena. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Rose Bowl Stadium and The Huntington Library, Art ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Everything was nice, clean, well maintained. The property is beautiful and very relaxing. The host was very helpful and very attentive. We came to the area for work and will be back multiple times in the next few months. We won't have to look for a place to stay, we will 100% be staying there again ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2026

Historic Modern House Pasadena
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (441 reviews)
"Overall, I would not recommend this hotel to anyone, way overpriced for what you get. After booking Fenix sends you an email and makes you submit pictures of you ID to them. They also make you scan your face with a selfie app. Then then also force you to sign a short-term lease agreement. None of ..."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2026

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! (382 reviews)
"Cute place for a Hollywood stay, and the property is immaculately taken care of! Location is amazing, and the privacy and comfort of the room is a deal for the price!"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2026

Kasa Sunset 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.

Stay near popular Pasadena attractions

Things to do

Cities near Pasadena

Explore a world of travel with Expedia