Where to stay

Book a room in Old Pasadena to be close to the city's best restaurants. Modern Californian cuisine is the main focus in many dining rooms, although there are also elegant old-school bistros and classy steakhouses. Hotels here are similarly upscale, including rather elegant versions of big-name chains. Find some better deals on accommodations in East Pasadena along with more local dining options and a couple of good farmers markets. South Pasadena has less to recommend it to foodies, although those in search of late-night snacks should consider staying near the local fast-food institution, Lucky Boy.

For a small city, Pasadena has a wealth of great museums. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in the neighborhood of San Marino are its top draw. Stay here to spend at least half a day exploring the collections of books and paintings and the beautiful themed gardens. Reserve a hotel in Old Pasadena to be closer to numerous small museums. Some of the most engaging include the Pasadena Museum of History, which takes visitors back through the city's varied past, and the Gamble House, a historic 1908 home now open for tours. Those with kids should also consider lodgings near the small Southern California Children's Museum or the Kidspace Children's Museum.

For art galleries, Old Pasadena's hotels have the most places of interest on their doorstep. Perhaps most worthwhile is a trip to the Norton Simon Museum, a remarkable private art collection. For theater, the Pasadena Playhouse has a national reputation. Places to stay in the surrounding Playhouse District are well set up for those stopping by for a night or two. The Rose Bowl Stadium is a cultural icon of a different type and an LA landmark. Football fans coming into town to catch one of the UCLA Bruins games or a concert should book a room near here.