Things to do in Pasadena

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Pasadena
Norton Simon Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
Pasadena City Hall showing interior views
Norton Simon Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
Pasadena

Pasadena Attractions

It's not surprising that so many vacationers keep coming back to Pasadena again and again. This alluring city is brimming with things to do. Whether you're into exploring the local sights or having a go at more thrilling activities, it's tough to be bored here.

Explore the best sights in Pasadena with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {252 fun activities in Pasadena fun activities in Pasadena}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

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Most popular activities in Pasadena

Tours & day trips

See all 205 activities
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 330 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $99 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 46 activities
30min Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood Sign in Ferrari

30min Driving Tour: Explore Hollywood Sign in Ferrari

Activity duration is 30 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $149 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 34 activities
Mandir and Temple Tour

Mandir and Temple Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $150 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities
Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard

Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard

Activity duration is 2 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $39 per traveler
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 11 activities
Hollywood Sign Helicopter Tour

Hollywood Sign Helicopter Tour

Activity duration is 10 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 79 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $184 per traveler
Hollywood Sign Helicopter TourOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Pasadena

Number of things to do
252
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Pasadena

Free Things to Do in Pasadena

A vacation in Pasadena need not break the bank. You can leave your wallet at home if you check out:

Pasadena City Hall - Architecture fans will enjoy admiring the impressive modern design of this landmark.

Colorado Street Bridge - Soak up some of the historical events of the area through this attraction.

Things to Do in Pasadena with Kids

There are loads of outstanding experiences in Pasadena that the entire gang will enjoy. These are some of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Pasadena? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Pasadena

Universal Studios which includes rides, signage and a fountain

Universal Studios Hollywood

4.5/5(3,924 reviews)

Part film and TV studio, part entertainment complex and part amusement park with full-throttle fun at every turn.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium

4.5/5(966 reviews)

Catch an event at Dodger Stadium during your trip to Los Angeles. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Dodger Stadium
Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(1,079 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Long Beach with a trip to Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Staples Center which includes shopping, signage and a statue or sculpture

Crypto.com Arena

4.5/5(1,867 reviews)

This multipurpose sports arena has hosted some of the world’s biggest musical acts and is home to two National Basketball Association teams.

Crypto.com Arena
I found Boba Fett

Los Angeles Convention Center

4.5/5(1,413 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening at Los Angeles Convention Center, a top convention center in Los Angeles. Experience the fascinating museums and great live music in this vibrant area.

Los Angeles Convention Center
Quite a nice dome here, although the centerpiece prohibits a true Pantheon effect.

University of Southern California

4/5(1,576 reviews)

Walk around the campus of University of Southern California, a top college in Los Angeles. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

University of Southern California
Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain

4.5/5(631 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day at Six Flags Magic Mountain and see why people love this theme park in Stevenson Ranch. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
Santa Monica Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and a beach

Santa Monica Beach

4.5/5(3,352 reviews)

Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, this iconic southern California beach is a haven for swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts.

Santa Monica Beach
Venice Beach which includes picnicing and a city as well as a large group of people

Venice Beach

4/5(3,598 reviews)

Bronze your body and rub shoulders with body builders and wacky performers at Los Angeles’ quirky urban shoreline, a colorful escape from the city.

Venice Beach

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Pasadena

Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

The historic center of Pasadena in Los Angeles County offers alfresco dining, farmers markets, shopping and arts and crafts events.

Old Pasadena
Gamble House featuring a house

North Arroyo

5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North Arroyo, Rose Bowl Stadium and Jet Propulsion Laboratory are top sights worth seeing.

North Arroyo
Default Image

North Central

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

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

North Central
Norton Simon Museum featuring a statue or sculpture

South Arroyo

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

South Arroyo
One of my favorite cafe's when traveling through California

Playhouse Village

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

Playhouse Village
A #burger lover can’t miss one of the most famous drive ins! #red

Lamanda Park

4/5(206 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lamanda Park and surrounding area, you can visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens and Pasadena Playhouse.

Lamanda Park
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Pasadena

Los Angeles which includes a sunset, a city and landscape views

Los Angeles

Alhambra

Alhambra

Photo by Irma Eaves

Arcadia

Glendale

Glendale

San Gabriel

San Gabriel

Photo by Carol Ward

South Pasadena

Photo by Irma Eaves

La Canada Flintridge

Photo by William Zain

Altadena

Frequently asked questions

Is Pasadena worth visiting?
Famous for its festivals and history, discovering awesome things to do in Pasadena is easy. Be sure to add Griffith Observatory to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Pasadena?
After you've visited major attractions like Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles Zoo, spend the rest of your day exploring Pasadena's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Pasadena?
You can't go home without visiting Griffith Observatory, rated the top tourist attraction in Pasadena.
Is three days enough to stay in Pasadena?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Playhouse and Kidspace Childrens Museum with a three-day stay in Pasadena. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Los Angeles.
Is Pasadena a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Pasadena is a great place to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between Norton Simon Museum and Pasadena Playhouse. Then take a stroll through Lamanda Park, located 2 miles from downtown, and Old Pasadena, which is roughly 0.3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Pasadena with kids?
Deciding what to do in Pasadena with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Pasadena for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Pasadena, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to San Antonio Winery or Olvera Street.
Are there free things to do in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, 626 Night Market is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to discover the best free things to do in Pasadena.