Pasadena, CA

Travel Guide

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

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

Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Old Pasadena, you might enjoy attractions like Old Pasadena Historic District and 39 Raymond. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Del Mar Station to see more of the city.

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
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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
The Westin Pasadena

The Westin Pasadena

4 out of 5
191 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA
$143 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$168 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,549 reviews)
"The bed was very comfortable"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

The Westin Pasadena
Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

4 out of 5
180 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA
$135 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$158 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (760 reviews)
"Front desk staff were very friendly and helpful. Carpark adjacent to hotel allowed for parking on our room floor which was great. Comfortable beds, felt safe and quiet for our one night stay:)"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

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
$161 nightly
The price is $187 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$187 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,623 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

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.
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 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (702 reviews)
"Great stay in Downtown LA. The staff is wonderful. The room was perfect. I loved everything in, out and around the apartment. The Haas is definitely saved as one of my favorites. Parking is the only issue in LA anywhere you go and tons of homeless people. But that's just how Los Angeles is. There ..."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

3 out of 5
5825 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and air conditioning. Popular attractions Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood ...
9/10 Wonderful! (190 reviews)
"We loved this property; the room and city view is gorgeous. Also appreciate the virtual check in. No complaints. Would stay here again. 10/10"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles
Fenix Hotel Hollywood

Fenix Hotel Hollywood

4 out of 5
7070 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (180 reviews)
"Location was great closes to touristic attractions. Close to food outlets."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Fenix Hotel Hollywood
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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