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 looking for abundant dining options, a trip to Old Pasadena might be just the ticket. Explore top sights in the area like 39 Raymond and get around town on the metro at Del Mar Station.

Old Pasadena
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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
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
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
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
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East Pasadena

When in East Pasadena, you can plan a visit to Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and Westfield Santa Anita, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

East Pasadena
Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles
Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles
5 out of 5
1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA
The price is ₩498,386 per night from May 26 to May 27
₩498,386
₩651,420 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Very nice outdoor space. Parking is very expensive."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₩187,678 per night from May 26 to May 27
₩187,678
₩218,208 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,744 reviews)
"We enjoyed the amenities,"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
4 out of 5
5985 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₩230,332 per night from May 4 to May 5
₩230,332
₩309,274 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,649 reviews)
"Great food at restaurant !"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
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! (614 reviews)
"Very clean and functional"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Casas On Cordova Street
Casas On Cordova Street
2 out of 5
1864 Cordova St, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Crypto.com Arena and L.A. Live are ...
7.8/10 Good! (10 reviews)
"It was pretty comfortable to stay! But there are fewer restaurants around the accommodation. Also, for those who stay longer, you should buy some beverage beforehand because you will be given just one bottle of water, and it seemed there were no water servers in the building. Otherwise, there are ..."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Casas On Cordova Street
The Crescent powered by Sonder
The Crescent powered by Sonder
4 out of 5
403 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills, CA
Stay at this 4-star boutique condo in Beverly Hills. Enjoy valet parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,094 reviews)
Wonderful and restful stay at the Sonder.
"Great wonderful relaxing and restful stay. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025

The Crescent powered by Sonder
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Pasadena

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
709
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
496
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
104
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
17
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It's very nice lot's to loom around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

As Angelenos, we've been to Pasadena often. It's a lovely town and we also drove around San Marino. Great stay!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I love Pasadena very much !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Such a beautiful place. Super safe. Super warm atmosphere.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Old town Pasadena was nice, not much activity as everyone is staying home

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was Beautiful and every one is so nice and friendly . Made us feel very welcome .

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