Pasadena, CA

Travel Guide
Norton Simon Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
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
Los Angeles showing 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 which includes 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 Rose Bowl Stadium.

Lamanda Park
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East Pasadena

When in East Pasadena, you can plan a visit to Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Gardens and 626 Night Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

East Pasadena
Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport
Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport
3.5 out of 5
9750 Airport Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ¥14,488 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥14,488
per night
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
6/10 (5,842 reviews)
"Excellent quality for price, premises are in ok condition, don’t expect top of the line room. I was able to sleep perfectly sound. No trouble with AC, bathroom. Definitely will recommend. Shuttle included with room, comes and goes every 20-30 mins. Really helpful driver."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport
The Westin Pasadena
The Westin Pasadena
4 out of 5
191 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥20,937 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥20,937
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Staff is so nice & helpful!"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

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
The price is ¥21,054 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥21,054
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (150 reviews)
"great property, wonderful breakfast and friendly staff"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (320 reviews)
"Property was great. LA area not so much"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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 daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Rodeo ...
7.8/10 Good! (998 reviews)
"Replace head boards and foot boards. Remotes didn’t work for the Fan. I had to go downstairs to get batteries for the Roku remote. Nice size spiders came out in the bathroom. Shampoo and body wash pumps did not work. But I would stay again. Little fixes."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

The Crescent powered by Sonder
GORGEOUS Hollywood Living Los Angeles
GORGEOUS Hollywood Living Los Angeles
3.5 out of 5
900 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the convenient ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (129 reviews)
"Very private and safe"

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

GORGEOUS Hollywood Living 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.

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Reviews of Pasadena

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
709
" "5 - Excellent 52.91044776119403%
4 - Good
496
" "4 - Good 37.014925373134325%
3 - Okay
104
" "3 - Okay 7.7611940298507465%
2 - Disappointing
17
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2686567164179106%
1 - Terrible
14
" "1 - Terrible 1.044776119402985%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

It's very nice lot's to loom around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 26, 2020

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
May 20, 2020

I love Pasadena very much !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 15, 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 7, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

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

Cities near Pasadena