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 39 Raymond and Old Pasadena Historic District. 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
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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
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 Pasadena Museum of California Art.

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
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ¥18,669 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
¥18,669
¥21,692 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,372 reviews)
"I love staying here, check in is always easy and my room is always clean"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
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
The price is ¥21,985 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥21,985
¥25,545 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & 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! (2,559 reviews)
"Everything was clean"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
4 out of 5
6101 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ¥23,071 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
¥23,071
¥26,807 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,438 reviews)
"SHERATON GATEWAY LAX Great Hotel Excellent, Friendly, Helpful Staff !!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
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! (659 reviews)
"Such a hidden gem! The rooms are a pleasant surprise! Great staff"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Gilmore One
Gilmore One
2.5 out of 5
14839 Gilmore St, A, Van Nuys, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Van Nuys. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sherman ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (53 reviews)
"really nice and clean. would recommend and come back!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Gilmore One
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! (141 reviews)
"Nice facilities and amenities. The rooms look way better than the hotel’s curb appeal. Very thin walls. Great security."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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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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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