Growing up in Los Angeles, I’d visit Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Flea Market and wander around Old Town Pasadena. But recently, I’ve been exploring this historic town East of Los Angeles to experience locals’ favorites, arts, gardens, and cafes.
Pasadena is home to historical landmarks, Craftsman-era homes, distinguished art and science institutions, and some of the beautifully designed gardens in Southern California.
In the late 1800s through the early 1900s, the city was a popular winter destination for wealthy East Coast visitors escaping colder climates. The influence of that period remains in the architecture and laid-back California lifestyle. Pasadena is also famously home to the Tournament of Roses Parade, held on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl stadium.
This California travel guide is for the Los Angeles resident looking to explore a neighborhood gem and for the out-of-state visitor wanting to stay in a beautiful Southern California town rich with history and things to do. This guide includes iconic and local favorites, beautiful gardens, and dining recommendations. Special thank you to my East-side friends whose recommendations made this guide so much better.
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WHEN TO VISIT
The best times to visit Pasadena are fall, winter, and spring, when temperatures are mild. Nestled near the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena can have extreme heat in summer, climbing into the high 90s and above 100°F. Plan accordingly if you’re visiting between June and September. That said, summer still offers plenty to explore.
STAY
The Langham Hotel, built in 1907, The Langham was a winter resort for East Coast travelers seeking warmer climates. Today, it remains one of the most beautiful hotels in the region with European interiors and sweeping views of the San Gabriel Mountains. I loved the serene gardens, two pools, on-site restaurant, and spa. This hotel is also family-friendly and conveniently located in a lovely neighborhood.
Because of Pasadena’s proximity to other Los Angeles neighborhoods, there are many other hotel options to book within more modest price ranges.
EAT & DRINK
There are endless options for restaurants. Below is a considered selection that includes one recommendation per category, designed to simplify the decision-making.
Brunch
A French bakery and Mediterranean-style brunch spot known for its traditional French baking techniques and quality ingredients. The Boulangerie Basket is a favorite with an assortment of house-made breads and pastries. I also recommend the savory Corned Beef Croissant and Golden Breakfast Arancini.
Coffee, Matcha, & Pastries
Mandarin Coffee
Located in the Burlington Arcade, Mandarin Coffee is the kind of cafe that is perfect for slowing down. They have delicious specialty coffee, matcha, and pastries. This is where I’d meet a friend for matcha and a long-awaited catch-up.
Miopane
A viral Taiwanese pastry and matcha shop that is actually worth the visit. The assortment of pastries was impressive, and I am still thinking about the Matcha cold foam drink I had.
Lunch
Woon
The moment you enter this Chinese restaurant, you’ll be inspired by the design details and casual atmosphere. The beef noodles were delicious, and had the perfect cucumber salad to go with it. Definitely worth dining again and again.
Dinner
Cannonball
Located on Mission Street in South Pasadena, Cannonball looks unassuming from the outside. This American bistro is where the foodies go. The biscuits, burger, chicken, and seafood were exceptional. Reserve a table upstairs for a lovely view of Mission Street.
Burden of Proof
A liquor store stocked entirely with non-alcoholic beverages. This is a genuine novelty and a sign of where things are headed culturally. It sits next to Cannonball, and it’s worth a stop for the sober and sober-curious people alike.
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GARDENS & NATURE
Pasadena gardens are among the best reasons to visit. From world-class botanical gardens to quiet, free-to-enter public spaces near residential neighborhoods.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
This favorite botanical garden sits on 130 acres of biodiverse gardens, alongside an art museum, library, and tea houses. This place is a gem, and my personal favorites are the Desert Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Japanese Garden. Book in advance and plan to spend at least 2-3 hours soaking up the beauty of this place.
Arlington Garden
A quiet public garden featuring California native plants, free to enter and open to anyone. It’s a local favorite, beautifully maintained, and the kind of place you visit to connect with nature.
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
Designed as a traditional Japanese strolling garden, this one sits tucked into a residential neighborhood directly across from Arlington Garden. You can visit one garden, then the other in a single afternoon.
The Arroyo Seco
A scenic canyon and watershed offering miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Lower Arroyo also features natural parkland with an archery range, a casting pond, and shaded trails winding through oak groves. You can also view the historic Holly Street Bridge from here.
THINGS TO DO
There’s something to do for everyone in Pasadena, from architecture to arts to sports, and more. These are some worth noting, depending on your preference.
Rose Bowl Stadium
The Rose Bowl is an iconic landmark set against the San Gabriel Mountains. They host game days, major concerts, and the monthly Rose Bowl Flea Market. I’ve spent many hours here sourcing vintage clothing and furniture. They also hold the Tournament of Roses Parade each New Year’s Day, a tradition Pasadena is known for.
Norton Simon Museum
A curated museum where European masterpieces sit alongside Asian art and modern works.
The Gamble House
American Craftsman architecture designed by Greene & Greene. This iconic home is also famously known as Doc Brown’s house in Back to the Future. You can book a tour to visit the home.
Pasadena Playhouse
Another historic landmark of Southern California, founded in 1917 and designed by Elmer Grey, who also designed the Beverly Hills Hotel and contributed to the Huntington Library.
WHERE TO SHOP
There are so many neighborhood shops in Pasadena, and Angelenos know this is where to find the best vintage and home shopping. Pasadena also has one of the two Avocado Mattress stores worth visiting.
Rosebowl Flea Market
Held every second Sunday of the month at the Rose Bowl Stadium. This is where the vintage buyers, designers, and true vintage lovers go. There are hundreds of booths selling clothing, furniture, home goods, plants, and so much more. Pro tip: to go to the section beyond the entrance away from the perimeter of the stadium. That’s where I find the best clothing and vintage furniture. The best time to go is early morning, and be prepared to drink lots of water and even bring a cart.
Old Town Pasadena
You can shop and walk 21 blocks of endless restaurants, cafes, boutiques, music venues, and retail stores. The best part is that most of the buildings still have that historic architecture, so the walk is worthwhile.
Burlington Arcade
This place gives ‘Harry Potter vibes’ but in a good way. The London-style architecture has thoughtfully curated shops and Mandarin Coffee. Perfect for a lovely stroll and getting a matcha with a friend.
Pasadena Antique Center
This is where serious collectors and interior designers come to shop. I learned about this from an interior designer and was not disappointed. The collection of high-end vintage and antique furniture was so impressive. This is worth visiting even if you’re only looking for inspiration.
Smitty Alley · Millard Alley · Bonam Alley
A trio of pedestrian alleys in Old Town Pasadena is worth wandering through for independent boutiques, local finds, and a slower pace than the main boulevard.
Avocado Mattress Store
The second Avocado Green Mattress location in Pasadena is located within walking distance to cafes, home goods, and furniture shops. If you’re looking for an organic mattress made with non-toxic materials, you can experience their mattress collection of luxury, vegan, and wool options in person. I recently fell in love with the Luxury Organic Pillowtop and the new Firm Mattress. They also carry organic linen sheets and pillows to complete your new bedroom. Check out this location at 87 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105.
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