Pasadena Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pasadena
Norton Simon Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
Pasadena
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 centres 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 centre 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 centre 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 kilometres) from Los Angeles International Airport. Alternatively, fly into Bob Hope Airport about 16 miles (26 kilometres) from Pasadena.

Pasadena is the perfect city to appreciate California’s cultural and artistic history.

Where to stay in Pasadena

Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena

Spend some time visiting places like Old Pasadena Historic District while getting to know Old Pasadena, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Memorial Park Station or Del Mar Station to see more of the area.

Old Pasadena
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North Central

While North Central may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rose Bowl Stadium and Pasadena City Hall.

North Central
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South Arroyo

While visiting South Arroyo, you might make a stop by sights like Norton Simon Museum and Colorado Street Bridge.

South Arroyo
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North Arroyo

While visiting North Arroyo, you might make a stop by sights like Rose Bowl Stadium and Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

North Arroyo
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Bungalow Heaven

While Bungalow Heaven may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pasadena Playhouse and Pasadena City Hall.

Bungalow Heaven
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Playhouse Village

If you're spending some time in Playhouse Village, Pasadena Playhouse and Playhouse District are top sights worth seeing.

Playhouse Village
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is NZ$245 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
NZ$245
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 5 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,009 reviews)
Noisy but everything else was perfect. Great staff

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is NZ$246 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
NZ$246
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (3,927 reviews)
Room was clean and had some cool features, but not super spacious so surfaces and places to stow things like luggage were limited. We really appreciated the blackout curtains and the automations that made casting to the tv and adjusting lighting easy. Can appreciate the overall package and why so ...

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Loews Hollywood Hotel

Loews Hollywood Hotel

4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
The price is NZ$551 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
NZ$551
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,715 reviews)
Perfect

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025

Loews Hollywood 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! (743 reviews)
Very neat and unique hotel. Family-owned is a nice touch. front desk clerk was very friendly and helpful! Recommend!

Reviewed on 28 Oct 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! (225 reviews)
Great location and room was clean and way larger than depicted. Great views as well.

Reviewed on 20 Oct 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! (232 reviews)
Room was very clean and quiet

Reviewed on 3 Nov 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Pasadena

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 14%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 71%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Pasadena is a pretty place. I like to walk the main streets and check out the shops. Beautiful climate. Friendly people.

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