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.

Pasadena Hotel & Pool

Pasadena Hotel & Pool

4 out of 5
928 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$353 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
NZ$353
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,428 reviews)
Staff was amazing, very good atmosphere at the Comet Club for breakfast (Adriana you're the best). Great location, absolutely loved it. Definitely worth the money, will stay again next time when I'm in town.

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Pasadena Hotel & Pool
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 NZ$308 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
NZ$308
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (932 reviews)
Jeannie is an amazing staff person. So helpful and very pleasant. :)

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$339 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
NZ$339
16 Jan - 17 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,486 reviews)
Clean rooms, awesome staff, very attentive

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
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.
House Sober Safe Space

House Sober Safe Space

Pasadena CA
Stay at this holiday home in Pasadena. Popular attractions Rose Bowl Stadium and Norton Simon Museum are located nearby.
House Sober Safe Space
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 aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (776 reviews)
Spacious, comfortable beds, staff is wonderful.

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Fenix Hotel Hollywood

Fenix Hotel Hollywood

4 out of 5
7070 Franklin Ave Los Angeles CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood Walk ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (269 reviews)
Great location, 3/4 mins walk (1 block) from Hollywood Boulevard, room was clean, easy to use the keypad entry systems and non-contact check in - would highly recommend - we even used the in-room laundry.

Reviewed on 22 Dec 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.

Cities near Pasadena

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