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

Visitors often come to Old Pasadena for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Old Pasadena Historic District and 39 Raymond. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Del Mar Station.

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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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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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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Playhouse Village

If you're spending some time in Playhouse Village, Pasadena Playhouse and Pasadena Museum of California Art are top sights worth seeing.

Playhouse Village
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Lamanda Park

3/5(1 area review)

When in Lamanda Park, you can plan a visit to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens and Pasadena Playhouse, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lamanda Park
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is NZ$270 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$270
22 July - 23 July
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! (3,442 reviews)
"Most chill and comfy hotel with DTLA view"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
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$294 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$294
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,937 reviews)
"A really comfortable stay and good customer service, totally recommend"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel

4 out of 5
6101 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is NZ$278 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$278
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (7,463 reviews)
Best location to LAX
"Great quick stay - most convenient hotel to the airport! This is our go-to for LAX"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 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! (664 reviews)
"Honestly had such a great time, everything was chill, clean and service was amazing. All Staff was friendly. Had zero problems"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 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 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! (148 reviews)
Would stay again
"Served our purpose for a close location to see Hollywood Walk of Fame and other local tourist attractions. Clean and convenient. Room lacked lighting and not many kitchen supplies. Needed ice and no way of making ice."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Fenix Hotel Hollywood
Gilmore One

Gilmore One

4 out of 5
14839 Gilmore St, A, Van Nuys, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Van Nuys. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Woodley ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (56 reviews)
"I loved the stay"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

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