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.

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$265 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
NZ$265
21 Dec - 22 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 5 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,000 reviews)
Staff were really friendly had a good atmosphere room was tidy location was great for getting into city centre with metro.

Reviewed on 28 Nov 2025

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport

3 out of 5
5249 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$246 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
NZ$246
10 Dec - 11 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a free airport shuttle and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,470 reviews)
The room was comfortable and clean

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Hilton Garden Inn LAX 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$199 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
NZ$199
15 Dec - 16 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,024 reviews)
Excellent but didnt like the constant air flow directly over the bed

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
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 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! (752 reviews)
Staff was great.

Reviewed on 20 Nov 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! (250 reviews)
Excellent place! Very clean with decent amenities

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

Fenix Hotel Hollywood
Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

3 out of 5
5825 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and air conditioning. Popular attractions Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood ...
9/10 Wonderful! (230 reviews)
Spacious and well designed rooms.

Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles
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
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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