31 Fantastic Things To Do In Pasadena (California)

Known as the “city of roses,” Pasadena is the ideal destination because of its majestic architecture and lush surroundings.

The city, which is tucked away at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, is a haven from the bustle of nearby downtown Los Angeles.

The city is famous for the Rose Bowl, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the California Institute of Technology.

From libraries to the historical district and several entertainment joints, Pasadena is a great place to be.

Here’s a list of things to do in Pasadena to ensure you have a great experience.

Things to do in Pasadena

1. Historic Old Pasadena

One of the busiest destinations for dining, shopping, and entertainment on the West Coast is Old Pasadena

Located 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Old Pasadena is a diverse old-town district that offers entertainment and activities for both adults and children.

Furthermore, old Pasadena is home to a wealth of meticulously restored late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings.

In fact, old-style buildings that have been renovated to house a range of unique eateries and specialized shops give Old Pasadena a lot of flavors.

As the locals affectionately refer to it, “Old Pas” features outdoor shopping malls, secret passageways, and a bustling strip of shops and eateries.

Similarly, there are other numerous activities available for visitors to enjoy in and around Old Pasadena. These activities include visiting museums, historical sites, gardens, and the renowned Rose Bowl!

Eat contemporary Mexican cuisine in a luxurious setting with a killer mezcal menu.

Play video games and arcade machines from the 1980s at the Neon Retro Arcade.

Additionally, this neat and secure neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, offers convenient parking, and offers simple access to public transportation.

You should stop by here and get a taste of how Pasadena developed and be entertained.

Address: 1 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

2. Neon Retro Arcade

For those looking to travel back in time with real video game cabinets, Neon Retro Arcade is a modest yet welcoming location.

It can accommodate groups and is family-friendly.

Neon Retro Arcade is a classic arcade with all of your favorite vintage games from the past.

Come to Neon to experience an absolutely wonderful trip back to the 1980s and 1990s. Play games with your kids, or rekindle your friendships with some friendly rivalry.

Displaying 40+ vintage arcade games and pinball machines that have been meticulously restored to their former splendor, you can’t go wrong coming here.

Additionally, Neon has cozy video gaming stations where you may challenge your pals to the newest next-generation titles.

Multiple TVs in the back are equipped with Nintendo Switch consoles that are currently loaded with a variety of video games including both Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart.

The arcade is open 12 pm – 10 pm daily. You will find this wonderful establishment in the historic old Pasadena.

Address: 28 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

3. Norton Simon Museum

Norton Simon Museum is a wonderful location and a great spot to go to see famous artworks. It doesn’t even matter if you are an art lover or not, you will find this place thrilling.

Industrialist Norton Simon spent more than 30 years assembling an astounding collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

In fact, when you first enter the building, you can’t help but be struck by how the design grabs your attention.

There are four wings on the main floor. Each wing represents a distinct period of time.

On the main floor, there is a gift shop and entrance to the sculpture garden, which is a lovely location.

Similarly, south and Southeast Asian sculptures can be found downstairs as there is an outstanding collection of Indian and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years.

American and European modern and contemporary art also holds a significant place in the museum’s collections.

More than 12,000 pieces are kept in the museum, about 1,000 of which are on display in the galleries and gardens.

In fact, there’s a huge collection of paintings and sculptures here.

Some of the artists’ works you will see here include Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Mondrian. In short, the list goes on and on:

Don’t forget to watch the short film on the art collector Norton Simon first. The movie provides a wonderful tale about how he first began collecting art and some fascinating tales regarding the works of art he acquired.

Address: 411 W. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

4. Pasadena Museum of History

You can’t be in Pasadena and not learn a thing or two about the city, right? Pasadena Museum of History is a great place to do that.

The history, art, and culture of Pasadena are only preserved and shared by the Pasadena Museum of History, a museum, and a research library.

With nearly a million old books, antiques, maps, and pictures, the museum teaches well on Pasadena.

Over 1,000,000 historical images, original manuscripts, books, maps, architectural documents, costumes, and other objects can be found in the Museum’s priceless archive collection.

The Pasadena Museum of History is made up of a number of buildings which include the history center, fenyes mansion, Finnish Folk Art Museum, etc.

Two galleries and the museum shop are housed in the historic center.

Fenyes Mansion is a renowned Pasadena family mansion that is open to the public as part of mansion tours.

5. Rose Bowl Stadium

Known as “The Granddaddy of them all,” Rose Bowl stadium is where the term “bowl game” originated.

Rose Bowl Stadium is an open-air multipurpose stadium.

In October 1922, Rose Bowl Stadium was inaugurated. The Rose Bowl game, for which it was named, has been played there annually since 1902.

Additionally, the Olympic competitions were held there in 1932 and 1984.

Rose Bowl Stadium offers approx. 2-hour long stadium tours. The final Friday of each month is when tours take place, so make sure to time yourself well.

Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States

6. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Want an intimate place in Pasadena? Then you can’t go wrong with the storrier Stearns Japanese Garden.

The garden is the ideal setting for a range of events for those looking for a distinctive site for really special occasions.

In short, this exclusive Japanese garden is a hidden gem in Pasadena.

Originally planned as a private estate garden in the 1930s and kept out of sight for many years, this location of exceptional beauty now serves a new purpose as a result of historic restoration.

Although the garden is modest in size but it is beautifully kept, with ponds, picnic tables, a real Japanese teahouse, and waterfalls all under the cover of various trees.

Additionally, it has a bonsai tree, koi fish, a Japanese bridge, and a Japanese home as decorations.

The Lemon tree is the garden’s main attraction. Its blossom has a very distinct scent.

You wouldn’t know that a bustling road is right outside the grounds because the garden is cool and peaceful; free of bustling.

Address: 270 Arlington Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

7. The Caltech Science Museum’s Beckman Room

If you are interested in science, then you will love it here at the Caltech Science Museum’s Beckman Room

The modest museum is located on the main floor of the Beckman Institute.

Devoted to the history of chemistry and the contributions Arnold O. Beckman made to science and philanthropy.

Similarly, this institute honors the physician’s remarkable life, including his early years at Caltech, receiving his Ph.D., developing the pH meter, and so on.

Along with an extensive look at his biography, visitors can have a look at a replica of a chemistry lab from the 1920s and learn more about the equipment that Arnold Beckman had access to while working at Caltech.

The museum is available to walk-in visitors on the first Friday of every month from 1 to 4 PM during the academic year.

Additionally, the museum welcomes both individuals and organizations by appointment.

8. The Gamble House

If you don’t have a thing for science, then you would probably fancy arts and crafts.

The Gamble House, often referred to as the David B. Gamble House, is a famous American Craftsman residence in Pasadena.

The three-story house is such a spectacular building; in fact, the building was ahead of its time.

Gamble House is the best illustration of Craftsman-style construction from the early 20th century.

Similarly, due to the abundance of land and the hospitable environment, it exhibits influences from both traditional Japanese aesthetics and a certain spaciousness typical of California.

Additionally, all of its original furnishings, which were originally created by the architects, have been maintained.

Tuesdays, Thursdays through Sundays provide one-hour specialty and group tours of the Gamble House.

Address: 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States

Perhaps you want locations for an excellent beach and nature experience, then Fresno and San Luis Obispo are just the perfect spots in California!

9. Maestro Restaurant, Pasadena

In the storied Old Pasadena neighborhood, there you will find this high-end Mexican restaurant called Maestro.

Maestro Pasadena is the place to go if you want authentic Mexican cuisine.

Chef Elena Vega’s authentic Mexican cuisine and mezcal cocktail makings are the focus of Maestro. The chef presents his food with an artist’s eye, giving even the most ordinary dishes a creative spin.

Similarly, once you enter, you are hit with a chic, contemporary setting with romantic lighting, high ceilings, and a bold kitchen that creates meals based on fresh ingredients.

This restaurant serves excellent lamb shank, intricate chicken mole, and delicately fried fish, among other well-prepared, authentic Mexican meals.

Begin with a jalapeno margarita and enjoy it with their guacamole and crisp plantain chips before moving on to some hot fried calamari topped with roasted bell pepper puree.

Another favorite you can try is the mildly spicy braised lamb shank.

You’ll also find ceviche, exquisite Branzino served over a corn puree, empanadas loaded with shrimp and octopus, mole chicken, and empanadas.

Address: 110 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States

10. Pasadena City Hall

Pasadena is a city full of rich, renaissance-style architecture, and Pasadena city hall is a beautiful example.

With its red tile roof, elaborate fountain, and lush flower courtyard, Pasadena city hall is a monument to municipal architecture.

The structure was created by Bakewell and Brown, an architectural company that had previously attracted widespread attention for designing San Francisco City Hall in 1915.

The beautiful landmark from 1927 displays influences from the Italian Renaissance and Spanish architecture.

In addition, this enormous circular building rises six stories perpendicularly, and the lantern is a 41-foot-tall cupola.

If you’re lucky, you’ll see a cute couple taking photos during their wedding. There are also a ton of additional activities in the area.

Address: 100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States

11. Design Within Reach, Pasadena

Want to see or buy some exquisite furniture? then design within reach is a great place.

DWR Pasadena is housed in a brick warehouse built in the early 1920s that has a distinctive open-truss ceiling and poured pebble floor.

The establishment makes real, mid-century-inspired furnishings.

Situated in the storied Old Town Shopping District, a large variety of DWR furniture is exhibited in gallery style, including living, dining, and bedroom pieces, as well as storage and home office sets.

The Studio’s helpful, educated staff is also available to offer a variety of complementary design services.

Address: 60 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

Sausalito is a great place if you want a more intimate location!

12. Kidspace Children’s Museum

Looking to entertain and give your children a perfect treat? Kidspace Children’s museum is the right place to go.

With more than 40 interactive exhibits, Kidspace Children’s Museum is one of the top family attractions in Southern California

it is situated on more than 3.5 acres in Pasadena, California.

Kidspace‘s goal is to develop every child’s potential through kid-driven activities that encourage them to become joyful, engaged learners.

The Kidspace Children’s Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, open spaces for kids to run around and climb on, and other exciting things to see and do. It’s the ideal setting for a day trip.

The museum has a bottle rocket area, a tower climbing area, an amphitheater, and a courtyard where kids can ride trikes on tracks.

Additionally, there is a pavilion where visitors can make paper airplanes and other items in the workshop, a greenhouse, and a bottle rocket area.

A lot of activity stations are also outside, including big blocks, a magnetic pendulum, air cannons, and tricycle rides.

Address: 480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States

13. Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Nerd alert! Well, this location is not only for nerds, but if you appreciate technological marvels, you will love it here.

In short, if you are interested in space-related things, you should come here.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which was established by Caltech scientists, is the premier facility for examining the solar system and farther-off regions that are yet inaccessible to humanity.

This location is fantastic for a tour. However, there is a waiting list if you want a tour.

The three-hour guided tour is designed for die-hard nerds and includes a lot of explanations.

When the NASA JPL campus hosts its annual open house, it’s incredibly cool to visit. The exhibitions of all the technology they worked on are incredibly cool.

You’ll also see the identical Mars machine that was tested on some red dirt in an effort to mimic the Martian environment.

Although the majority of the lab is occupied by REAL projects, there are some areas containing artifacts.

The gift shop is also excellent, with a variety of genuine NASA memorabilia to display throughout the globe.

Address: 4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109, United States

14. The Fork in the Road, Pasadena

An unusual sight to see in Pasadena is the fork in the road.

The literal “fork in the road” is marked with an 18-foot wooden fork that sits where the two highways diverge.

At the intersection of Pasadena and St. John Avenues, two local company owners made the decision to celebrate their hometown with a colossal cooking tool that also serves as a smart visual pun.

The statue was initially erected by locals Bob Stane and Ken Marshall without the city’s approval; It was then temporarily removed but has since been reinstalled when the builders obtained the necessary insurance and approval from the municipality.

When the fork was put in place, a celebration was organized as the city celebrated its new sculpture.

Since it was reinstated, the big fork has gained a reputation as a venue for charitable events like food drives, and it’s a beautiful sight to behold.

Address: S St John Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

15. Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens

Here’s another Renaissance-style structure in Pasadena

The Wrigley family gave the Italian Renaissance-style mansion to the City of Pasadena in 1958 with the understanding that it would serve as the Tournament of Roses’ official headquarters permanently.

As a result, it is now referred to as the Tournament House.

The Wrigley Gardens, with four and a half acres of flower displays and more than 1,500 different rose, camellia, and annual species, surround the Tournament House.

Address: 391 S Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91184, United States

16. Arlington Garden, Pasadena

Arlington Garden is a communally constructed, climate-appropriate habitat garden that welcomes everyone.

In addition to being welcoming to people and pets, this garden serves as a haven for the local wildlife of Pasadena. Particularly numerous and visible all year round are birds, bees, and butterflies.

The creators have developed a public, water-efficient garden that honors Southern California’s Mediterranean environment and serves as an example of how lovely and useful a thoughtfully designed, water-efficient, and climate-appropriate garden can be.

It is enjoyable to meander through the numerous areas of the garden, each with a unique theme and lovely landscaping.

Furthermore, the garden’s location was formerly a staging area for the 710 Freeway, but local opposition resulted in the compacted lot remaining vacant.

The Italian-inspired landscape with winding walkways and olive alleées is attractive to tourists, students, artists, and photographers alike.

A wonderful and thrilling experience, especially for those who enjoy the outdoors, can be had in cactus gardens and with rare native flora.

The San Diego ambrosia, bush anemone, and rainbow manzanita are three breathtaking and endangered plant species that thrive in the Pasadena climate.

The public is welcome to visit Arlington Gardens for free every day of the year from 8 am to 6 pm.

On “Volunteer Tuesdays,” head gardener Leigh Talmo instructs sustainable gardening methods from 9 am to noon.

Address: 275 Arlington Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

More amazing places to explore are Malibu, Paso Robles, and Anaheim!

17. California Cactus Center

The California Cactus Center, established more than 35 years ago in Pasadena, California, was the vision of Thai immigrants Zhalermwudh and Maleenee Thongthiraj who came to achieve the American Dream.

The top specialty nursery in Pasadena offers cacti and succulents from all over the world.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Huntington Gardens are both across the street. Despite being smaller than others, it rivals its prestigious neighbors in terms of the beauty and uniqueness of the rare cacti and succulents it offers for sale.

They have such a wide variety of single plants and arrangements.

You can also buy pots, soil, and toppers such as rocks and gravel to make lovely arrangements yourself.

Address: 216 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, United States

18. Lucky Baldwin’s Pub,  Pasadena

Want a wonderful location to cool yourself on a hot day? Then head over to lucky Baldwin’s Pub.

Lucky is one of the city’s oldest buildings and is situated in Old Pasadena.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a welcoming environment for families and has a full kitchen that is used frequently by regulars.

Lucky‘s is a fantastic pub in Pasadena; they have a wide selection of craft beers on tap in addition to a substantial cooler filled with more unusual brews.

They also feature a wide selection of regional Californian beers on tap.

Furthermore, both the meal and the service are excellent. There are several big screens showing the most recent entertainment if you enjoy sports.

Their Belgian Beer Festival, IPA Festival, and Octoberfest are the most well known.

Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste is the sibling establishment of Lucky Baldwin’s pub.

Address: 17 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

19. Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste Pub

If you love Lucky Baldwin’s Pub, then you will also love this place too.

Located near Pasadena City College, Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste Lucky Baldwin’s trappsite is a good option if you’re seeking casual dining.

In short, this is the place to go if you want a pub with a wide selection of drinks and a welcoming atmosphere!

A covered patio and flat-screen TVs for watching soccer are available at the Trappiste.

Although there aren’t any mainstream beers available here; instead, there are 65 rotating taps and tins of beers like Kasteel Bier, Saison Dupont, and Cuvee des Trolls.

There are also no flights; only full pours in appropriate glassware of types like Wheat Beers, IPAs, Porters, and stouts are offered.

It serves delicious, reasonably priced food, including sandwiches, burgers, fish & chips, and steak, in addition to its great selection of tap and bottled craft beers from the US and overseas.

Address: Pasadena, CA, United States

20. Eaton Canyon

If you want to spend some time with nature or get away from the busy city, Eaton canyon is definitely recommended.

Eaton Canyon is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature park.

Other hiking paths, picnic places, a seasonal stream, rocks and minerals, natural habitats, native flora, and wildlife are available for tourists to enjoy in addition to the Lower Falls Trail.

Bring your hiking boots because hiking is a popular thing to do here.

Follow the map as the hike is simple and there are many trails nearby.

Although the trail is great, but plan to hike with others because the trail is popular in the area. Several times, you also cross a river, but to keep you out of the water, there are stepping stones.

The canyon is a really nice place to spend time with nature and enjoy the serenity that comes with it.

Address: 1770 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, United States

21. USC Pacific Asia Museum

The Pacific Asia Museum, located in a 1926 structure made to appear Chinese, is home to an amazing collection of Asian and Pacific Island artifacts on display.

The museum is the only university museum in the US devoted solely to the arts and cultures of Asia, and the Pacific Islands is the USC Pacific Asia Museum.

The goal of the museum is to promote cross-cultural understanding via Asian and Pacific Islander arts.

Furthermore, through its educational and outreach initiatives, the USC Pacific Asia Museum has provided services to a wide range of people.

Over 15,000 objects from Asia and the Pacific Islands span more than 5,000 years in the museum’s collection.

A few notable collections are the South Pacific bark cloth collection, Chinese ceramics and textiles, Buddhist art from all over Asia, and the Harari Collection of Japanese paintings.

It is also one of the largest collections of Japanese folk paintings outside of Japan.

The museum organized a number of historic shows, including one of the first American exhibitions of contemporary Aboriginal art.

The temporary galleries rotate twice a year.

Address: 46 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States

22. Ice House Comedy Club, Pasadena

If you happen to be anywhere close to Pasadena, you must visit the Ice House. Not only is it situated in a historically significant area of the city, but it also features a restaurant on site and lots of entertainment.

This is an iconic and fun place to spend your evening, whether in a small group or at a large corporate event!

The comedians here are excellent, and the environment is welcoming.

In addition, numerous well-known comedians have performed on the Ice House Comedy Club stage since it first opened in 1960.

Musicians like Linda Rondstadt and Kenny Rodgers have also performed in the small 200-seat space.

Furthermore, the Ice House serves dinner, drinks, and snacks. Their menu contains a wide variety of choices, from monster nachos and a margarita to rib-eye steak and a martini.

Address: 24 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, United States

23. Colorado Street Bridge

Featuring in the 2016 Oscar nominee “LA LA Land”, Colorado Street Bridge is a famous Beaux-Arts bridge that spans Pasadena.

The Colorado St. Bridge in Pasadena is unquestionably a part of the discourse when it comes to famous bridges in California.

To make traveling between Pasadena and Los Angeles easier, the bridge was constructed over the Arroyo Seco (a seasonal river).

People had to descend into the Arroyo Seco, cross the river, and then climb back up the opposite bank before the bridge was built.

When it was finished in 1913, the Colorado Street Bridge was hailed as the highest concrete bridge in the world, with its massive arches towering 150 feet above the narrow Arroyo Seco.

Today, it provides stunning city vistas to visitors and appears in a number of television programs and motion pictures.

Although the bridge has been in Pasadena for up to a century, it is still firmly in place.

Even now, you can still drive and stroll across it.

Whether you stroll across it or around it, ride your bike across it or under it, or drive over it or under it, you will love it here.

In fact, both the views from the bridge and the views of the bridge are rather interesting.

Address: 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

Does Big Bear Lake sound fun to you? Well, it doesn’t sound fun only in writing, but also in real life and you should definitely visit.

24. Pasadena City College Flea Market

The Pasadena City Flea Market is unquestionably an event you do not want to miss if you are in Pasadena on the first Sunday of any month.

With merchandise ranging from high-end antiques to rummage sale-style things, the Pasadena City College Flea Market is recognized for selling antiques and collectibles.

Furthermore, the market is held in the PCC parking lots on the East and West sides of campus and hosts more than 400 vendors.

If you’re an antique hunter, a student needing to furnish your dorm, or just want some classic stuff, then come here.

There are some classic flea market finds here, but there are also a lot of things you might not expect to see.

You will find vegan leather, Mexican blankets, handcrafted stationery, furniture for your apartment, or the ideal memento coffee cup from a different LA restaurant.

Among the market’s sections is an outdoor flea market where you may meander and take in the sunshine.

The remaining portion of the market is located indoors in a PCC parking structure.

The two markets are a ten-minute walk apart or you can ride a little, adorable shuttle cart that is available at the appropriate location.

By shopping here, you are not getting some nice things, but also helping college students. Every Pasadena City College flea market generates revenue that goes toward student activities and scholarships.

Address: 1570 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106, United States

25. St. Andrew Catholic Church, Pasadena

St. Andres is a Catholic church in Pasadena. It was one of the first Catholic parishes in Los Angeles County and Pasadena when it was founded in 1886.

This church has established itself as one of the top places to see such magnificent work for many years and has become well known as one of the top things to do in Pasadena.

A Romanesque spire and a beautiful old-world style are features of the 125-year-old church itself.

Furthermore, the Basilica of St. Sabina in Rome served as the inspiration for the 1927 construction of the existing church.

From the enormous marble columns to the stunning paintings, stained glass windows, and attractive side chapels, this place is a sight to behold.

Additionally, since it’s a public, active church, it’s not always accessible to visitors, but when it is, it’s worth planning your itinerary around.

While you are at the church, try to visit the Piazza Venezia.

The “Piazza Venezia” is a beautiful, planted garden area that is located next to the church. There are numerous benches, two fountains, big trees, and floral shrubs.

Address: Pasadena, CA, United States

26. Pasadena Playhouse District

Urban Pasadena district known for being the city’s financial and entertainment hub is called the Pasadena Playhouse District.

Situated on South El Molino Avenue, the district offers world-class museums, a range of unique restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, sits the historic Pasadena Playhouse.

Furthermore, due to a demand for people to be able to live within walking distance of stores, restaurants, and entertainment, the Playhouse District now has a large number of newly constructed flats and condos.

Along with other hotspots for culture and entertainment like the Laemmle Playhouse and Pacific Asia Museum, the Playhouse District is also home to a huge number of excellent but reasonably priced eateries.

Address: Pasadena, CA, United States

27. The Pasadena Symphony and POPS

Interested in a symphony? Pasadena Symphony and POPS will satisfy you.

The Pasadena Civic Symphony, which later became the Pasadena Symphony Association, was established in 1928.

It has grown into a prestigious symphonic group made up of the most talented and in-demand musicians in the motion picture industry.

Furthermore, the Ambassador Auditorium and the opulent Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden are two of the most extraordinary performance spaces in the country where the Pasadena Symphony and POPS give concerts.

At Ambassador Auditorium, dubbed the Carnegie Hall of the West, the Pasadena Symphony performs.

From October through May, there are six concerts including legendary masterworks by the symphony orchestra.

While the Pasadena POPS, led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein, LA County Arboretum from June through September.

So if you don’t want to miss the performances, you might want to schedule your visit well.

Address: Pasadena, CA, United States

28. The Gold Bug, Pasadena

This is the spot to look if you’re seeking jewelry, clothing, or accessories to add to your wardrobe, decor for your house, or a present for a particular friend or member of your family.

The unique items in this contemporary cabinet of curiosities in Old Pasadena will delight shoppers looking for the elegant, the unusual, or the beautifully offbeat.

The family-run business sells exotic objects of art, such as jewelry made from porcupine quills and other natural materials to steampunk memorabilia.

Gold Bug also presents artwork by some of today’s most intriguing up-and-coming designers in a retail setting with a museum ambiance and enables customers to fall into a unique gallery experience.

Address: 38 E Holly St, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States

29. Bungalow Heaven

A peaceful, green, and friendly environment you can visit to enjoy some tranquility in Pasadena is the bungalow heaven.

In fact, it is regarded as one of the most stunning sites in America and features one of the world’s most exquisite collections of bungalow homes.

Bungalow Heaven is a historic neighborhood of early 20th-century bungalow homes.

Similarly, many of the homes here were constructed during the Arts & Crafts movement. The neighborhood conjures up a distinct sense of time and place.

Their district’s architecture is recognized for its hanging eaves, low-pitched rooflines, handcrafted stone and wood, porches, and sturdy construction. Less fun and more useful!

Home tours are a common way for locals to get to know their neighbors and discover the area’s architectural significance.

Bungalow Heaven is one of the most opulent Pasadena attractions, and one you shouldn’t miss at all.

Address: Pasadena, CA, United States

30. Vroman’s Bookstore, Pasadena

This is a terrific spot to spend an afternoon browsing through collections of books.

This enormous, multi-level bookstore has almost everything you could ever need.

You can be sure to discover more intriguing books at this bookstore than you ever imagined.

In addition, they occasionally have highly popular author-signing events, which are a terrific opportunity to hear an author discuss their most recent work.

For kids, they have an excellent collection that includes entertaining books and games.

A large variety of non-book things are also available here.

There is also a good coffee shop attached where you can buy specialty coffee drinks.

Address: 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States 

Want more things to do in California? Check out Alameda, Oceanside, Bakersfield, and Irvine!

31. Huntington Library and Gardens

One of the best locations to visit in Pasadena is Huntington, despite the fact that it is technically in San Marino, just across the border.

You will find rare books and one of the largest outsides of London collections of 18th-century artwork can be found in the library and art gallery.

In fact, it is a destination that requires an entire day if you attempt to explore it in its entirety.

There is a lot to see between the art, the library collections, and the sprawled outdoor spaces.

Nearly every square inch of the estate’s grounds and collection is significant, including a Gutenberg Bible, The Blue Boy, and a beautifully constructed Chinese garden.

With everything from the rose garden to the Japanese, other plants, and artifacts, this is a great place to be.

Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, United States

 

Start Planning your trip.

With the help of the recommended attractions & sites to visit in the above list, you can be sure to have an amazing and most fun time visiting Pasadena either as a solo traveler, couple, or on a family vacation.

Safe trip!