Location: Pasadena
Top Things to do in Pasadena
Countries
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Pasadena, California (CA)
Most famous for hosting the annual New Year's Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl, Pasadena is more than just a football town. Its extravagant City Hall boasts a beautiful Baroque dome, a courtyard garden and relaxing fountain. On South Orange Boulevard, known as Millionaires' Row, there are landmarked mansions to rival the most opulent homes of Beverly Hills. That chattering in the air is probably the local population of naturalized Red-crowned Amazon parrots.
Restaurants in Pasadena
1. Norton Simon Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,239 reviews
The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Modern and Contemporary Art from Europe and the United States, acquired by the former Pasadena Art Museum, also occupies an important place in the Museum’s collections.
Reviewed By JEDeboni - Santo Andre, Brazil
I a pleasant location this museum offers a great collection, with a special attention to the Rembrandts and the garden of sculptures. A must see.
2. Vroman's Bookstore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By CalBearsFan2013 - Berkeley, United States
Just came back from a long weekend in Pasadena. I have to say that Vroman's is a local gem. Warm and inviting. I really appreciated how the various sections were set up with related materials. Awesome fountain pen and ink selections - with staff that are both knowledgeable and friendly. The ink colour choices were outstanding. They opened a wine bar area last week. Fun to have a nice glass of wine and a munchie after making your purchases. Once again the staff super friendly and welcoming. I wish we could have a Vroman's in the East Bay!
3. Rose Parade
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Jenlynnjack - Euless, United States
I have just returned from an amazing trip to LA with Al Brooks Rose Parade Tours. The tour company, tour guide, and bus driver were all exceptional. Our tour was called the Pacific Rose and included a 4 night stay at the Hyatt Long Beach. Each day we were treated to wonderful sights and tours including Warner Brother’s Studio, the Queen Mary, Huntington Library, and a Long Beach Harbor cruise. The cherry on top was a visit to a float construction barn and the excellent grandstand seats at the Rose Bowl Parade. Our tour also included transportation to these fabulous places, breakfast and lunch each day. I would recommend Al Brooks Rose Parade tour company to anyone looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the historical parade and beautiful Southern California.
4. Stark Spirits Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
Up the street and around the corner from the famous Pasadena Rose Bowl, is Stark Spirits Distillery. The owners will give you a personalized educational tour, explaining the production of their hand-crafted spirits. A tasting of the awarding winning traditional whiskeys, rums, gin, aquavit and unique Sunshine Orange Brandy follows. Tours are $10 and scheduled through the website.
5. Colorado Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
The site of the Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Reviewed By terrihK9755MZ - Phoenix, United States
We walked up and down Colorado Ave shopping and exploring. It was a beautiful day. The streets are clean, great stores and restaurants too. We had a lovely day taking in Pasadena.
6. Jet Propulsion Laboratory
7. The Gamble House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 589 reviews
The Gamble House in Pasadena, California, is an outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture. The house and furnishings were designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company.
Reviewed By rolfa832 - Chicago, United States
This house is superbly maintained inside and out. Take the full tour and explore every carpet, piece of carved wood, and see how Tiffany lamps fit into the Californian Craftsman style.
8. Eaton Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By 922valentinaz
Family fun hiking trail. We went hiking with 4 children and they had so much fun. I would like to go at least twice a week.
9. Eaton Canyon Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By GaBee3 - Los Angeles, United States
Eaton Canyon Falls is about a 25min drive from the Downtown, LA hustle and bustle. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Along with a powerful waterfall, spring brings a bountiful bloom to the park, but winter doesn't stay behind. The cool weather shining sun, and the pleasant smell of wet earth, makes this a marvelous hiking experience! What to bring with you: water, snacks, hiking boots or any shoes will do BUT bring extra socks. It is very easy to accidentally dip a foot or two in water ????
10. Kidspace Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
One of Southern California's premier family destinations, Kidspace Children's Museum is located on over 3.5 acres in Pasadena, CA, with more than 40 hands-on exhibits, as well as daily interactive activities and programs. The mission of Kidspace is to nurture the potential of all children through kid-driven experiences, inspiring them to become joyful, active learners. Admission is $14.95 for adults and children, infants under 1 are free.
Reviewed By snootchiebootchies
We've visited many children's museum and this is definitely one of the better ones. Our favorite by a fairly large margin is still the one in Indianapolis but our children certainly loved this one as well. We made our visit to Kidspace in February on a Friday. It was a nice day, which was fortunate as most of the best stuff was outdoors (the physics park, Arroyo Adventure area). Our kids are 7 and 6 and I thought they were the perfect age for this museum. We spent about 5 hours there and they could have kept going. Only drawback was that the adults have to pay the same admission price as the kids. I know adults have to pay at the Indianapolis museum but I would argue there is more for adults to do at the Indianapolis museum besides just supervising their children. Kidspace does allow folks to bring in their own food and snacks, which helps those on a budget.
