Welcome to Pasadena!
Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, located just 10 miles away. Below, you'll find essential details for planning your trip.
Explore Pasadena’s Unique Districts
Old Pasadena is a bustling urban center. On the National Register of Historic Places, this 22-block area of streets and alleyways reflects the traditions of early California, blending more than 200 retail stores, art galleries, trendy boutiques, vintage clothing stores, theaters and restaurants while maintaining the heritage of Pasadena’s early downtown charm.
Pasadena Playhouse Village is an eclectic mix of art, theatre, literature and retail with numerous restaurants. At its center is the Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theatre of California and a National Historic Landmark built in 1917. Experience Southern California’s oldest and largest independent literary haunt, Vroman’s Bookstore or neighboring Canterbury Records.
South Lake Avenue is a mixture of an active business community and thriving retail center. Many locals frequent this tree-lined avenue featuring retailers like Macy’s, Anthropologie and Orvis. Local-only eateries include Smitty’s, Green Street Restaurant and Pie ’n Burger, a Pasadena institution since 1963.
Civic Center's grand Beaux-Arts and Mediterranean architecture provides a striking backdrop to an array of unforgettable activities—from relishing new bites at highly rated bakeries and restaurants to ice skating and attending live stage productions.
Art & Culture
Pasadena is alive with remarkable art collections, architecture, literature, and entertainment, so plan carefully to fit in everything on your must-see list.
Want to feast your eyes on Gainsborough’s masterpiece, “The Blue Boy”? It’s here at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Not to be outdone, Pasadena’s Norton Simon Museum also has one of the most remarkable private art collections in the world. And don’t miss the USC Pacific Asia Museum, among just four institutions in the country dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Food & Wine
Considered one of California’s most exciting culinary destinations, Pasadena’s dynamic, constantly evolving dining scene features a line-up of more than 600 restaurants representing nearly every cuisine category. You know it’s a serious food town when there are more restaurants per capita than New York City, not to mention Pasadena originated game-changing creations like the cheeseburger.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
visitpasadena.com
