The Ultimate Long Weekend Guide to Pasadena

Discover the beauty and charm of Pasadena, where nature, culture and history meet.

22 April 2023

Pasadena, located in Southern California, is a popular destination for tourists seeking beautiful architecture, cultural attractions, and great dining options. It is home to several world-renowned museums, including the Norton Simon Museum and the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Visitors can also enjoy strolling through the city's famous outdoor shopping district, Old Pasadena, and take a relaxing hike in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Pasadena's Palate

  • Check in at the Langham Huntington Hotel 4.6
    10 photos

    The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

    4.6 (2435)

    1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA

    Lodging,Point of interest

    Elegant landmark property on 23 acres, offering a day spa, refined dining options, a pool & tennis.

    langhamhotels.com

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    , a stunning Pasadena landmark
  • Grab lunch at The Original Tops 4.5
    10 photos

    The Original Tops

    4.5 (2491) • $

    3838 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Circa-1952 quick-serve American for burgers, hot dogs & breakfast in fast-food digs with drive-thru.

    theoriginaltops.com

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    , a classic American diner
  • Visit the Norton Simon Museum 4.8
    10 photos

    Norton Simon Museum

    4.8 (2605) • $

    411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Unconventional building housing a noted collection of European & Asian art plus a sculpture garden.

    nortonsimon.org

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    , showcasing renowned paintings and sculptures
  • Enjoy a progressive dinner at the One Colorado complex 4.5
    10 photos

    One Colorado

    4.5 (1086)

    41 Hugus Aly, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA

    Shopping mall,Restaurant

    Chic mall lures locals with its trendy designer shops, alfresco dining & 19th-century architecture.

    onecolorado.com

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    , with small plates from local eateries
  • Sip on a craft cocktail at White Horse Lounge 4.5
    10 photos

    White Horse Lounge

    4.5 (640) • $$

    41 S De Lacey Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

    Restaurant,Bar

    Richly furnished lounge featuring artisanal craft cocktails, small plates, burgers & salads.

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    , a speakeasy-style bar with live jazz music
Day 2

Nature's Notch

  • Have breakfast at Urth Caffé, featuring organic coffee and fresh pastries
  • Take a stroll through the Huntington Library and Gardens 4.8
    10 photos

    The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

    4.8 (6099)

    1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA

    Tourist attraction,Art gallery

    Expansive complex housing art galleries with famous works, rare-book collections & lush gardens.

    huntington.org

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    , with a Japanese Garden and art exhibit
  • Hike up to the Echo Mountain Lookout 4.9
    10 photos

    Echo Mountain

    4.9 (78)

    Echo Mountain, California 91001, USA

    Natural feature,Establishment

    This 3,210-ft. mountain features hiking trails & the ruins of a resort at its summit.

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    , offering panoramic views of the city
  • Relax at the nearby Mount Lowe Railway Trail, a peaceful escape from the urban jungle
  • Dine at The Raymond 1886
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    The Raymond 1886

    The Raymond 1886, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

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    , a historic craftsman bungalow with farm-to-table fare
Day 3

Artful Adventures

  • Start the day with brunch at Cafe Santorini 4.4
    10 photos

    Cafe Santorini

    4.4 (887) • $$

    64 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    This Mediterranean cafe boasts a rooftop balcony & specializes in classic seafood, pizza & mezes.

    cafesantorini.com

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    , a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant
  • Visit the Gamble House 4.7
    10 photos

    The Gamble House

    4.7 (825)

    4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Guided tours showcase this architecturally significant 1908 home designed by Charles & Henry Greene.

    gamblehouse.org

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    , showcasing the iconic architectural style of Greene and Greene
  • Browse the Pasadena Museum of California Art 4.2
    10 photos

    Pasadena Museum of California Art

    4.2 (115)

    490 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Art & design exhibitions showcasing unique California qualities are on display in a modern building.

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    , with displays of local artists
  • Wander through the Pasadena Playhouse District
    0 photos

    Playhouse Village

    Playhouse Village, Pasadena, CA, USA

    Neighborhood,Political

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    , a vibrant arts and entertainment hub
  • End the trip with a dinner at The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse 4.6
    10 photos

    The Royce Wood Fired Steakhouse

    4.6 (170) • $$$$

    1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Elegant high-end steakhouse in The Langham Hotel with a white loungelike setting & a garden view.

    roycela.com

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    , featuring dry-aged beef and seasonal sides

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Pasadena by plane is to fly into the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California and then take a taxi or rental car to Pasadena.

Car

Driving to Pasadena is easy as it is located near several major highways including the 210, 110, and 134. However, there may be heavy traffic during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Pasadena. The nearest station is in downtown Los Angeles, and then taking a taxi or rental car to Pasadena.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Pasadena as it is an inland city. The nearest waterway is the Pacific Ocean about 30 miles away in Long Beach.

Bus

Taking the Greyhound bus is an affordable option to get to Pasadena. The nearest Greyhound station is located in downtown Los Angeles and then taking a taxi or rental car to Pasadena.

Destination

Pasadena

Looking for a city that's a little bit quirky and a whole lot of charming? Look no further than Pasadena – where the roses are plentiful, the architecture is impressive, and the locals are about as laid-back as they come.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

Pasadena Paradise: A Family-Friendly Day Trip Extravaganza

Pasadena, United States is an excellent destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and educational opportunities. Families can explore the beautiful Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, where kids can discover art works, rare books, and diverse plant collections. Other attractions include the Kidspace Children's Museum, which features interactive exhibits and an outdoor nature park, and Pasadena's famous Rose Bowl Stadium, where families can enjoy sporting events or take a leisurely walk around the grounds.

Passionate for Pasadena: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Pasadena, located in California, offers visitors with stunning views, several outdoor activities and must-visit sites, even on a tight budget. Tourists can visit the Norton Simon Museum to view its impressive art collection or take a stroll through the picturesque Colorado Boulevard. To save more money, visitors can enjoy hiking in the nearby Angeles National Forest to experience stunning vistas without paying any entrance fees.

4 Days of Pasadena Wonderland: Family Fun on a Budget!

A family friendly trip to Pasadena, United States offers a perfect blend of cultural treasures, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. Explore the rich cultural scene by visiting renowned museums like The Norton Simon Museum or The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy outdoor adventures at the beautiful Eaton Canyon Nature Center or Rose Bowl Stadium, where you can bike, hike, picnic, or catch a game, making Pasadena an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.

Escape for the Weekend: Pasadena's Top Attractions

Pasadena, located in Southern California, is a charming city known for its stunning architecture, cultural diversity, and beautiful gardens. Tourists can visit the iconic Gamble House, the Pasadena Museum of California Art, or the Norton Simon Museum. Additionally, visitors can attend the annual Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Old Pasadena with its trendy shops and restaurants.