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5 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun in Pasadena!

Explore Pasadena without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Pasadena is the perfect destination for budget travelers with its abundance of free outdoor attractions such as the Rose Bowl Stadium and Eaton Canyon Natural Area. Cheap eats can be found at local favorites like Cuban bakery Porto's and Lucky Boy Drive-In. Accommodation options include affordable motels and Airbnb rentals.

Travel plan

• Check-in at the Ramada by Wyndham Pasadena, a budget-friendly hotel that offers comfy rooms and complimentary breakfast.
• Start your day with a visit to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, an extensive collection of rare books and artifacts set amid breathtaking gardens.
• Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at El Portal, a local hotspot known for its mouth-watering tacos and margaritas.
• Explore the Colorado Street Bridge, an iconic historic landmark that offers stunning views of Pasadena and the San Gabriel Mountains.
• End the day with a show at the Pasadena Playhouse, a legendary theatre that has been entertaining audiences for over a century.

• Begin your day with an inspiring visit to the Norton Simon Museum, home to an impressive collection of European paintings, Asian artworks, and contemporary sculptures.
• Grab some lunch at the Urth Caffé, a trendy café that serves organic coffee and fresh salads.
• Head to the Gamble House, a stunning example of American Arts and Crafts architecture that was designed by the renowned architects Charles and Henry Greene.
• Take a stroll along the historic South Orange Grove Boulevard, also known as Millionaire's Row, where you'll find grand mansions and beautiful gardens.
• Cap off the day with a performance at the Boston Court Pasadena, a cutting-edge theatre that showcases experimental plays and new works.

• Start the day with a hike in the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, a serene wilderness area that boasts scenic trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
• Have a healthy brunch at Real Food Daily, a plant-based restaurant with a creative menu of vegan dishes.
• Go on a scenic drive to the Mount Wilson Observatory, a mountaintop observatory that offers breathtaking views of the Los Angeles basin and beyond.
• Visit the Pacific Asia Museum, a hidden gem that displays a vast collection of Asian art and artifacts.
• End the day with a picnic in the Pasadena City Hall Park, a picturesque outdoor space that features a magnificent fountain and a beautiful courtyard.

• Start the day with a cup of coffee at Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar, a chic café that serves artisanal coffee and breakfast treats.
• Go shopping at the Old Pasadena District, an eclectic collection of shops, boutiques, and galleries.
• Visit the Kidspace Children's Museum, a hands-on museum that offers interactive exhibits and fun activities for kids and adults alike.
• Have a late lunch at the Pie 'n Burger, a local institution that serves classic American burgers and homemade pies.
• Watch a movie at the Laemmle Playhouse 7, a charming theatre that screens independent and foreign films.

• Have breakfast at the Lincoln Restaurant, a cozy diner that serves delicious pancakes and omelettes.
• Visit the Pasadena Museum of California Art, a museum that showcases contemporary Californian art and design.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the Arlington Garden, a charming public garden that features native California plants and sustainable landscaping.
• Have a farewell dinner at the Green Street Restaurant, a popular eatery that offers a variety of delicious dishes, including seafood, pasta, and steak.
• Say goodbye to Pasadena with a nightcap at the Blind Donkey, a cozy bar that specializes in whiskey and bourbon.