Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Pasadena, California

Pasadena is a city of over 140,000 inhabitants located approximately ten miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

While it is widely recognized for its annual Tournament of Roses parade and the Rose Bowl football game—featuring prominent teams from the Midwest and West Coast—it also serves as a hub for technology, industry, and the arts.

Pasadena is abundant with notable historical and cultural landmarks. It is situated near numerous untouched natural areas, providing visitors easy access to a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and wildlife photography.

Below are 15 attractions in Pasadena, California.

1. The Rose Bowl

Established in the early 1920s, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena has become one of the nation’s most recognizable venues for college sports.

Although it maintains much of its original architectural design, the stadium has recently undergone extensive renovations totaling over 150 million dollars.

While the primary sporting events occur during the fall and winter months, coinciding with the football season, the stadium also serves as a popular site for various activities, including live performances, fairs, festivals, and guided tours.

It is conveniently situated on Rose Bowl Drive in Pasadena, close to many other city attractions.

2. Historic Old Pasadena

Over a century ago, when Los Angeles was not yet the sprawling metropolis it is today, Pasadena was a relatively tranquil desert town.

Today, it stands as one of LA’s most dynamic and modern municipalities. However, if one knows where to look, glimpses of its historical essence can still be found.

Old Pasadena exudes a distinctly historical atmosphere, filled with galleries, museums, and diverse entertainment options, including dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

This area also hosts various annual events that attract enthusiasts of music, food, wine, and arts and crafts from across the nation.

3. Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens

Born in Pennsylvania in the 1860s, William Wrigley Jr. achieved remarkable success in the chewing gum industry, enabling him to acquire luxurious residences in various states, including Arizona and California.

The Tournament House in Pasadena was one of these residences but now serves as the official headquarters of the city’s Tournament of Roses Association.

This historic site, open to the public, is particularly renowned for its impressive Italian Renaissance architecture and lavish interiors.

Additionally, the home showcases exhibits related to Rose Bowl football games from previous years, along with beautifully maintained gardens featuring over 1,000 varieties of roses and other flowers.

4. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Since its establishment in 1936, Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been a leader in technological advancements in the aerospace and aviation domains.

This world-renowned laboratory is a collaboration between NASA and Caltech, expanding its work to encompass fields such as astronomy and robotics.

JPL allows visitors through regularly scheduled tours, which necessitate advance reservations.

These tours include informative and engaging narratives provided by skilled local guides, along with tours through the visitor and flight operations centers and the typically restricted spacecraft assembly facility.

Located on Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena, JPL is just a short drive from the downtown area.

5. The Pasadena Museum of History

Pasadena’s history traces back to the mid-1870s when the region was initially settled by pioneers from other states seeking new beginnings on the West Coast.

However, it was not until nearly five decades later that civic-minded residents established a historical society to safeguard the city’s heritage.

Today, the Pasadena Museum of History is the key institution for historical preservation in the area, catering to both locals and visitors.

Situated on the picturesque grounds of an estate constructed over a century ago, the museum offers various activities including guided tours, lectures, and workshops alongside its permanent exhibitions.

6. The Fork in the Road

Exploring off the beaten path can effectively help one evade crowds and discover unique, eclectic attractions that often go unnoticed.

Found at the unassuming intersection of Pasadena and St. John avenues, the city’s ‘Fork in the Road’ is a popular spot among food enthusiasts, amateur photographers, and admirers of quirky Americana.

Standing nearly 20 feet tall, the fork is a creative endeavor by two local residents eager to leave their mark.

While the deeper significance of the fork may be open to interpretation, it is freely accessible, open 24/7, and offers an enjoyable brief visit between nearby attractions.

7. Gamble House

California has consistently attracted affluent families from across the nation, drawn by its exceptional climate, open landscapes, and breathtaking natural beauty.

In the early 20th century, Gamble House was designed and constructed by renowned architects for the heirs of the Proctor & Gamble fortune.

Visitors often express surprise at the home’s initial appearance; its dark wood façade and lodge-like characteristics seem oddly juxtaposed against its desert backdrop.

The residence frequently offers guided docent-led tours and is celebrated as one of the state’s finest examples of Arts and Crafts-style American architecture.

8. The Gold Bug

Nestled on a serene side street in Pasadena’s Old Town, the Gold Bug is a truly distinctive shop that appeals to those who prefer original and character-rich items over mass-produced goods.

Described as an eclectic treasure trove, it features various locally made jewelry, crafted from natural materials sourced from the region, alongside trendy casual attire and intriguing artworks.

Much of the merchandise is created by local artisans, making it one of the few nearby places where unique items perfect for gifts and keepsakes can be discovered.

9. Eaton Canyon Nature Center

Encompassing nearly 2,000 acres along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Eaton Canyon Nature Center is an essential destination for individuals interested in engaging with nature without traveling extensively.

The center hosts a visitor facility featuring interactive exhibits, live animals, and several natural habitats supporting diverse native plant and wildlife species.

The grounds are traversed by a network of well-maintained trails, most of which are level and suitable for visitors of varying ages.

Popular activities here include picnics and guided walking tours.

10. The Pasadena Symphony

Local symphony orchestras are frequently overlooked by travelers focused on more conventional attractions during their limited vacation time.

For aficionados of music, however, these orchestras represent invaluable community assets that routinely provide free or low-cost performances, making them excellent options for those wishing to maximize their vacation experiences.

The Pasadena Symphony, conveniently situated near downtown, presents a diverse array of annual performances in collaboration with various civic organizations.

Tickets tend to sell quickly for popular events; hence, it is advisable to review the event calendar and secure tickets in advance if interested.

11. Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum boasts one of California’s most impressive private collections of renowned artwork.

Featuring over 10,000 pieces spanning more than a century, the collection was amassed over a lifetime by the affluent industrialist after whom the museum is named.

Alongside its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum’s staff frequently organizes various classes, workshops, lectures, and guided tours.

The collection includes original works by illustrious artists such as Rembrandt and van Gogh, among others. The museum is conveniently located just a short distance from downtown Pasadena on West Colorado Boulevard.

12. Lucky Baldwin’s Pub

While craft brewing and small-batch whiskey distilling have been trendy in recent years, the movement towards high-quality, locally produced beverages began in the late ’90s.

Lucky Baldwin’s Pub takes its name from a colorful local character who established the renowned racetrack in nearby Santa Anita, featuring over 50 beers on tap.

Exhibiting a traditional English décor, the pub is celebrated for its delicious fish and chips and an extensive selection of European beers that often boast richer flavors than their American counterparts.

Lucky Baldwin’s provides both indoor and outdoor seating but tends to become crowded during peak times.

13. USC Pacific Asia Museum

Since the gold rush and railroad expansion of the 1800s, California has welcomed a continuous influx of immigrants from various Asian nations.

Situated on North Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena, the USC Pacific Asia Museum was established nearly five decades ago to celebrate and preserve the state’s Asian cultures and their artistic contributions.

The museum serves as a significant historical resource, primarily focusing on artworks created by Asian immigrants; however, many of the collection’s over 10,000 individual pieces date back thousands of years—well before the modern migration wave.

The museum staff regularly present various exhibitions, performances, workshops, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

14. Mount Wilson Observatory

Mount Wilson ranks among the higher peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains adjacent to Pasadena.

Over a century ago, when Los Angeles was less illuminated, a significant observatory was constructed, which remains operational today.

Originally staffed by the esteemed astronomer Edwin Hubble, who made numerous groundbreaking discoveries, the observatory continues its legacy.

Though it does not operate year-round, the Mount Wilson Observatory hosts evening stargazing events with trained professionals during its active season.

Located approximately ten kilometers from downtown Pasadena on Audio Road, the observatory is an excellent destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

15. The Church of St. Andrew

For many travelers with limited vacation budgets, embarking on a trip to Europe to admire masterpieces from the Renaissance is as feasible as a journey to the moon.

Fortunately, for those visiting Pasadena, there exists a more accessible and affordable option.

Characterized by a towering Romanesque spire, remarkable historic architecture, and a mural of the Madonna that rivals Italian works, the Church of St. Andrew has been a landmark in Pasadena since its establishment over a century ago.

As an active church, visitor access may be limited; it is advisable to contact them beforehand or inquire locally before planning a visit.