21 Best Places and Things To Do in Pasadena, California

Pasadena is a charming city located in Southern California, just northeast of downtown Los Angeles. Known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and cultural landmarks, Pasadena is a great place to visit for locals and tourists alike. Here are some of the best places and things to do in Pasadena:

1. Pasadena City Hall

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The Pasadena City Hall is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and it serves as the city’s administrative center. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the building and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces.

2. Pasadena Memorial Park

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Memorial Park is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Pasadena. It features a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends.

3. Eaton Canyon

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Eaton Canyon is a beautiful natural area located on the eastern edge of Pasadena. It’s home to a stunning waterfall, a variety of hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife.

4. Central Park

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Central Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Pasadena, California. The park covers over 20 acres of land and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. One of the highlights of Central Park is its beautiful landscape, which includes several ponds, fountains, and lush green spaces. The park is also home to a variety of trees, including towering eucalyptus and beautiful magnolia trees, which provide shade and create a peaceful atmosphere.

5. Gamble House

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The Gamble House is a National Historic Landmark that is recognized as one of the finest examples of American Arts and Crafts style architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and learn about its history and unique features.

6. Fenyes Mansion

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The Fenyes Mansion is a historic house museum located in Pasadena, California. The mansion was built in 1906 by Dr. Adalbert Fenyes, a prominent local physician, and his wife Eva, an artist and collector. Today, the mansion is open to the public as a museum and offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of Pasadena’s early 20th-century elite.

7. Kidspace Children’s Museum

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The Kidspace Children’s Museum is a hands-on interactive museum that is designed for kids of all ages. It features a variety of exhibits and activities that are both fun and educational.

8. Norton Simon Museum

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The Norton Simon Museum is a world-class art museum that features an impressive collection of European art, as well as art from South and Southeast Asia. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and those interested in the history of art.

9. Colorado Street Bridge

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The Colorado Street Bridge, also known as the “Suicide Bridge,” is a historic bridge located in Pasadena, California. The bridge was built in 1913 and spans the Arroyo Seco, connecting Pasadena with Eagle Rock. The Colorado Street Bridge is considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in Southern California, with its graceful arches and ornate details. It has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

10. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

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The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a beautiful and serene oasis in the heart of Pasadena. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, admire the stunning architecture, and enjoy the tranquility of the space.

11. Arlington Garden

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The Arlington Garden is a public garden located in the heart of Pasadena. It features a variety of native California plants and is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature.

12. Wrigley Gardens

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The Wrigley Gardens, also known as the Catalina Island Botanical Gardens, is a beautiful botanical garden located on Catalina Island, just off the coast of Southern California. The gardens were established in 1929 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. and cover over 37 acres of stunning landscape.

13. St. Andrew Church

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St. Andrew Church is a historic church located in Old Town Pasadena, California. The church was established in 1886 and has since become a prominent landmark in the city. The architecture of St. Andrew Church is a blend of Gothic and Spanish Revival styles, with its stunning stained glass windows and intricate details. The church also features a beautiful bell tower and an impressive pipe organ.

14. Brookside Park

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Brookside Park is a popular park located in Pasadena, California. The park covers over 62 acres of beautiful landscape and is home to a variety of recreational activities and attractions. One of the main attractions of Brookside Park is the Rose Bowl Stadium, which is located within the park’s boundaries. The stadium is an iconic sports venue that has hosted numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowl games and the FIFA World Cup.

15. Robinson Memorial

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The Robinson Memorial is a historic monument located in Pasadena, California. The monument was built in memory of a prominent Pasadena resident, Charles Mulford Robinson, who was a landscape architect and urban planner. The Robinson Memorial is a beautiful structure that features a fountain and a bronze statue of Robinson. The fountain is surrounded by lush landscaping and is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

16. All Saints Episcopal Church

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All Saints Episcopal Church is a historic church located in Pasadena, California. The church was founded in 1883 and has since become a prominent landmark in the city. The architecture of All Saints Episcopal Church is a beautiful blend of Gothic and Arts and Crafts styles, with its stunning stained glass windows and intricate details. The church also features a beautiful bell tower and a magnificent pipe organ.

17. First Congregational Church of Pasadena

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The First Congregational Church of Pasadena is a historic church located in Pasadena, California. The church was founded in 1884 and has since become a prominent landmark in the city. The architecture of the First Congregational Church is a beautiful example of Richardsonian Romanesque style, with its large red-brick exterior, arched windows, and prominent bell tower. The interior of the church features a stunning nave, intricate stained-glass windows, and a beautiful pipe organ.

18. Millard House

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The Millard House, also known as La Miniatura, is a historic house located in Pasadena, California. It was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1923 for rare-book dealer George Madison Millard and his wife, Alice. The Millard House is a beautiful example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s “textile block” style of architecture, in which concrete blocks are designed with intricate patterns and used to create the walls of the building. The house is also characterized by its use of natural materials, such as redwood, and its integration with the surrounding landscape.

19. First Baptist Church Pasadena

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The architecture of the First Baptist Church is a beautiful example of English Gothic Revival style, with its steep pitched roofs, pointed arches, and stained-glass windows. The interior of the church features a stunning nave, intricate woodwork, and a beautiful pipe organ.

20. Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Church

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The architecture of the NUUC is a beautiful example of mid-century modern style, with its large glass walls, exposed wood beams, and open floor plan. The interior of the church features a stunning sanctuary, an intimate chapel, and a beautiful garden courtyard.

21. Southern California Children’s Museum

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The Southern California Children’s Museum is a fun and educational destination located in Pasadena, California. The museum is designed to engage children in hands-on learning and play, with a focus on science, art, and culture. The museum also offers a variety of special programs and events throughout the year, including storytime, musical performances, and holiday-themed activities.

Pasadena is a vibrant and exciting city with a diverse array of attractions and activities to explore. From world-class museums and theaters to outdoor adventures and cultural events, there’s always something new to discover in this Southern California gem. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Pasadena is a must-visit destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.