What is there to do in Pasadena?

Explore the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens (world-class), wander Old Pasadena's shops and restaurants, admire the Craftsman Gamble House and the grand City Hall, visit the Norton Simon Museum, and take in the Rose Bowl (and its huge monthly flea market). It's a cultured, walkable, leafy alternative to central LA.

Is Pasadena worth visiting?

Yes — for the spectacular Huntington gardens and art, beautiful architecture, a lively and walkable Old Town, and a more relaxed, elegant base than central Los Angeles (about 20–30 minutes northeast, connected by Metro rail). It's a favorite for museum-and-garden lovers.

What is the Rose Parade / Rose Bowl?

The Tournament of Roses on New Year's Day: a famous parade of elaborate flower-covered floats through Pasadena, followed by the Rose Bowl college football game in the historic stadium. It draws huge crowds — book lodging far ahead if visiting around New Year's. The Rose Bowl also hosts a popular monthly flea market.

How do I get to Pasadena from LA?

About 20–30 minutes northeast of downtown LA by car (traffic depending), or take the Metro A Line light rail, which connects downtown LA to Pasadena car-free. LAX is about 45–60 minutes away. Old Pasadena is walkable once you arrive.

Yes — it's an affluent, comfortable city, safe day and night in the areas visitors use (Old Town, the Huntington and the museums). Keep valuables out of parked cars. Emergency number: 911.

Do I need a car in Pasadena?

For Old Town and the museums, no — it's walkable and connected to LA by the Metro A Line. A car helps for the Huntington (in nearby San Marino) and exploring the wider San Gabriel Valley's food scene. Many visitors combine transit and rideshare.

What is the Huntington?

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in nearby San Marino — a former estate with rare books (a Gutenberg Bible), European and American art, and 130 acres of stunning themed gardens (Japanese, Chinese, desert and rose). It's one of Southern California's cultural treasures; allow at least half a day.

When was Pasadena established?

Pasadena was founded around 1886.

What languages do people speak here?

English; Spanish is spoken by 40+ million people — dominant in parts of Miami, LA, Texas and the Southwest.

What is the nearest major airport?

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) — about 21 km away.

What timezone is it in?

Pasadena is in the UTC-5 to UTC-10 timezone.

Pasadena Guide: Rose Bowl, the Huntington & Old Town

Q: What is Pasadena known for?

Pasadena is known as: An elegant LA-area city — the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade, Old Town's shops and dining, the Huntington gardens, and Craftsman architecture beneath the San Gabriel Mountains.

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Official site Wikipedia

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Pasadena at a Glance

Known asAn elegant LA-area city — the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade, Old Town's shops and dining, the Huntington gardens, and Craftsman architecture beneath the San Gabriel Mountains

Founded1886

CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)

Local pride: Pasadena hosts the Tournament of Roses — the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game every New Year's Day — a tradition since 1890. It's also home to Caltech and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and to the Gamble House, a masterpiece of American Craftsman architecture.

Nearby places to explore

Los Angeles 9 mi Long Beach 26 mi Santa Barbara 91 mi Palm Springs 94 mi San Diego 114 mi

Famous Places Near Pasadena

AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School Pasadena Civic Center District Pasadena Robinson Memorial Pasadena City Hall Pasadena, California All Saints Episcopal Church (Pasadena, California)

Nearby places via Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

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