Location: Pasadena
Top Things to do in Pasadena
Top 10 Free Things to do in Pasadena, California (CA)
Most famous for hosting the annual New Year's Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl, Pasadena is more than just a football town. Its extravagant City Hall boasts a beautiful Baroque dome, a courtyard garden and relaxing fountain. On South Orange Boulevard, known as Millionaires' Row, there are landmarked mansions to rival the most opulent homes of Beverly Hills. That chattering in the air is probably the local population of naturalized Red-crowned Amazon parrots.
Restaurants in Pasadena
1. Vroman's Bookstore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By CalBearsFan2013 - Berkeley, United States
Just came back from a long weekend in Pasadena. I have to say that Vroman's is a local gem. Warm and inviting. I really appreciated how the various sections were set up with related materials. Awesome fountain pen and ink selections - with staff that are both knowledgeable and friendly. The ink colour choices were outstanding. They opened a wine bar area last week. Fun to have a nice glass of wine and a munchie after making your purchases. Once again the staff super friendly and welcoming. I wish we could have a Vroman's in the East Bay!
2. St. Andrew Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Wettdogz - Carmel, United States
It is well worth visiting if you are in the area. Father’s sermon was excellent, spot on, really highlighted real life as it relates to the gospel.
3. Colorado Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
The site of the Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Reviewed By terrihK9755MZ - Phoenix, United States
We walked up and down Colorado Ave shopping and exploring. It was a beautiful day. The streets are clean, great stores and restaurants too. We had a lovely day taking in Pasadena.
4. Jet Propulsion Laboratory
5. Eaton Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By 922valentinaz
Family fun hiking trail. We went hiking with 4 children and they had so much fun. I would like to go at least twice a week.
6. Eaton Canyon Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By GaBee3 - Los Angeles, United States
Eaton Canyon Falls is about a 25min drive from the Downtown, LA hustle and bustle. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Along with a powerful waterfall, spring brings a bountiful bloom to the park, but winter doesn't stay behind. The cool weather shining sun, and the pleasant smell of wet earth, makes this a marvelous hiking experience! What to bring with you: water, snacks, hiking boots or any shoes will do BUT bring extra socks. It is very easy to accidentally dip a foot or two in water ????
7. Old Pasadena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 681 reviews
Old Pasadena is the downtown historic business district of Pasadena, a lively and diverse city located just ten miles from downtown Los Angeles. This eclectic old town area features entertainment and activities for kids and adults alike: museums, galleries, and music events, as well as movies, shopping, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. Families often stop by after sports events at the Rose Bowl; this clean and safe district is pedestrian friendly and provides convenient parking and easy access to public transportation, served by major bus lines and two Metro Gold Line stops.
Reviewed By Voyage558877 - Pasadena, United States
Often compared with the Westwood area of Los Angeles, I find the variety of the offerings and the patronage much more to my liking. Parking can be a challenge.
8. California Institute of Technology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By permia
We chose a Sunday afternoon to stroll around this esteemed campus. It was remarkably tranquil without the normal bustle of student life. It’s a wonderful and extensive space, no doubt inspiring the research and study undertaken here. Lovely architecture is to be seen, combined with copious greenery and flora. The Kerckhoff Biological Sciences Laboratories building is gorgeous with much decorative features. As the highest edifice the Millikan Library is impressive with a fine water feature fronting. The chemist and inventor Arnold Beckman had a major influence on the Institute. While a Professor here he founded Beckman Instruments, whose instruments featured and continue to feature in laboratories worldwide. An eponymous Auditorium is another landmark building, an architectural gem.
9. Pasadena City College Flea Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
OPEN THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH! PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE FOR SPECIFIC DATES. The Pasadena City College Flea Market is known primarily for selling antiques and collectibles, with the products varying from high-end antiques to rummage sale-type items. Over 400 vendors attend our market, located in the PCC parking lots along the East and West sides of campus.
10. Arlington Garden in Pasadena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Arlington Garden is a community-built climate-appropriate habitat garden offering learning inspiration and enjoyment for all.
