Explore Pasadena

Plan your trip to Pasadena, California with the official Explore Pasadena app. Build your Los Angeles vacation based in Pasadena with city guides geared for your travel personality. Explore Pasadena’s museums, shopping, restaurants, gardens, architecture, sports, events and more. Find out what makes Pasadena the quintessential Southern California destination. Thoughtfully designed, the Explore Pasadena app allows you to experience the city by utilizing theme-based itineraries.


KEY FEATURES INCLUDE:
• Expert city guides
• Events directory to explore upcoming events and festivals
• Business directory to explore Pasadena’s culinary scene, cultural attractions, shopping and things to do
• Tips promoting must-see attractions, activities and special offers
• User-created custom itineraries


ABOUT PASADENA:

Pasadena is nestled at the base of the spectacular San Gabriel Mountains, just 10 miles (16 km) northeast of downtown Los Angeles, visitors can travel between DTLA and Pasadena in 16 minutes via Metro Gold Line, or drive between the two cities in 10 minutes.
It’s a walkable, welcoming community bursting with opportunities for every preference, whether that’s strolling the boutiques and antiques of Old Pasadena; exploring world renowned museums; dining among the stars; sipping your way through relaxed happy hours, wine bars and dance clubs; or simply taking in the great outdoors in and around town.

Pasadena is home to an abundance of renowned cultural institutions, many within walking distance of one another. Namely, the Norton Simon Museum exhibits one of the most well- known private collections; Pasadena Museum of California Art shows more contemporary works with exciting exhibitions the Huntington Library shows the private collection of the Huntington family; and the USC Pacific Asia Museum is a university museum housed in a mansion inspired by the Chinese Qing Dynasty, dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Pasadena is also an architecture enthusiast's dream. There are sixteen historical districts within the city, full of incredible architecture to discover. The Pasadena Visitors Center offers self-guided tour maps; Pasadena Heritage, AIA-PF, the Gamble House, and the Wrigley House offer guided tours.

Downtown Pasadena is made up of three unique districts offering shopping, dining and entertainment. Old Pasadena's brick alleyways are lined with boutiques like Mohawk General Store, Joie, and Vince. The Pasadena Playhouse District is an artsy neighborhood surrounding California's state theatre, the Pasadena Playhouse, this is the performing arts hub featuring Boston Court Performing Arts Center, Ice House Comedy Club, as well as coffee shops, and wine bars. The South Lake Avenue District is a European-style tree lined boulevard where people go to pamper themselves at boutiques like Olive & June (nail salon), Drybar (blow dry bar), SoulCycle (yoga-esque cycling studio), and Contessa Chocolate Collection (patisserie).

With more than 500 eateries, Pasadena boasts more restaurants per capita than New York City. No wonder it’s become the new foodie frontier for the hip, savvy and hungry. Pasadena offers an epicurean extravaganza, with eating possibilities ranging from charming outdoor cafes to elegant dining rooms and everything in between.

Pasadena offers different styles of hotels for travelers, the more traditional traveler who prefers fine dining, spa services and glamorous surroundings will stay at the Langham Huntington Pasadena. A modern traveler who prefers the city and hip environs with a touch of history might consider the dusitD2 Hotel Constance. The frequent traveler who wants to earn points when traveling for work and pleasure has several options, Westin Plaza Las
Fuentes, Sheraton, Hilton, Residence Inn Marriott, and the Courtyard by Marriott.