Five Things to Do in: Pasadena, California

Refusing to be overshadowed by its star-studded neighbor, Los Angeles, Pasadena is an enticing combination of urban allure and culture. The city is alive with remarkable art collections, architecture, literature and entertainment, with 14 museums and 11 performing arts organizations. See works by renowned artists, enjoy a performance at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, visit hundreds of historic homes and shop in historic districts.

With so many options to choose from, it’s tough to pare down to a list of just five activities in Pasadena. Despite that, we’ve rounded up a short selection of must-do’s with the cultural and heritage traveler especially in mind.

Stroll through Old Pasadena
The Old Pasadena Historic Area is a National Historical Landmark dating back to the 1870s. Spanning 22 blocks, visitors can stroll down quaint alleyways or airy European-style piazzas teeming with 200 one-of-a-kind outdoor cafes, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and specialty shops.

Let Cuisine Be Your Guide. Experience the charming history, architecture and folklore of Old Pasadena while feasting upon culinary delights from neighborhood eateries with this three-hour walking tour. Colorful alleys and secret thru-ways spice up the path as spectacular ethnic eateries and sweets havens are sought out for tastings, including an authentic Mexican tortas cafe, a rare Nepalese-Tibetan restaurant and an exquisite chocolate shop. You’ll also experience a handmade soap kitchen.

Visit Gamble House.
Designed by Pasadena architects Charles and Henry Greene, the Gamble House is considered to be one of the finest examples of architecture from the early 20th century Arts & Crafts Movement. The home was built in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of Procter and Gamble soap and toothpaste fame. The house, a National Historic Landmark, is owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by the University of Southern California and is open for public tours.

Surround Yourself with Art, Books and Gardens.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is located on the 207-acre estate that was built in 1911 for the late Henry Huntington. Originally Huntington’s residence, the Huntington Art Gallery features original 18th and 19th British and French masterpieces, including the “Pinkie” and “Blue Boy” paintings. The Library includes works from American and British literature, including an original Gutenberg Bible and Ellesmere’s manuscript of Canterbury Tales. The botanical gardens feature 14,000 varieties of plants on more than 150 acres. The 12 principal gardens include the new Chinese Garden (Garden of Flowing Fragrance), Rose Garden, Desert Garden, Zen Garden and Children’s Garden.

View European and Asian Masterpieces at the Norton Simon Museum. This extraordinary museum features seven centuries of European art and one of the country’s largest collections of Asian sculpture that spans 2,000 years. It is home to an extensive Impressionist collection, which features masterpieces by Degas, Van Gogh, Manet, Monet and Pissaro. The museum also displays works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Cézanne and more.

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