Pasadena Day Trip Where to Go What To See

Pasadena is widely recognized for hosting the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and one of the country’s most significant college football games. Additionally, the city boasts numerous scientific and cultural destinations worth exploring.

Pasadena is a prime example of early twentieth-century elegance, showcasing bungalows, mansions, and historic estates against the stunning backdrop of the San Rafael Hills and San Gabriel Mountains in California.

Gamble House

The Gamble House, a stunning example of Arts and Crafts-style architecture, was thoughtfully designed by Greene and Greene architects in 1908. Pasadena owns this National Historic Landmark and is home to the University of Southern California School of Architecture. The house is accessible to the public, serving as an architectural conservancy and museum. Its address is 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena. Website.

Wrigley Mansion

There is a historic home called the Wrigley Mansion near the Gamble House. It is city-owned and serves as the headquarters for the Tournament of Roses Parade. From February to August, visitors can take free tours of the Tournament House. The address is 391 S Orange Grove Blvd.. website.

Bungalow Heaven

Part of the self-guided architecture tour provided by the city of Pasadena is Bungalow Heaven, a neighborhood of 800 tiny craftsman homes built from 1900 to 1930. Many of these homes are still occupied and have annual home tours during Pasadena’s annual Craftsman Weekend in October. Website.

Norton Simon Museum

After taking in the area’s architectural styling, you will want to absorb some art culture, and among the many boutique galleries sprinkled through the city is the pièce de résistance. The world-renowned Norton Simon Museum is tucked away neatly in the downtown district, with a historical collection of European sculptures, paintings, and woodblock prints that rival many high-caliber European museums.

More Pasadena Museums

Other museums in the area, preserving and sharing Pasadena’s rich history and culture, are the Pasadena Museum of History, the Finnish Folk Art Museum, the Pacific Asia Museum, and the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.

Tours for Technically Curious Day Trippers

However, if art is not your thing, Pasadena provides a few options for the more technically curious. Tours of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories are available. Self-guided and student-led tours are available at the California Institute of Technology or CalTech.

Old Town Pasadena

Finally, if you’re a fan of shopping and fashion, Old Town Pasadena is the place to be. It covers 21 blocks in the city’s heart, offering high-end retail stores and a diverse selection of eateries, nightclubs, outdoor cafes, pubs, and comedy clubs.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Are you looking for a bargain? Then head to Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Flea Market, held every third Sunday of the month. Attracting nearly 2,500 vendors and up to 20,000 buyers, this 40-year-old event is the largest swap meet on the West Coast and provides a trip down memory lane as you stroll past merchandise ranging from old-world antiques to classic toys and vintage clothing.

Pasadena is a perfect destination for either a day or a weekend getaway. It is best visited during the winter and spring, as summers can get hot because of its location near the foot of the mountains. Pasadena is an easy drive from downtown Los Angeles or Orange County.

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