Visit the beautiful city of Pasadena for a break from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. Pasadena is known as the home of the annual Rose Bowl and Rose Parade, but the city has many attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.
Begin the day with breakfast at Lovebirds Café, which opens at 6 a.m. to accommodate early risers. Have a chilled dark cherry mocha and freshly baked honey bran muffin for $7.20.
Norton Simon Museum © Parker Knight | Flickr
Take a trip to the Norton Simon Museum. This museum holds a remarkable collection of art and artifacts from a range of artistic movements. They boast one of the few original Kandinsky paintings on display in California. Admission coasts $12 per person or $10 with a valid student ID.
Enjoy lunch at the Pasadena Sandwich Company. Order a veggie sandwich — lettuce, tomato, onion, bell pepper, sprouts, avocado, mustard and mayonnaise on wheat bread — and an iced tea for $10.50.
Pasadena Sandwich Company © Incase | Flickr
Visit the Arlington Gardens, the only public garden in the Pasadena area. Wander around the Mediterranean garden free of charge and download the garden’s iPhone app for a customized tour.
End the day in Old Town Pasadena, a lovely corridor of shops and restaurants in the heart of Pasadena. Have dinner at Akbar, a Zagat-rated Indian restaurant. Order the vegetarian Akbari entrée, which includes a mix of vegetables with a mild, mace and cardamom sauce and a side of freshly baked tandoori green herb naan for $13.50.
Pasadena City Hall © Trekandshoot | Dreamstime
Plan ahead to get drinks at The Speakeasy. This Prohibition-style bar is only accessible by password. Email them ahead of time to gain access. Enjoy your day in Pasadena and use your leftover money (about $50) on tips, souvenirs and snacks.
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedEverline Resort & Spa Announces Spring and Summer Experiences
Everline Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe entices travelers with its full lineup of spring and summer programming. Situated on Lake Tahoe’s California side, this resort makes the perfect getaway for guests of all ages.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Unique Itineraries & Tours
May 1, 20253 Unique Tours to Take in Louisville, Kentucky
Do you love exploring historic districts and neighborhoods when you travel? Louisville, Kentucky, isn’t just known for the Kentucky Derby and bourbon; in fact, the city is rich in history and culture across other areas, particularly the culinary, arts and ghostly scenes (yes, you read that last one right).
Destinations / North America
Apr 30, 2025Huttopia Debuts New Ready-to-Camp Destination in The Berkshires
Huttopia announced its newest location, Huttopia Berkshires, will open to guests in July. Reservations are now open. This marks Huttopia’s first property in Massachusetts and one of its only year-round properties in the region.
Travel
Apr 30, 2025Platform Helps Remote Workers, Business Travelers Find Work-Friendly Hotels
If you’ve ever attempted to work on the go — not necessarily for a business trip, but just because your job offers the flexibility of remote working — you may have struggled with working from your hotel room. Your options are typically plugging your laptop in next to a tiny in-room table, if you’re lucky, or you’re stuck answering emails from your hotel bed — hardly conducive to productivity.
Hotel
Apr 30, 2025Discover the Best of the Adirondacks at Schroon Lake
Looking for the perfect summer kick-off trip? The Lodge at Schroon Lake, in the Adirondacks, offers the ultimate vacation for travelers of all ages. Expect outdoor activities, beautiful scenery and lakeside fun — all the necessary ingredients for an unforgettable summer trip. Here’s a closer look at what The Lodge at Schroon Lake has to offer this summer:
ShareThis