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 FeedDestinations / North America
Oct 22, 2026Stay in This Restored 1920s School Campus
In Fayetteville, West Virginia, you can now stay in what was once the town’s high school and middle school, thanks to the opening of Hill Hall Hotel. The 40-guestroom boutique property stretches out over the 1923 high school and Mid-Century middle school buildings, retaining some of the original architecture and layout, while updating amenities to meet modern travelers’ needs.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
6 Skincare Mistakes to Avoid Before and After a Flight This Winter
An airplane’s cabin is already dry, but add in the winter climate and your skin practically begs for help. This season, keep skin healthy and moisturized by avoiding these six common mistakes when traveling:
Destinations / Europe
Oct 21, 2026Ease Into Autumn with Anantara’s European Wellness Retreats
Anantara Hotels & Resorts welcomes travelers to an autumnal escape with a collection of wellness experiences across its European properties. From hot mindful yoga and meditation to signature treatments like a Monoi Oil Body Wrap, these immersive retreats let guests unwind and rejuvenate as the seasons fade into one another.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Surveys
Oct 21, 2026Business Travel Bigger Than Ever, According to New Hotels.com Study
While just a few years ago, the travel industry may’ve been worried about business travel returning to its pre-pandemic numbers, according to a new Hotels.com study, that worry is no more. Business travel is back — and even more, it’s busier than ever for some travelers.
ShareThis