Pasadena, located northeast of Los Angeles, is a historic suburban area with many preserved buildings and a charming atmosphere. It’s also home to California Institute of Technology, a university consistently ranked among the top 10 worldwide.
Easily accessible from downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is a quiet residential area on the Eastside that’s worth visiting. Known for its safety, it’s a popular destination. Here, we’ll introduce four recommended tourist spots in Pasadena.
1. The Norton Simon Museum
The Norton Simon Museum is centered around the collection of American industrialist Norton Simon and was formerly known as the Pasadena Art Museum. It boasts an extensive collection of Southeast Asian and Indian art, including sculptures and Buddhist statues from various Indian dynasties. It also holds a significant collection of Japanese woodblock prints.
Additionally, the museum features a wide array of European paintings from the Renaissance to the Impressionist period, as well as a collection of California art from the 1950s to 1970s. If you’re visiting Pasadena, known for its focus on academia and culture, this museum is a must-see.
Name: The Norton Simon Museum
Address: 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Official/Related URL: https://www.nortonsimon.org/
2. The Gamble House
The Gamble House, built as the residence of the Gamble family (of P&G fame), was designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908. Despite its name, it’s not an entertainment venue.
The house’s design is influenced by Japanese architecture, making it a highly regarded masterpiece of American architecture. It is open to the public, but tours of the interior have set schedules, so be sure to check their website.
The three-story wooden structure, exuding a calm and elegant atmosphere, was also used as Doc Brown’s house in the movie Back to the Future. Pasadena is home to other film locations, making it fun to explore movie settings during your visit.
Name: The Gamble House
Address: 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, CA 91103
Official/Related URL: http://gamblehouse.org/index.html
3. Old Pasadena
Old Pasadena, located east of the Norton Simon Museum at the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, was once Pasadena’s downtown area. Today, it’s a chic street with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants housed in preserved historic buildings.
You’ll find famous brands like Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M, and Tiffany & Co., alongside specialty shops, movie theaters, pubs, and bars.
The cluster of old buildings in this area creates an atmosphere reminiscent of 1900s America. With courtyards surrounded by historic structures, it offers a picturesque and nostalgic setting. The area is safe, so you can enjoy your time here even late into the night.
Name: Old Pasadena
Address: Near Fair Oaks Ave
Official/Related URL: http://www.oldpasadena.org/
4. Pasadena City Hall
Pasadena City Hall, located near Old Pasadena, is a classic tourist spot. Built in 1927, its Renaissance-style tower is so grand it resembles a palace monument.
You can freely explore the building and its courtyard. The interior’s elegant and stately design is worth a visit. The building is also illuminated in the evenings, making it a popular photography spot.
◎ Summary
Pasadena is best known for the Rose Parade held on New Year’s Day, which is broadcast nationwide along with the college football game "Rose Bowl." The sight of flower-covered floats parading down the main streets is truly spectacular.
Day-to-day, Pasadena has a calm atmosphere distinct from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. While renting a car is convenient, you can also reach Old Pasadena via the Metro Gold Line. If you’re visiting Los Angeles, consider taking a break in the charming suburb of Pasadena.