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Pasadena, California City Guide

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Pasadena Meeting Planning

Downtown Pasadena

With a blissful 76°F annual average temperature and a cozy setting at the foot of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, it's no wonder Pasadena attracts scores of visitors from around the globe. Fast-paced sports, a rich and colorful history, edgy urban districts and a thriving art scene are just a few of the reasons Pasadena is so popular among business and leisure travelers alike.

For any traveler, getting to Pasadena couldn't be easier thanks to four regional airports offering non-stop and direct service on every major national carrier. Whether touching down at Los Angeles International Airport or Bob Hope Airport, passengers are less than an hour away from 2,500 hotel rooms speckled throughout the city. Shuttles, buses, and light rail can take guests anywhere throughout the greater Los Angeles area, while the city of Pasadena itself mixes streamlined public transit and an invitingly walkable layout.

Pasadena Civic Auditorium

Easily accessible by any mode of transportation, the Pasadena Convention Center has completed its $150 million expansion project. The newly expanded center boasts an additional 60,000 square feet of space including 28 breakout rooms and a 25,000-square-foot ballroom. In addition to the center's existing 28,000-square-foot East Pavilion and 3,000-seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the expansion gives the convention center an overall total of more than 100,000 square feet of flexible function space.

In addition to this large facility, Pasadena is home to five first-class hotels that combine luxurious accommodations and well-appointed function space. Host a meeting at the Westin Pasadena and enjoy 26,000 square feet of space along with the convenience of 350 guest rooms. Or, enjoy five-star luxury at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa. This award-winning hotel offers 33,000 square feet of meeting space including an 11,220-square-foot ballroom and an elegant 1930s-era Spanish mansion for intimate gatherings. A wonderful way to blend business with pleasure, the Langham features 380 guest rooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course nearby and a nationally acclaimed spa.

Castle Green Pasadena

A wide range of alternative spaces for memorable and unique events can be found throughout the city. From museums and historic mansions to lush gardens and elegant restaurants, Pasadena provides several options to enliven a meeting or conference. Welcome guests in style with a reception at the lavish Castle Green or impressive Gamble HouseDavid B. Gamble House
David B. Gamble House. Gather under the California sun amongst fragrant blooms at Descanso Gardens' Rose Garden Pavilion or Boddy House Terrace. The Pasadena Museum of California Art and its rooftop terrace also create a memorable backdrop of regional artistry and sunset views.

Several large corporations are headquartered in Pasadena including Avery Dennison, Craftsman Brewing Company, Indymac Bancorp and Parsons Corporation. Pasadena is renowned for having some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country including the California Institute of Technology and the Art Center College of Design.

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About Pasadena / Additional Info

Nestled in the foothills of the soaring San Gabriel Mountains, the welcoming city of Pasadena spans 23.2 square miles across sunny Southern California. With beautiful weather and a location just nine miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena's cozy, village-like atmosphere is a relaxing getaway from the city. An intimate destination unlike any other in the state, Pasadena's famed sporting events, captivating art scene, upscale eateries and dazzling districts make it the premier city in the San Gabriel Valley.

Today, more than 146,000 people live within the borders of this inviting city. Reflections of Pasadena's past, which includes many years of Spanish rule, can be found at every corner. In fact, Pasadena is home to 1,000 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time at the San Gabriel Mission District and walk in the footsteps of early Spanish settlers. Go for a scenic stroll down the revitalized main street of Old Pasadena, full of 19th century architecture and art galleries, vintage clothing stores, theaters and restaurants. Or, drop by the historic Gamble House, a masterpiece of the American Arts and Craft Movement.

Pacific Asia Museum

Buildings are not the only works of art in the city, as Pasadena is also home to a wealth of distinguished museums. Visitors find masterworks by Botticelli, Degas and more at the Norton Simon Museum of ArtNorton Simon Museum of Art
Norton Simon Museum of Art, while the Pacific Asia Museum is just one of four institutions in the country dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. For a rare glimpse into the world of art, literature and nature, visitors can explore the amazing Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, an oasis of art and culture set amid 120 acres of breathtaking gardens. Here, visitors find works from British and American history and literature, including an original Gutenberg Bible and Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

Thanks to Pasadena's mild Mediterranean climate, guests can also enjoy a number of outdoor attractions in the city. Whether it is a relaxing stroll through the breathtaking Descanso Gardens or enjoying one of the area's exciting outdoor festivals or flea markets, this Southern California city is a pedestrian-friendly breath of fresh air. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy everything from hiking through canyon trails to golfing one of the championship courses at the Brookside Golf Course.

Rose Bowl Stadium

For sports fans, Pasadena is steeped in an American tradition that dates back 96 years. Host to college football's famed Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses Parade, January in Pasadena comes alive with the "Granddaddy of all Bowl Games." In addition to college football, the Rose Bowl has been host to five Super Bowl Championship games and the 1994 World Cup Soccer Championships.

After the sun sets, Pasadena sparkles with a spirited nightlife. The birthplace of famed chef Julia Child, Pasadena is renowned for its top-flight cooking. From intimate bistros to elegant trattorias, Pasadena's acclaimed chefs serve up an array of delights to please even the most discriminating foodie. After dinner, visitors can enjoy cocktails and comedy at the popular Ice House Comedy Club or catch a performance at one of many theaters in the Pasadena Playhouse District. Brimming with excitement day and night, Pasadena is a great destination to visit any time of year.

After dinner, visitors can enjoy cocktails and comedy at the popular Ice House Comedy Club or relax to the sounds of live jazz at redwhite+bluezz. Catch a performance at one of many theaters in the Pasadena Playhouse District. Brimming with excitement day and night, Pasadena is a great destination to visit any time of year.