Pasadena, CA Event Planning

Key Highlights

Hotels	18
Total Sleeping Rooms	2,364
Committable Sleeping Rooms*	380
Committable Meeting Rooms*	29
Largest Exhibit Space	55,000 Sq. Ft.
Largest Ballroom	28,000 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $125
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $71
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $216
*Maximum for a single hotel

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Pasadena, CA Meeting Planning Overview

Look no further, this Pasadena meeting planning guide has all the information a planner will need for any upcoming meeting or event planning in 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.

Easily accessible by any mode of transportation, the Pasadena Convention Center boasts a 55,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 29 breakout rooms and a 25,000-square-foot ballroom, which makes it an excellent option if large groups are part of your Pasadena event planning. In addition to a 28,000-square-foot conference center and the 3,000-seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the convention center has an overall total of more than 130,000 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-diamond luxury at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles. 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 Huntington features 380 guest rooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool and a nationally acclaimed spa.

A wide range of alternative spaces for memorable and unique events can be found throughout the city for Pasadena event planning professionals. 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 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 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.

About Pasadena, CA / 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 11 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena offers an enticing combination of urban allure and culture. 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. 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.

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 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.

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 including the Pasadena Playhouse. Brimming with excitement day and night, Pasadena is a great destination to visit any time of year.

Pasadena, CA Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
Convention Center(s):

Pasadena Convention Center

Hotel at Convention Center? Yes
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 1,200

Airport(s):

Bob Hope Airport

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
27
Population
137,122
Restaurants
63
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
9.75%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Pasadena, CA

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
San Diego, CA	129 mi	2 hr 10 min	50 min	USD $250+
Las Vegas, NV	268 mi	4 hr 4 min	1 hr	USD $150+
San Jose, CA	341 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 10 min	USD $150+
Phoenix, AZ	370 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	USD $115+
Sacramento, CA	386 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 25 min	USD $265+
Tucson, AZ	483 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	USD $215+

Pasadena, CA Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	68	70	71	76	78	84	89	91	89	83	74	68
Avg. Low (°F)	44	46	47	50	53	57	61	62	61	55	48	44
Rec. High (°F)	93	92	96	105	102	110	110	107	110	108	98	93
Rec. Low (°F)	23	17	23	34	37	41	45	48	44	37	29	26
Rainfall (in)	4.5	5.0	4.4	1.2	0.5	0.2	0.1	0.2	0.5	0.7	1.5	2.5

Situated in sun-drenched Southern California, Pasadena's moderate Mediterranean climate sees an average year-round temperature of 76°F. The warmest month of the year is August with average maximum temperatures reaching the low 90s. The coolest month is December when temperatures rarely fall below the mid-40s. The city sees approximately 21.09 inches of rain annually, with the wettest month being February.

Pasadena's sunny skies beckon visitors all four seasons of the year. However, the very best time to visit is during the fall when the weather is mild and dry. During fall months, visitors can get out and enjoy the scenic beauty and dazzling districts of this exceptionally pedestrian-friendly city.

Pasadena, CA Airport Information

Bob Hope Airport (BUR)

Approximate taxi fare: $42.53 USD

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Pasadena in Burbank, the Bob Hope Airport is a gateway to and from the region for more than 4.5 million passengers per year. The airport provides non-stop service throughout the western United States, direct flights to New York City and connecting flights throughout the entire country. Six major carriers operate out of Bob Hope Airport including Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Express.

A convenient and efficient facility for business and leisure travelers alike, Bob Hope Airport features a number of services and amenities including wireless Internet access, restaurants, gift shops and valet parking.

Airline carriers serving Bob Hope International Airport

Alaska Airlines
Delta Express

JetBlue
Southwest Airlines

United Express
US Airways

Pasadena, CA Public Transportation

Pasadena Area Rapid Transit System (ARTS)

The city of Pasadena's convenient public bus system operates nine different routes throughout the region. Stops include such popular destinations as downtown Pasadena, Colorado Boulevard, the Playhouse District, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and all six Metro Gold Line stops.

Bus schedules vary, but most routes operate Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 8 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Regular one-way fare is $0.25 for youths grades K-12 and seniors and $0.50 for adults.

Metro Gold Line

Operated by the Los Angeles County Public Transit Authority, the Metro Gold Line ferries passengers from Pasadena to Los Angeles. The Gold Line light rail system spans 13.7 miles and operates six stops within Pasadena, one in South Pasadena and six in Los Angeles.

The Gold Line runs every 10 minutes on weekdays during peak morning and afternoon hours, every 12 minutes during mid-day, and every 20 minutes during late night hours. Regular one-way fare is $1.25 per person. Seniors ages 62 and older ride for $0.55. Regular all-day passes are $5.

Shuttles

Several shuttle companies feature door-to-door service from both Los Angeles International and Bob Hope Airport. Companies such as Prime Time Shuttle, Super Shuttle and XPress Shuttle operate out of both airports. Average fare from Bob Hope Airport to downtown Pasadena is $25. From Los Angeles International the average fare is $27.

Rental Cars

Several familiar rental car companies, including Advantage, Avis, Hertz and Thrifty, serve Bob Hope Airport. Agency counters can be found in Terminal B.

Los Angeles International Airport is serviced by approximately 40 rental car companies located off-site. LAX shuttle buses are available to take passengers to and from off-site rental car locations. Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise and Thrifty are among the 10 rental car companies that offer courtesy shuttles to pick up and drop off their customers at airport terminals.

Taxis

Taxis can be found on the lower/arrival level outside each terminal of Los Angeles International Airport and on the islands outside the terminal at Bob Hope Airport. Average fares from Los Angeles International to the city range from $70 to $90. The average fare from Bob Hope Airport to downtown Pasadena is $50.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
San Diego, CA	129 mi	2 hr 10 min	50 min	USD $250+
Las Vegas, NV	268 mi	4 hr 4 min	1 hr	USD $150+
San Jose, CA	341 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 10 min	USD $150+
Phoenix, AZ	370 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	USD $115+
Sacramento, CA	386 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 25 min	USD $265+
Tucson, AZ	483 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	USD $215+