Pasadena, CA Things to Do and Attractions
Established in 1936 by E. Manchester Boddy, founder of the Los Angeles Daily News, Descanso Gardens is 160 acres of Southern California's most astounding natural beauty. Nestled within the scenic San Rafael Hills, the gardens invite visitors to
Established in 1936 by E. Manchester Boddy, founder of the Los Angeles Daily News, Descanso Gardens is 160 acres of Southern California's most astounding natural beauty. Nestled within the scenic San Rafael Hills, the gardens invite visitors to admire the prize-winning blossoms of the Iris Garden, enter the tea house at the tranquil Japanese Garden, or see more than 150 different species of birds at the Bird Observation Station. Guests can also opt for a narrated tram tour, while children delight in rides aboard the Descanso Gardens Enchanted Railroad.
Visitors to the gardens can also get a taste of a bygone era at the recently renovated Boddy House. The former home of the garden's founder, the house features glamorous Hollywood Regency architecture and a fascinating exhibit that details the attraction's heritage.
Several indoor spaces at Descanso Gardens, including the Boddy House, can be booked for group functions. Outdoor evening functions can be held at the Rose Garden Pavilion, the Boddy House Terrace or the Japanese Garden. Descanso Gardens is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $3 for children ages 5-12 and $8 for adults. Tram tours are $4 per person. Enchanted Railroad rides are $3 per person. Discounted tour packages are available for groups of 25 or more people.
A masterpiece of the turn-of-the-century American Arts and Crafts movement, the Gamble House is a Pasadena must-visit. Designed by renowned architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908, the house was built for David and Mary Gamble of Proctor &
A masterpiece of the turn-of-the-century American Arts and Crafts movement, the Gamble House is a Pasadena must-visit. Designed by renowned architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908, the house was built for David and Mary Gamble of Proctor & Gamble.
Today visitors can take guided one-hour tours through the home and marvel at the awe-inspiring design. Through their innovative architecture and painstaking craftsmanship of both the home and furnishings, the Greene brothers left behind their finest example of contemporary American architecture. Sweeping porches, exposed timbers, and iridescent glass windows that gradually change colors throughout the day are just a few of the highlights of this phenomenal work of art.
The Gamble House is open for tours Thursday through Sunday from noon to 3 PM. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for seniors ages 65 and older. Admission for children under 12 is free. Advanced reservations for group tours are required. Group tour hours and fees vary from the regular schedule of tours. Visitors should keep in mind that flat shoes are required for entry into the Gamble House.
Art and nature converge at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Established in 1919 by Henry E. and Arabella Huntington, this one-of-a-kind institution combines one of the world's largest rare book and manuscript
Art and nature converge at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Established in 1919 by Henry E. and Arabella Huntington, this one-of-a-kind institution combines one of the world's largest rare book and manuscript collections with an 18th century British and French art collection, an 18th to early 20th century American art collection, and 150 acres of botanical gardens.
The Huntington Library boasts an astounding six million manuscripts and 357,000 rare books, including one of only 11 vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible and Ellesmere's manuscript of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Meanwhile, three art galleries include one of the most distinguished collections of late 18th to early 19th century British paintings outside of London, including Gainsborough's The Blue Boy. Other highlights of the art galleries include 18th century French paintings by such celebrated artists as Claude, Greuze and Watteau and American masterpieces by such renowned artists as Edward Hopper and John Singer Sargent.
Outside, Huntington's 120 acres of botanical gardens include themed gardens such as the Desert Garden, Japanese Garden and Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden. Visitors can roam the aromatic grounds, which are populated by more than 14,000 species of plants, including one of the most comprehensive camellia collections in the world.
The Huntington can be booked for private functions, though groups are subject to approval. The Huntington is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 4:30 PM and weekends from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission is $6 for children ages 5-11 and $10 for students ages 12-18. Weekday admission is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. Weekend and holiday Monday admission is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors.
A popular place to shop and dine, historic Old Pasadena is an entertainment hub set within the scenic beauty of the San Gabriel Valley. Home to more than 200 buildings dating back to the 1880s and 1890s, Old Pasadena looks very much like it did over
A popular place to shop and dine, historic Old Pasadena is an entertainment hub set within the scenic beauty of the San Gabriel Valley. Home to more than 200 buildings dating back to the 1880s and 1890s, Old Pasadena looks very much like it did over a century ago. Spanning 22 charming neighborhood blocks, visitors stroll down narrow streets lined with galleries, boutiques, antique stores and outdoor cafes.
The district's central thoroughfare, Colorado Boulevard, is best known for hosting the Tournament of Roses Parade every year on New Year's Day. One of Pasadena's most popular nightspots, this eclectic borough pulsates after dark with the sounds of live music seeping out of restaurants, bars and clubs.
Ranked one of the Top 30 Restaurants in Southern California by Zagat for more than a decade, Bistro 45 is a fine dining foodie favorite. Set in an Art Deco bungalow, the restaurant serves up an eclectic blend of rustic French cuisine with hints of
Ranked one of the Top 30 Restaurants in Southern California by Zagat for more than a decade, Bistro 45 is a fine dining foodie favorite. Set in an Art Deco bungalow, the restaurant serves up an eclectic blend of rustic French cuisine with hints of California fusion. Menu highlights include the grilled all-natural Angus beef tenderloin served with custard potatoes and the grilled opal lamb chops with Provencale ratatouille. Aside from its phenomenal food, Bistro 45 has been voted Best Restaurant for Wine Lovers by Wine Spectator magazine for several years running.
With award-winning cuisine and an unsurpassed atmosphere, Bistro 45 makes the perfect setting for private functions. The restaurant offers three different banquet menus and a number of options for decadent specialty cakes and desserts. The restaurant serves lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2 PM and dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 6 to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9:30 PM and Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. Entrees range from $22 to $38. Reservations are required.
Situated in the heart of Old Pasadena, Caf Santorini dishes out delectable Mediterranean cuisine in a historic setting. From the restaurant's all brick exterior to the open kitchen and moonlit rooftop terrace, Caf Santorini's romantic ambiance puts
Situated in the heart of Old Pasadena, Caf Santorini dishes out delectable Mediterranean cuisine in a historic setting. From the restaurant's all brick exterior to the open kitchen and moonlit rooftop terrace, Caf Santorini's romantic ambiance puts patrons in the mood for an evening of Mediterranean delights. Patrons can start off with glass from the extensive wine list or savor appetizers such as baba ghanoush served with pita bread. For the main course, patrons can choose from favorites such as the Santorini lamb souvlaki or red curry paella.
The first floor of Caf Santorini is home to the phenomenal Rococo Room. A banquet facility for up to 170 people, the Rococo Room features an elegant atmosphere and a number of specialized menus to choose from. In addition to the Rococo Room, Caf Santorini's rooftop terrace and mezzanine level are available for private events. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to midnight and Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Dinner entrees range from $15 to $29.
Set in a charming historic cottage, the elegant Raymond Restaurant is a Pasadena institution. The Raymond serves up an eclectic blend of American and European cuisine made from fresh, locally-grown ingredients. Menu highlights include the Kurobuta
Set in a charming historic cottage, the elegant Raymond Restaurant is a Pasadena institution. The Raymond serves up an eclectic blend of American and European cuisine made from fresh, locally-grown ingredients. Menu highlights include the Kurobuta pork shank with roasted fingerling potatoes and crispy maple leaf duck with potato-butter emulsion and roasted blue oyster mushrooms.
Patrons can also choose chef-selected specialties from the Raymond's epic five-course tasting menu. In addition to the inspired cuisine, an extensive wine list features a broad spectrum of West Coast and international labels to complement menu selections. Whether stopping by for a drink before a night out, enjoying the afternoon tea, or sampling the popular weekend brunch spread, visitors to the restaurant never leave unsatisfied.
A unique and gracious setting for group functions, Raymond Restaurant features private event space and a number of banquet menus to choose from. The restaurant serves lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 PM and Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. Afternoon tea is served Friday through Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. Brunch is served weekends from 10 AM to 2:30 PM. Dinner entrees range from $24 to $39. Reservations are recommended.
The Kidspace Children's Museum features more than 25 interactive exhibits focusing on themes ranging from the investigation of nature to creative expression. Kids can walk through a mirrored, multi-colored tunnel at The Kaleidoscope Exhibit,
The Kidspace Children's Museum features more than 25 interactive exhibits focusing on themes ranging from the investigation of nature to creative expression. Kids can walk through a mirrored, multi-colored tunnel at The Kaleidoscope Exhibit, uncover plant and animal fossils at The Dig Exhibit, or get soaked at the Splash Dance Fountain. Kidspace also features a bee and butterfly garden, woodland paths, ponds and an amphitheater for outdoor performances.
Kidspace is open Tuesday through Friday, September to May, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. During June, July and August, the museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $9 per person. Admission for children under 1 is free. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more people with reservations.
Located in the heart of Pasadena on the famed Colorado Boulevard, the Norton Simon Museum is home to one of the world's most prestigious collections of art. Named for entrepreneur, industrialist, philanthropist and art collector Norman Winfred Simon,
Located in the heart of Pasadena on the famed Colorado Boulevard, the Norton Simon Museum is home to one of the world's most prestigious collections of art. Named for entrepreneur, industrialist, philanthropist and art collector Norman Winfred Simon, the museum is a phenomenal tribute to human civilizations, the visual arts and individual accomplishment. More than 2,000 years of Western and Asian art are represented in the museum's collections.
A masterpiece inside and out, the exterior of the museum is covered in handmade umber tiles designed by renowned artist Edith Heath. Once inside, visitors drift through light-filled galleries and admire works by such celebrated artists as Botticelli, Czanne, Degas and Rembrandt. Outside, the museum grounds are graced with a 79,000-square-foot garden populated by 180 species of trees, shrubs and vines along with ponds and a waterfall. Magnificent sculptures have been integrated into the garden to create an inspirational sanctuary and living work of art.
The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 PM and Friday from noon to 9 PM. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for seniors. Patrons ages 18 and under receive free admission. Specialized group tours are available with advanced reservations. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 PM and Friday from noon to 9 PM. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for seniors. Patrons ages 18 and under receive free admission. Specialized group tours are available with advanced reservations.
The Pacific Asia Museum is one of few museums in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Commissioned in 1924 as the former home of art dealer Grace Nicholson, the museum's striking design
The Pacific Asia Museum is one of few museums in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Commissioned in 1924 as the former home of art dealer Grace Nicholson, the museum's striking design resembles that of an Imperial Chinese palace. Its collection of 14,000 rare artistic works and artifacts include paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, jades and textiles from across the region.
Museum highlights include Tibetan furniture, Japanese paintings, Buddhist icons, traditional costumes and a thousand years of Chinese ceramics. Additionally, the inner courtyard of the museum's galleries is home to one of only two authentic Chinese gardens in the United States.
Featuring both indoor and outdoor space, the Pacific Asia Museum makes a beautiful backdrop for private events. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Admission is $9 for adults.
The only museum in Southern California dedicated to California's art, architecture and design, the Pasadena Museum of California Art is a treasure trove of works by California artists from 1850 to today. Museum highlights include the Kenny Scharf
The only museum in Southern California dedicated to California's art, architecture and design, the Pasadena Museum of California Art is a treasure trove of works by California artists from 1850 to today. Museum highlights include the Kenny Scharf Garage, which showcases the playful Pop aesthetic for which the California native is known, and The Project Room, devoted to installations by early and mid-career regional artists. Additionally, the museum features a wide range of temporary exhibitions. Past exhibitions have showcased works by notable artists such as April Greinman, Kevin Macpherson, Raymond Staprans and Herb Alpert.
The Pasadena Museum of California Art makes a spectacular venue for private events. Groups can gather on the scenic roof terrace or in the adjacent 8,000-square-foot Founders Gallery. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is $7 for adults.
Founded in 1924 as the Pasadena Historical Society, the Pasadena Museum of History shares the stories of the region's rich past. Feynes Mansion, the museum's centerpiece, was the one-time home of the museum's benefactors Dr. Adalbert and Eva Feynes.
Founded in 1924 as the Pasadena Historical Society, the Pasadena Museum of History shares the stories of the region's rich past. Feynes Mansion, the museum's centerpiece, was the one-time home of the museum's benefactors Dr. Adalbert and Eva Feynes. Situated on Pasadena's famed "Millionaire's Row," the 18-room, Beaux Arts-style estate is the epitome of California opulence and was once a hotspot for Pasadena's cultural elite. Later, the home became the first Finnish Consulate in the western United States.
Visitors can tour the lavish Feynes Mansion, which has more recently been used as the location for such familiar films as actor Hugh Jackman's The Prestige. Guests learn about Pasadena's past as they view the home's antique furnishings, original artwork and sweeping staircase. Along with the mansion tour, visitors to the Pasadena Museum of History will also find lush sculptured gardens, history center galleries, archives and a Finnish Folk Art Museum furnished in the style of a 19th century farmhouse.
A popular spot for private events, the elegant Feynes Mansion at the Pasadena Museum of History can be booked for private functions. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is free. Group tours are available with advanced reservations.
