Dining in Pasadena
Experience Pasadena!
Pasadena is a city everyone can enjoy. In the shadow of Southern California’s majestic San Gabriel Mountains, the finest urban architecture, fine dining, extraordinary shopping, varied entertainment and recreational opportunities are available in the best small city in the United States.
In Pasadena, a visitor can experience everything a large city has to offer in a comfortable, safe, engaging and active small city environment. Vibrant shopping and entertainment districts, world-class performing arts venues and museums, rollicking music clubs and a full range of eclectic, cutting edge and traditional restaurants make Pasadena a unique destination for visitors and locals alike.
While best known for New Year activities, the Pasadena area is also home to some of the world’s most renowned art and culture institutions. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, the Pacific Asia Museum and the Pasadena Symphony and POPS are among the best in the country. The Boston Court Performing Arts Center offers unique experiences in and around Pasadena while A Noise Within presents entertaining and sophisticated repertory theater for all ages in a new performance space. Nestled in the Arroyo Seco, Kidspace features engaging and exciting exhibits that engage children in the creativity of play. Parson’s Nose Productions offers one-hour adaptations of classic plays at Lineage Performing Arts Center, home to Lineage Dance.
The Pasadena Civic Auditorium hosts the Distinguished Speaker Series, classical, jazz and contemporary music and theatrical and ethnic productions in a grand and historic hall.
July 4th fireworks at the Rose Bowl
Pasadena is alive with historic architecture. Visitors can join walking tours or find information on self-guided tours through Pasadena Heritage. Heritage Square Museum’s collection of relocated and restored historic homes and buildings is open to the public and the Pasadena Museum of History displays local historic artifacts and tours the intact Fenyes Mansion.
Visitors can also enjoy the restored downtown dining, shopping and entertainment areas of Old Pasadena and the Playhouse District. South Lake Avenue boasts some of the finest examples of mid-20th century retail architecture still open as a department store. Downtown Pasadena’s Paseo Colorado is one of the first open air mall shopping experiences in the country.
Santa Anita Park in nearby Arcadia, one of the premiere horse racing venues in the world, is often featured in films and on television and was the home track of racing legend Seabiscuit.
Pasadena is also home to a wide diversity of outdoor activities and events. From monthly swap meets at the Rose Bowl and Pasadena City College to professional bicycling races and an annual marathon, the Pasadena area boasts participatory events for the entire family. For those seeking alternatives, the Ice House hosts nationally known stand-up while Vertical Wine Bistro, Magnolia on Lake, Bar Celona and 300 Pasadena offer unique venues in which to enjoy fine food, drink and fun. Gold Class Cinemas offers a luxurious movie and dining experience.
UCLA plays host to the best college football teams in the nation
Outdoor oriented visitors can hike, bike or camp in the expansive wilderness of the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, visit easily accessible lakes and beaches or enjoy recreational opportunities in local parks. Local recreation and sports venues include historic Brookside Golf Club, the Altadena Town and Country Club, Eaton Canyon Golf Course, Gerrish Swim and Tennis Club, La Canada Flintridge Country Club, Rose Bowl Tennis and Arroyo Seco Golf Club, as well as thoroughbred horse racing at magnificent Santa Anita Park.
The UCLA Bruins play their home football games in the Rose Bowl.
