Old Pasadena is one of the West Coast's most vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment destination districts, featuring an authentic downtown experience combined with all of the modern conveniences. Old Pasadena finds itself at the heart of a city that boasts mountain views, sun-drenched rose gardens, world-class cultural institutions, and beautifully authentic early 20th-Century architecture.
In and around Old Pasadena, visitors can discover a range of activities. From museums and historical landmarks to gardens and the world-famous Rose Bowl, there is always a variety of options for people of all ages!
While many of the following attractions are within Old Pasadena’s boundaries, others are just a short walk or drive away.
Pasadena Heritage works to identify, preserve and protect the historic, architectural, and cultural resources of the City of Pasadena. Walking tours of historic Old Pasadena are offered periodically throughout the year. Call for details and to make your reservation.
651 S. Saint John Avenue
Headquartered in the Wrigley Mansion, the Tournament of Roses organizes the Rose Parade, which runs through the heart of Old Pasadena along Colorado Boulevard. First staged in 1890, the parade is now televised to millions of viewers around the world every New Year’s Day.
391 S. Orange Grove Blvd.
The Rose Bowl Stadium is home to the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Game, and hosts concerts by national musical acts, UCLA Bruins’ games, and other sporting events.
1001 Rose Bowl Drive
The Rose Bowl Flea Market, a longstanding tradition, is held at the historic Rose Bowl stadium on the second Sunday of each month. More than 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers attend every month.
1001 Rose Bowl Drive
The Pasadena Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club was established in 1921. Walter Raymond, owner of the Raymond Hotel and the person for whom Raymond Avenue is named, was a charter member of the club and instrumental in getting the greens and clubhouse built. The clubhouse itself was designed by renowned architect Wallace Neff and constructed in the 1920s, and is an historic structure. Bowlers have been using the greens without interruption for nearly 100 years. Croquet, a complementary sport, was added in 2006, and has proved so popular that croquet-playing members currently outnumber the lawn bowlers. Both sports offer free lessons to anyone who shows up with a desire to give it a try, and membership is open to everyone. Learn to play on Saturdays at 8:30am when they offer free lessons. Wear flat shoes.
275 S. Raymond Avenue
Armory Center for the Arts is a community arts center that offers innovative approaches to creating, exploring, and presenting the visual arts. Visit ongoing contemporary art exhibitions, enjoy special events and performances, and sign up for classes throughout the year.
145 N. Raymond Avenue
Kidspace Children's Museum features world-class exhibitions and 2.2 acres of outdoor learning environments to encourage children to discover the excitement of learning while engaging in the creativity of play.
480 N. Arroyo Blvd.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, & Botanical Gardens is a research and educational center set amid 120 acres of breathtaking and diverse gardens. Three art galleries and a library showcase magnificent collections of paintings, sculptures, rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts. The botanical collection features over 14,000 different species of plants.
1151 Oxford Road
Norton Simon Museum holds one of the world's finest and most prestigious collections of art and boasts a truly beautiful garden.
411 W. Colorado Blvd.
USC Pacific Asia Museum is one of only four institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The Grace Nicholson Building, completed in 1925, is itself one of the great treasures of the museum, being an important and extraordinary example of Chinese architecture. It has been designated a Cultural Heritage Landmark.
46 N. Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena Civic Auditorium, dating from 1931, is one of the most revered performance halls in the nation, having hosted Broadway musicals, world-class ballet, and symphony orchestras, as well as the Prime Time Emmy Awards, and the People's Choice Awards.
300 E. Green Street
Pasadena Museum of History was founded in 1924 to preserve and share the rich history, art, and culture of Pasadena. The museum’s location features the 1905 Fenyes Mansion, as well as the Curtin House, a gracious French-style residence designed in 1915 by Sylvanus Marston; the Finnish Folk Art Museum, a building designed by Frederick Roehrig and adapted by Consul Paloheimo for use as a sauna/guest house; a Research Library; and the History Center Galleries.
470 W. Walnut Street
As one of the great institutions of the American theater since 1917, the Pasadena Playhouse features Tony and Pulitzer award-winning plays, as well as outreach and artistic programs.
39 S. El Molino Avenue
Castle Green, built in 1898, is one of Pasadena's great turn-of-the-century hotels, now repurposed for residential housing, filming, and events. Festive open houses are held in the spring and holiday season, allowing a fascinating peek into the homes of many residents.
99 S. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena City Hall is an exquisite 1927 landmark exhibiting Italian Renaissance and Spanish influences. Stroll under the rotunda and visit the interior courtyard fountain and arched breezeways.
100 N. Garfield Avenue
The Gamble House, completed in 1908, is the most complete and best-preserved work of American Arts and Crafts architects Charles and Henry Greene. Docent tours are available.
4 Westmoreland Place
Wrigley Mansion, the official home to the Tournament of Roses Association, was once owned by chewing-gum pioneer William Wrigley Jr. and is open to the public on Thursdays most of the year.
391 S. Orange Grove Blvd.
