Looking for things to do in downtown Pasadena, CA?
Whether you’re looking to explore Pasadena’s historic architecture, eat some delicious food, take a haunted tour, or walk through cobblestone alleyways, Pasadena has something for everyone. We’ve highlighted the best activities and attractions to add to your itinerary so you can experience the best of downtown Pasadena.
Things to do in downtown Pasadena
Explore Downtown Pasadena’s Historic Landmarks
Pasadena City Hall: Built in 1927, this Spanish Colonial Revival building is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. Visitors to Pasadena can take a self-guided tour of the building’s impressive interior, which features ornate ceilings, murals, and other fancy stairways.
Pasadena City Hall‘s courtyard is one of the best places in Pasadena for weddings and photoshoots.
Castle Green: Originally built as a luxury hotel in 1898, Castle Green is now a senior home with a unique architectural style that blends elements of Moorish, Gothic, and Victorian design. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building’s public spaces, which include a grand ballroom, a rooftop terrace, and a courtyard with a fountain.
Gamble House: Designed by renowned architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908, the Gamble House is a masterpiece of Craftsman-style architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and its impressive interior, which features handcrafted furniture, light fixtures, and other decorative elements.
St. Andrew Catholic Church: Founded in 1886, St. Andrew Catholic Church is one of the oldest churches in Pasadena. Its impressive Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows make it a must-see for visitors interested in religious history and architecture.
Colorado Street Bridge: This iconic bridge spans the Arroyo Seco and offers panoramic views of downtown Pasadena and the surrounding mountains. Built in 1913, the bridge is featured in many TV shows and movies and is one of the top picks for photographers.
Visit the Downtown Pasadena’s Top Attractions
Old Pasadena: This historic district is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture and local culture. The district features beautifully preserved 19th and 20th-century architecture that provides a glimpse into the city’s past. The district is also home to a variety of boutique storefronts and local eateries, making it a great place to shop and dine. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to explore the district’s many highlights, including the Colorado Street Bridge, the Castle Green, and the Pasadena Playhouse.
Norton Simon Museum: The Norton Simon Museum is a great place to visit for art lovers. It has an extensive collection of European and American art, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Visitors can take their time exploring the galleries and appreciating the beauty and cultural significance of the art on display. The museum also offers various special exhibitions and events throughout the year, providing visitors with even more opportunities to experience the arts and culture of Pasadena.
Take pictures of brick buildings in historic alleys
Pasadena’s Kendall Alley, Fraser Alley, Smith Alley, and Mc Cormick Alley are special attractions in downtown Pasadena that give visitors a chance to see the city’s vibrant street art scene up close.
Each alley has a unique collection of murals, sculptures and other street art created by local artists. In addition to the street art, the alleys are also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses, making them a great place to shop and dine while experiencing Pasadena’s local culture.
Kendall Alley is a must-see. Pasadena’s Kendall Alley has been featured in several films including Pulp Fiction and Live Free or Die Hard.
Visit Museums in Pasadena
Pasadena Museums for Kids
The Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena an excellent museum for children and families. This Pasadena museum is designed to promote learning through play and exploration and features a wide variety of interactive exhibits that are both educational and fun.
The Galvin Physics Forest is one of the most popular exhibits at Kidspace. This outdoor exhibit allows children to experiment with physics concepts such as gravity, motion, and energy. Children can climb, slide, and swing their way through this exhibit while learning about the laws of physics.
Another popular exhibit at the Kidspace Children’s Museum is the Robert & Mary Galvin Early Childhood Center, which is designed for children under the age of five. This exhibit allows young children to explore and learn through hands-on activities, such as building blocks, playing with water, and exploring nature.
The Kidspace Children’s Museum also features a variety of other exhibits, including the Digging Deeper Gallery, which allows children to learn about archaeology and paleontology, and the Imagination Workshop, which is a space for children to create and build using a variety of materials.
The Kidspace Children’s Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops, including summer camps, after-school programs, and family workshops. These programs are designed to provide children with hands-on learning experiences that are both fun and educational.
Shop in Downtown Pasadena
Downtown Pasadena is a popular shopping destination known for its boutique shops and specialty stores. Shoppers can find a diverse range of stores, from high-end fashion boutiques to vintage clothing shops and everything in between. Downtown Pasadena features a variety of art galleries, offering visitors the opportunity to view and purchase unique works of art. Downtown Pasadena provides a unique shopping experience, with its historic architecture and charming streetscapes adding to the overall ambiance.
One Colorado is an outdoor mall located in the heart of downtown Pasadena. It features a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Visitors can find a diverse range of stores, from national retailers to local boutiques, offering everything from fashion and accessories to home goods and specialty items.
One Colorado also features a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, as well as a movie theater.
Take pictures of Public Art and Murals
Pasadena has a rich history in science, and one of the most famous scientists associated with Pasadena is Albert Einstein. Einstein made important contributions to the field of physics while living in Pasadena, particularly in the study of relativity.
The Pasadena Senior Center celebrates Einstein’s legacy with a mural on its wall. The mural features images of Pasadena, references to Jackie Robinson, the San Gabriel Mountains, and City Hall, with Einstein as the central figure. The mural captures Einstein’s important role in Pasadena’s scientific history and is a must-see for anyone interested in science or art.
Take an art class at the Armory Center for the Arts
The Armory Center for the Arts is an art school and exhibition space located at 145 N Raymond Ave in Pasadena. The Armory offers a range of art programs and classes for children, teens, and adults. Classes at the armory are held in a supportive and creative environment designed for individuals to explore and develop their artistic skills.
Classes at the Armory Center cover various art forms and techniques such as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and digital media. The Armory’s classes are designed to cater to beginners as well as those with previous art experience.
The Armory’s art classes are taught by experienced and talented art instructors who guide students through the creative process, encouraging them to explore their ideas and develop their artistic voice.
Eat International Foods in Downtown Pasadena
Downtown Pasadena offers a diverse array of dining options, catering to various tastes and preferences. Visitors can find a wide range of cuisines, from classic American fare to international specialties.
Some popular options include:
Peruvian: Peruvian cuisine is a vibrant and flavorful fusion of indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques with Spanish, African, and Asian influences. Our favorite Peruvian dishes are Lomo Saltado, Papa a la Huancaina, and Arroz Caufa.
Mediterranean: Mediterranean cuisine is a popular choice in downtown Pasadena, with restaurants offering dishes such as hummus, falafel, and shawarma.
Mexican: Mexican cuisine is another popular choice, with restaurants offering dishes such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
Asian: Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisine is also well-represented in downtown Pasadena, with many restaurants offering dishes such as sushi, ramen, and dim sum.
Indian: Indian food is a popular option in downtown Pasadena, with a few restaurants serving up classic dishes like samosas, biryani, and tandoori chicken.
In addition to the diverse range of cuisines, dining in downtown Pasadena offers a unique ambiance and many unique features. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating, providing a beautiful and relaxing setting for dining. The historic architecture of the area also adds to the overall ambiance, providing an interesting environment for visitors. Many restaurants also feature unique and creative menus, showcasing the culinary talent and creativity of the chefs.
Special Events in Downtown Pasadena
Summer: Pasadena offers a range of outdoor events and activities during the summer months. One Colorado hosts free live music performances on select Saturday evenings. Central Park also hosts free outdoor movie screenings on select Friday and Saturday nights.
Winter: Winter in downtown Pasadena is very festive. One popular event is 12 Days of Christmas at One Colorado, where visitors can take pictures with Santa, make holiday wreaths, experience the Christmas Tree lighting, and make gingerbread houses. Downtown Pasadena is one of the best places to experience the Christmas season with loved ones.
The Rose Parade is another highly anticipated event during winter in downtown Pasadena. Taking place on January 1st or 2nd, the Rose Parade showcases some really cool floats, lively marching bands, and impressive equestrian units as it travels along Colorado Boulevard and through Old Pasadena.
Pasadena Cheeseburger Week is a must-visit event for those looking for those who love cheeseburgers. Held in January, Pasadena Cheeseburger Week celebrates Pasadena’s claim as the birthplace of the cheeseburger. Participating restaurants in downtown Pasadena offer special cheeseburger creations, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious and inventive flavors while discovering new culinary delights.
Halloween: Downtown Pasadena also offers a variety of events and activities for Halloween. One popular event is the Old Pasadena Halloween Celebration, held on Halloween night. This family-friendly event features trick-or-treating at local businesses, a costume contest, and a pumpkin decorating contest. Another popular event is the Haunted History Ghost Tours, held throughout the month of October. These tours take visitors on a spooky journey through the historic sites of downtown Pasadena, sharing stories of ghosts and hauntings along the way.
Ice Skate at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center
Pasadena Ice Skating Center is the perfect place to visit during winter if you enjoy skating. The Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers a range of programs, from public skating sessions to skating lessons for beginners and experienced skaters alike, the center caters to all skill levels and interests.
Additionally, adults who play hockey can join the adult hockey league. Kids who play hockey can join the youth hockey league.
The Pasadena Ice Skating Center also provides options for private rentals, parties, and group events, making it a fantastic destination for winter fun.
Things to do in downtown Pasadena
Downtown Pasadena offers a wide range of seasonal events and activities throughout the year.
From the iconic Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day to the festive holiday events in the winter, visitors can experience the unique atmosphere and charm of Pasadena year-round. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts at One Colorado and outdoor movies at Central Park, while the fall brings the Old Pasadena Halloween Celebration and ArtNight Pasadena.
Downtown Pasadena’s culinary scene is also celebrated with events such as Pasadena Cheeseburger Week in January and the Taste of Pasadena in September.
