The 10 Best Attractions in Pasadena (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 10 picks

The best things to do in Pasadena in 2026 are the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, the Norton Simon Museum, the Gamble House, the Rose Bowl and its monthly flea market, and a walk around Old Pasadena. Descanso Gardens and Kidspace Children's Museum add good options for families.

Pasadena is about 20 minutes northeast of downtown LA and easy to reach on the Metro A Line. One day covers the Huntington in the morning and Old Pasadena and the Norton Simon in the afternoon. For more museums across the city, see our best museums in LA.

1. The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens — San Marino

130 acres of themed gardens plus art and rare books.

Best for Couples · Families · Art lovers

The Huntington is one of LA's great days out: themed gardens including the Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden and the Desert Garden, plus art galleries with Gainsborough's Blue Boy and a library with rare books and manuscripts.

Allow at least half a day.

Good to know: Book timed tickets online, especially for weekends. Parking is free.

1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

Google Maps Website

2. Norton Simon Museum — Arroyo Seco

A world-class collection of European, Asian and Impressionist art.

Best for Art lovers · Couples

The Norton Simon Museum holds a collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with major works by Degas, Van Gogh and Rembrandt, plus South and Southeast Asian sculpture.

The sculpture garden is a quiet place to rest.

Good to know: It is compact enough to see in two hours. Free parking.

411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

Google Maps Website

3. The Gamble House — Arroyo Terrace

The masterpiece of Arts and Crafts architecture by Greene & Greene.

Best for Architecture fans

The Gamble House, completed in 1908 by Charles and Henry Greene, is the best-known Arts and Crafts house in the US. Guided tours show off its hand-crafted woodwork, art glass and furniture.

Fans of the film Back to the Future will recognize it as Doc Brown's house.

Good to know: Visits are by guided tour only; book online.

4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103

Google Maps Website

4. Rose Bowl Stadium — Arroyo Seco

The historic stadium, its loop trail and a huge monthly flea market.

Best for Families · Shoppers

The Rose Bowl hosts UCLA football, the Rose Bowl Game and big concerts. On other days, the 3-mile loop around the stadium is a popular walking and running path.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market, held on the second Sunday of most months, is one of the best-known vintage markets in California.

Good to know: Walk the loop in the early morning. Check event dates before driving there.

1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103

Google Maps Website

5. Old Pasadena — Colorado Boulevard

Twenty-plus walkable blocks of restored historic buildings.

Best for Shoppers · Couples

Old Pasadena is the historic downtown, centered on Colorado Boulevard, with restored brick buildings, alleys and courtyards full of shops, cafés and restaurants.

It is the most walkable town center in LA County.

Good to know: Park in a city garage; several offer a free first 90 minutes.

Colorado Blvd & Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Google Maps Website

6. Pasadena City Hall — Civic Center

A 1927 domed city hall with a fountain courtyard.

Best for Photographers

Pasadena City Hall is a Spanish Colonial Revival landmark with a tall dome and a courtyard garden around a fountain. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the region.

The courtyard is open to visitors during business hours.

Good to know: Combine with a walk to Old Pasadena, about 10 minutes away.

100 N Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

Google Maps

7. Descanso Gardens — La Cañada Flintridge

Camellia forests, oak woodland and a rose garden.

Best for Families · Couples

Descanso Gardens, just northwest of Pasadena, covers about 150 acres with a large camellia collection, an oak forest, a rose garden and a Japanese garden. Seasonal events and light shows run in winter.

It is calmer and smaller than the Huntington.

Good to know: Camellias peak in late winter. Book timed tickets online.

1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Google Maps Website

8. Kidspace Children's Museum — Arroyo Seco

Hands-on indoor and outdoor play for young kids.

Best for Families

Kidspace is a children's museum next to the Rose Bowl with indoor exhibits, a climbing tower, water play and acres of outdoor gardens to explore.

It is aimed at kids roughly 10 and under.

Good to know: Pack a change of clothes for the water areas.

480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103

Google Maps Website

9. USC Pacific Asia Museum — Playhouse District

Asian and Pacific art in a Chinese-style courtyard building.

Best for Art lovers

The USC Pacific Asia Museum shows art from across Asia and the Pacific Islands in a 1920s building modeled on a Chinese palace, around a garden courtyard.

It is small and quick to see.

Good to know: Check the museum's site for current hours before you go.

46 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

Google Maps Website

10. Colorado Street Bridge — Arroyo Seco

A 1913 arched bridge over the Arroyo with views of the San Gabriels.

Best for Photographers · Couples

The Colorado Street Bridge is a curved concrete arch bridge built in 1913 over the Arroyo Seco. Its Beaux-Arts lamps and arches make it one of Pasadena's best-known landmarks.

The view from the bridge looks up the Arroyo toward the mountains and the Rose Bowl.

Good to know: Walk across from Old Pasadena for sunset. It is about 15 minutes on foot.

504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What is Pasadena best known for?

The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, the Huntington's gardens and art collections, Craftsman architecture such as the Gamble House, and the shops and restaurants of Old Pasadena.

How do I get to Pasadena from LA?

Take the Metro A Line from Union Station; Memorial Park and Del Mar stations are in or near Old Pasadena. By car it is about 20 minutes from downtown without traffic, via the 110 or 210.

Do I need tickets for the Huntington?

Yes. The Huntington uses timed tickets, and weekends often sell out, so book online in advance. Members get in free, and there are free days that need advance reservations.

When is the Rose Bowl Flea Market?

It is held on the second Sunday of most months at the Rose Bowl. Check the market's website for dates and admission.

Is Pasadena good for kids?

Yes. Kidspace Children's Museum next to the Rose Bowl, Descanso Gardens and the Huntington's children's garden are all good for families.

1. The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens — San Marino

2. Norton Simon Museum — Arroyo Seco

3. The Gamble House — Arroyo Terrace

4. Rose Bowl Stadium — Arroyo Seco

5. Old Pasadena — Colorado Boulevard

6. Pasadena City Hall — Civic Center

7. Descanso Gardens — La Cañada Flintridge

8. Kidspace Children's Museum — Arroyo Seco

9. USC Pacific Asia Museum — Playhouse District

10. Colorado Street Bridge — Arroyo Seco

Frequently asked questions

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