How to Spend a Day in Pasadena, California

What To Do In Pasadena For A Day

Exploring Old Pasadena for a Day

If you're planning to spend a day in Old Pasadena, you'll find plenty of attractions, dining options, and unique experiences to fill your itinerary. This place is one of our top choices for dates with my husband. It’s never too crowded, and I absolutely love the atmosphere. Let’s go! 


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Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.


Why It’s Worth Visiting Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena is a vibrant district known for its historic charm and bustling streets, making it a must-visit destination.


What To Do In Pasadena For A Day

Historical Significance

The area is steeped in history, showcasing well-preserved architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.


Dining Options

The district's diverse restaurants offer global cuisines, including Italian, Asian, and American, satisfying all taste buds.


Accessible Transportation

Easily reached via public transit, Old Pasadena is conveniently located near the Metro Gold Line and several bus routes.


Landmarks

Notable landmarks such as the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and Castle Green, with stunning Moorish architecture, add to its allure.


Where to Park

You can choose between street parking or using the public garage located at 45 S De Lacey Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, for convenience.


What To Do In Pasadena For A Day

What to do in Old Pasadena


1. Satisfy your Coffee Cravings

Intelligentsia Coffee Pasadena Coffeebar

  • Address: 55 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
  • Metered parking is available with rates starting at 1 USD for the first two hours.


Urth Caffé

  • Address: 594 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Love their dark roast coffee and the Pistachio Tiramisu.


What To Do In Pasadena For A Day

2. Grab a Boba Drink

Sunright Tea Studio - Pasadena

  • Address: West Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA


Motto Tea Cafe

  • Address: 100 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
  • They’re known for their Motto Milk Tea and fluffy SoufflĂ© Pancakes.


Miss Cheese Tea Cafe

  • Address: 238 S Arroyo Pkwy STE 110, Pasadena, CA 91105
  • They provide a variety of table games here, perfect for enjoying time with friends.


3. Explore the Joy of Grilling

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

  • Address: Located on West Green Street, Pasadena, CA
  • Enjoy the experience of grilling your own meats at the table, along with a variety of side dishes. 


4. Indulge in Chinese Cuisine

Lunasia Dim Sum House

  • Address: 239 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Offers a wide array of dim sum and Chinese dishes.
  • Having lived in Singapore for a few years and traveled to Hong Kong and Taiwan, really raised my standards with Chinese food. Lunasia definitely hit that bar, and I highly recommend them.


5. Discover Arlington Garden

  • Address: Arlington Drive, Pasadena, CA
  • Free admission 
  • Street Parking 
  • Just a 7-minute drive from Old Pasadena, this beautiful garden offers a peaceful retreat into nature. You can hike here for a few minutes, then head to Old Pasadena for lunch or grab a snack. 


What To Do In Pasadena For A Day
It’s that kind of car you don’t see every day. I’m not going anywhere without a photo of this Ghostbuster car! Ahahaa


6. Have Fun Shopping

The Paseo

  • Address: East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA
  • An outdoor shopping center with a mix of retail, dining, a movie theater, and entertainment options.


The Commons

  • Address: South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA
  • Offers a variety of boutique shops and eateries with an English-inspired courtyard.


What To Do In Pasadena For A Day

7. Experience Tea Tasting

Chado Tea Room

  • Address: 79 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103 
  • Street Parking
  • They provide a unique tea experience. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind activity. We purchased our Tea-tasting voucher with Groupon. 


8. Unleash Your Creative Spirit

Color Me Mine

  • Address: South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA
  • Here you can paint your own pottery in a fun, creative environment.


What To Do In Pasadena For A Day

9. Join Special Events

Pasadena Convention Center
Address: East Green Street, Pasadena, CA

  • Check the schedule for events like the Anime Expo or other conventions. We attended the Anime Expo at Pasadena Convention Center, and we had such a memorable experience. It’s fun dressing up sometimes, and even more exciting as they had our photo featured on their website!


Rose Parade

  • Another exciting event to look forward to is the Rose Parade, celebrated every year on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California. Famous for its stunning flower-adorned floats and marching bands, this parade is a feast for the senses.


Rose Bowl Stadium
Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103

  • Experience thrilling sports and concerts at the Rose Bowl Stadium, an iconic venue known for hosting major events like the Rose Bowl Game and various music festivals.


How to get to Eaton Canyon Waterfalls California

10. Hike the Eaton Canyon Falls

  • Address: 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107
  • This hike offers scenic views and a rewarding waterfall at the end, making it a perfect outdoor adventure for nature enthusiasts.
  • One of my first hikes in Los Angeles, and what a refreshing view! 


To effectively plan your week, consider using an Undated Weekly Planner from Flying Starfish Studios. This planner is designed to help you organise your days, while also incorporating self-care bingo tips to ensure a balanced week.

I hope this guide prepares you to experience the best of Pasadena in just a single day! This wonderful city is among our top recommendations for those visiting Los Angeles with family and friends.

Have fun and be safe ^__^


Do you want more adventure?

Where am I going next?
For my next adventure, I’m thrilled to visit June Lake, the
 “Switzerland of California!”  This is one of California’s most beautiful and breathtaking lakes.


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