City Overview
PASADENA: THE CITY THAT FEELS LIKE A VILLAGE
Nestled at the base of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, just 9 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is the city that feels like a village. From mountains caressed by the sun, through gardens radiant with roses, to extraordinary turn-of-the-century architecture, there is nowhere else quite like Pasadena.
Pasadena truly is a pedestrian-friendly city. Visitors can stroll along beautiful tree-lined South Lake Avenue, known as Pasadena's premier shopping district. Old Pasadena, a 22-block historical area featuring 19th century structures and quaint alleyways, is one of Southern California's hottest main-street entertainment districts. With 200 specialty shops, antique havens, boutiques, bistros and entertainment venues, Old Pasadena offers something for everyone.
Paseo Colorado is Pasadena's three-block open-air urban village. With its Mediterranean architecture, lush pedestrian promenades, courtyards and terraces, Paseo Colorado is anchored by Pacific Theatres 14-screen cinema complex, Amadeus Spa & Salon, Macy's department store, and Equinox Fitness Club. Its 65 distinct specialty retail shops and restaurants include Coach, BCBG Max Azria, J. Jill, Tommy Bahama, and the Yard House.
Drawing from its rich cultural heritage, Pasadena features numerous world-class museums and historical sites. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens offers an extensive collection of literary classics, 17th and 18th century British and French art, and 150 acres of lush gardens. Highlights include an original Gutenberg Bible, Ellesmere's manuscript of Canterbury Tales, the famous Pinkie and Blue Boy paintings and an authentic Japanese garden.
Seven centuries of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century are on display at The Norton Simon Museum, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Degas, Rembrandt and Picasso. The Pacific Asia Museum is dedicated to the promotion and understanding of the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific, while the Pasadena Museum of California Art features California art, architecture and design from 1850 to the present. In contrast, the Gamble House, built in 1908, is an architectural masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts era.
Recognized throughout the world, Pasadena's Rose Bowl is famous for championship events including five Super Bowl football games, the 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer Championship and the Rose Bowl Game. Today, the Rose Bowl is home to the UCLA Bruins football team.
After dark, the village takes on a whole new flavor. As the birthplace of Julia Child, Pasadena is home to some of Southern California's finest restaurants. There are over 500 to choose from, including Madre's, the chic Latin-style eatery owned by singer/actress Jennifer Lopez. Exciting nightlife ranges from hot jazz clubs and cool comedy at the Ice House to theater at the Pasadena Playhouse and musical performances at the renowned Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
Adding to its appeal, a vast array of shops, restaurants and recreational opportunities lie within walking distance of Pasadena's magnificent hotels. Accommodations range from intimate inns to luxury resorts. Favorites include The Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa, The Westin Pasadena, Hilton Pasadena, Sheraton Pasadena and the Old Pasadena Courtyard by Marriott.
With its enviable location and a population of only 140,000, Pasadena offers visitors a friendly and safe enclave. The city's mild Mediterranean climate also makes for ideal sightseeing conditions. Year-round temperatures average 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to all of this, Pasadena is easily accessible to all Los Angeles area airports, freeways, and other Southern California attractions, including Universal Studios, Disneyland and local beaches. To make sightseeing even easier, visitors can hop aboard the Gold Line light rail system. The 13.7-mile Gold Line transports passengers from Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles and points in between. With six stations throughout Pasadena, including two in the popular Old Pasadena shopping/entertainment district, catching the train is a snap.
Admission fees to museums are nominal and run from Free to $15.00
Please select the Museum or Attraction you are interested in.
For further information about Pasadena's museums,
visit pasadena-culture.net.
During a visit to Pasadena, you will undoubtedly find yourself strolling along the streets of one or all of the city's acclaimed shopping and entertainment districts -- Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue, and Paseo Colorado. With hundreds of exquisite boutiques, shops and restaurants, Pasadena is certain to satisfy all of your cravings.
ANTIQUE STORES AND GALLERIES
Pasadena is home to numerous antique stores and galleries that can be found throughout the three shopping and entertainment districts, as well as in other areas of the city.
OLD PASADENA
This historic 22-block area offers more than 120 specialty shops, retail stores and boutiques, 80 restaurants and an array of entertainment opportunities. Old Pasadena is bordered by Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena Avenue, Walnut Street and Del Mar Boulevard.
(626) 356-9725 www.oldpasadena.org
ONE COLORADO
1 West Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
Located in Old Pasadena, One Colorado's quaint courtyard and alleyways feature national retailers, specialty shops, entertainment centers, and restaurants.. One Colorado is bounded by Colorado Boulevard, Fair Oaks Avenue, De Lacey Avenue, and Union Street.
(626) 564-1066 www.onecolorado.net
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE DISTRICT
Anchored by the Pasadena Playhouse, the district features an eclectic mix of bookstores, antique and specialty shops, restaurants and historic architecture. The district is centered at Colorado Boulevard and El Molino Avenue.
(626) 744-0340 www.playhousedistrict.org
PASEO COLORADO
Pasadena's three-block, open-air urban village features 65 street-front retail shops, a 14-screen movie complex, Gelson's gourmet market and eight restaurants and outdoor cafes. Paseo Colorado is located on Colorado Boulevard between Marengo & Los Robles Avenues.
(626) 795-8891 www.paseocoloradopasadena.com
SOUTH LAKE AVENUE
South Lake is a 10-block tree-lined avenue featuring 700 top retailers, boutiques, major department stores and European-style restaurants. South Lake Avenue is bordered by California and Colorado Boulevards.
(626) 792-1259 www.southlakeavenue.com
DINING, SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT --
PASADENA STYLE
As with the great cities of Europe, Pasadena is a wonderful patchwork of districts, each with its own distinctive character. The vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities found in these districts is within walking distance of many Pasadena hotels.
Pasadena is truly a walking city, but if riding is preferred, Pasadena ARTS Buses shuttle visitors between the shopping and entertainment areas of Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue and Paseo Colorado.
Shopping:
Old Pasadena is a 22-block historic area known worldwide as the trendy getaway for shoppers and diners visiting Southern California. Stroll down quaint alleyways or duck into one of the airy European-style piazzas. The area is filled with turn-of-the century buildings and warehouses that have been renovated to offer more than 200 dazzling retail stores, art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, elegant restaurants, bistros and more.
Beautiful tree-lined South Lake Avenue provides one of Southern California's finest shopping experiences. Located in the city's upscale financial district, the 10-block area features many of the nation's top retailers and scores of one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques nestled in with fine European-style restaurants. Retailers include Talbot's, Macy's, Williams-Sonoma and more.
The Pasadena Playhouse District is one of the city's most engaging centers for art, literature and entertainment. The area features bookstores, antique stores, specialty shops, one of Southern California's top floral shops, and restaurants. The district is anchored by the famed Pasadena Playhouse.
For collectors, the nearby Pasadena Antique Center features 130 antique merchants in one convenient location. Built in 1903, the Pasadena Antique Center was originally home to the Pasadena Transfer Company.
Paseo Colorado is a three-block, open-air urban village filled with premium shopping and dining options. With its craftsman-inspired design, Paseo Colorado features 65 street-front retail shops, Macy's department store, five restaurants, a 14-screen movie complex, Gelson's gourmet market, and Equinox Fitness Club.
Dining:
With more than 500 renowned restaurants, Pasadena is a dining mecca. The city has attracted acclaimed chefs from around the world serving an eclectic mix of cuisine in an array of settings. Lunch alfresco at a small cafe or trendy bistro, enjoy afternoon tea in a traditional English cottage, or have dinner at an elegant five-star restaurant. From California cuisine to Thai, Pasadena serves it all with style.
Entertainment:
Pasadena is home to some of the most exciting nightlife and entertainment opportunities in Southern California. From hot jazz hideaways to cool comedy clubs, Pasadena has it all. Theatergoers can enjoy a live performance at the Pasadena Playhouse, California's official State Theater. The playhouse's cutting-edge performances have helped launch the careers of Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman and others. Boston Court Theatre offers performances of timeless classics and world premieres.
Visitors can also choose from a variety of entertainment options at the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Built in 1931, the Civic is home to the Pasadena Symphony. Reserve tickets for a musical performance, ballet, or lecture with such notables as Colin Powell, Mikhail Gorbachev and Tom Wolfe.
PASADENA FACT SHEET
| Location: | Pasadena is located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, just 9 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. |
| Climate: |
Mild, year-round Mediterranean climate. Average daytime temperature: 76 Fahrenheit, 24 Celsius Average night time temperature: 54 Fahrenheit, 12 Celsius |
| Sister Cities: |
Japan: Mishima Germany: Ludwigshafen Finland: Jarvenpaa Armenia: Vanatzor China: Beijing Xicheng |
| Airports: |
Bob Hope/BurbankAirport: 15 minutes Los Angeles International Airport: 30 minutes |
| Transportation: |
Prime Time and SuperShuttle offer convenient shuttle service to all Pasadena hotels and motels from Los Angeles International and Bob Hope/Burbank Airports.Prime Time and SuperShuttle offer convenient shuttle service to all Pasadena hotels and motels from Los Angeles International and Bob Hope/Burbank Airports.
Pasadena ARTS buses shuttle visitors to Pasadena's downtown shopping and entertainment districts. |
| Freeways: | Pasadena Freeway (California 110) connects Pasadena to Los Angeles. Foothill Freeway (Interstate 210) links communities to the north and east of Pasadena. Ventura Freeway (US 134) leads to Ventura County and Northern California. |
| Accommodations: |
2,500 guest rooms 10 motels and inns 5 luxury hotels including: Old Pasadena Courtyard by Marriott 314 rooms Sheraton Pasadena Hotel 317 rooms Hilton Pasadena 296 rooms Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa 392 rooms Westin Pasadena 350 rooms |
| Dining: | Pasadena's 500 restaurants feature cuisine from every region of the world, as well as famous California fare. Dine at an outdoor cafe, inside a quaint cottage, or at an elegant trattoria. |
| Shopping: |
Old Pasadena is a 22-block historic area filled with an array of leisure opportunities. Choose from a dazzling selection of more than 130 retail stores, art galleries, trendy boutiques, antique shops, and vintage clothing stores.
Pasadena Antique Center is a haven for antique collectors, offering more than 130 antique merchants in one convenient location. South Lake Avenue is Pasadena's premier shopping district. The tree-lined avenue features one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, and an array of upper-end goods and services. Pasadena Playhouse District is Pasadena's center for art, literature and entertainment. The district features historic architecture, bookstores, antique shops and more. Paseo Colorado is a three-block, open-air urban village featuring 65 street-front retail shops, eight restaurants and outdoor cafes, Macy's department store, a 14-screen movie complex, a gourmet market, and a health club. |
| Cultural Attractions: | Gamble House; Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens; Pacific Asia Museum; Pasadena Museum of History; Pasadena Museum of California Art; Norton Simon Museum; and Tournament House & Wrigley Gardens |
| Entertainment/Night Life: | Gamble House; Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens; Pacific Asia Museum; Pasadena Museum of History; Pasadena Museum of California Art; Norton Simon Museum; and Tournament House & Wrigley Gardens |
| Sports & Recreation: | Rose Bowl; Brookside Golf Course; hiking; biking; archery; fishing; and roller blading. |
For more information contact: Leann Lampe (626) 795-9311