Guidebook for Pasadena
Arts & Culture
California's Oldest & Largest independent bookstore. There are frequently book signings, and it’s worth passing through.
65 locals recommend
Vroman's Bookstore
695 E Colorado BlvdCalifornia's Oldest & Largest independent bookstore. There are frequently book signings, and it’s worth passing through.
On a budget? This theatre runs second-run movies, and tickets are just $3. (Order a hotdog for $1.)
44 locals recommend
Regency Academy Cinemas
1003 E Colorado BlvdOn a budget? This theatre runs second-run movies, and tickets are just $3. (Order a hotdog for $1.)
Enjoy a premium movie-viewing experience in the heart of Pasadena
110 locals recommend
ArcLight Cinemas - Pasadena
300 E Colorado BlvdEnjoy a premium movie-viewing experience in the heart of Pasadena
Sightseeing
Drive up Lake, then hike 2.5 miles upward to the ruins of Echo Mountain House that burned down in 1900. Shout into the echophone behind the ruins and hear your voice echo back from the valley.
16 locals recommend
Echo Mountain (Mount Lowe Railroad Trail)
Echo Mountain (Mount Lowe Railroad Trail)Drive up Lake, then hike 2.5 miles upward to the ruins of Echo Mountain House that burned down in 1900. Shout into the echophone behind the ruins and hear your voice echo back from the valley.
Take a 3-mile loop to the waterfall at Eaton Canyon. It’s about a 15-minute drive away
42 locals recommend
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Eaton Canyon Falls TrailTake a 3-mile loop to the waterfall at Eaton Canyon. It’s about a 15-minute drive away
Enjoy a day at the beautiful gardens -- it’s just a short bike ride away.
999 locals recommend
Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford RdEnjoy a day at the beautiful gardens -- it’s just a short bike ride away.
Food Scene
Great boba options if you’re looking for something sweet and cold to drink.
8 locals recommend
Au79 Tea Express
1671 E Colorado BlvdGreat boba options if you’re looking for something sweet and cold to drink.
Enjoy specialty hot dogs and sliders with a brew. There’s a daily happy hour, and Sunday is all-day happy hour.
Dog Haus Pasadena
105 N Hill AveEnjoy specialty hot dogs and sliders with a brew. There’s a daily happy hour, and Sunday is all-day happy hour.
El Cholo Café Pasadena
300 E Colorado Blvdoffers a variety of great Mexican fare, plain and simple.
No trip to the LA area is complete without a trip to Umami. Enjoy kobe beef burgers cooked to perfection. This is what a burger is meant to be.
10 locals recommend
Umami Burger
49 E Colorado BlvdNo trip to the LA area is complete without a trip to Umami. Enjoy kobe beef burgers cooked to perfection. This is what a burger is meant to be.
Hands down the best breakfast in Pasadena. Their belgian waffles are to die for.
25 locals recommend
Russell's
30 N Fair Oaks AveHands down the best breakfast in Pasadena. Their belgian waffles are to die for.
If you make if for breakfast (or brunch on the weekend), the Sunrise quesadilla and Breakfast tacos are both great options.
The Market on Holly
57 East Holly StreetIf you make if for breakfast (or brunch on the weekend), the Sunrise quesadilla and Breakfast tacos are both great options.
There’s a great variety of Argentinean wines, and the steaks are amazing. Admittedly, it’s not very vegetarian friendly.
24 locals recommend
Malbec Argentinean Cuisine
1001 E Green StThere’s a great variety of Argentinean wines, and the steaks are amazing. Admittedly, it’s not very vegetarian friendly.
There's a great happy hour on beer and wine every day except Monday, which runs from 3-6:30. Beers on tap, including Purple Haze, Delirium, Allagash White and more. There's live music each Friday.
8 locals recommend
Kuno Sushi
1713 E Colorado BlvdThere's a great happy hour on beer and wine every day except Monday, which runs from 3-6:30. Beers on tap, including Purple Haze, Delirium, Allagash White and more. There's live music each Friday.
Everything Else
This is another SoCal classic: handmade ice cream sandwiches made to order.
8 locals recommend
Coolhaus
59 E Colorado BlvdThis is another SoCal classic: handmade ice cream sandwiches made to order.
English-style meat pies as well as a variety of dessert pies make this a great place for lunch.
118 locals recommend
The Pie Hole
714 Traction Ave English-style meat pies as well as a variety of dessert pies make this a great place for lunch.
if you like supporting local businesses, this small place has great meat and produce selections. People say the guacamole is AWESOME!
Linda Rosa Market
1827 E Villa Stif you like supporting local businesses, this small place has great meat and produce selections. People say the guacamole is AWESOME!
Trader Joe's
345 S Lake AveAwesome, simple yet eclectic and affordable grocery!
Standard grocery chains. Very "go-to" place to get the essentials. Both are equidistant to the house.
51 locals recommend
Ralphs
160 N Lake AveStandard grocery chains. Very "go-to" place to get the essentials. Both are equidistant to the house.
Drinks & Nightlife
Take the Gold Line south to Del Mar Station and check out what’s on tap!
23 locals recommend
Congregation Ale House Pasadena Chapter
300 South Raymond AvenueTake the Gold Line south to Del Mar Station and check out what’s on tap!
Take the Gold Line south to Del Mar Station, and taste beers by 4, 8 or 12 oz.
10 locals recommend
Stone Brewing Tap Room - Pasadena
220 S Raymond AveTake the Gold Line south to Del Mar Station, and taste beers by 4, 8 or 12 oz.
While the food is simply standard English fare, there are over 65 beers on tap. It’s also a great place to watch sports.
17 locals recommend
Lucky Baldwins Trappiste
1770 E Colorado BlvdWhile the food is simply standard English fare, there are over 65 beers on tap. It’s also a great place to watch sports.