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If there’s one American town that’s the center of attention on New Year’s Day, it’s Pasadena, California. For 133 years this town 10 miles north of downtown Los Angeles has been home to the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. In 1902 The Rose Bowl Game was added to the festivities. Between the two events, approximately one million people converge on this beautiful city and the surrounding towns at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. In addition to these New Year festivities for which Pasadena is so well known, the area is a year-round destination steeped in history and home to world-class art, architecture, gardens, and science. Whether you do all these activities or just a few enjoy exploring the best of Pasadena California.
Old Town Pasadena
Shop and Dine
The shops and restaurants occupying the historic core of the city make up the Old Town Pasadena district. Here you can stroll along Colorado Blvd. and the charming side alleyways to shop and dine. While you are wandering the streets be sure to check out the dozens of local businesses with the Only in Old Pas designation.
Among my favorite spots to dine are Sage Vegan Bistro, fantastic if you’re vegan or not. Have dinner at Cafe Santorini which is one of the oldest restaurants in the area and perfect if you’re in the mood for some wonderful Mediterranean food. Stop by La Grande Orange, located in a beautifully restored train station. Or try Mi Piace which has served guests fabulous Italian food for over 25 years. Another favorites while not exclusive to Pasadena but still delicious is True Food. Head to Dot’s Cupcakes for dessert or grab a slice of pie at The Pie Hole. There’s a cuisine for every taste in Old Town Pasadena.
As for shopping, don’t miss Gold Bug for what they describe as “a journey through a trove of rare and unusual wonder”. Stop by Homage for wonderful gifts and jewelry. For natural lotions in luscious scents, Lather is a great fine.
Visit an Art Museum
A few blocks away is the Norton Simon Museum which houses an extensive collection of approximately 12,000 works. You’ll find pieces by Picasso, Goya, and Rembrandt among others. Wander through the sculpture garden and enjoy an amazing collection of art.
Another popular museum in Old Town is the Pacific Asia Museum. Here you can explore an extensive collection of rare Japanese paintings, East Asian Ceramics, woodblock prints, and a large jade collection. Housed in a historic building their mission is to “further intercultural understanding through the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands.”
Visit an Architectural Landmark
While in the Old Town area don’t miss the architecture most associated with the city, the Pasadena City Hall. This symbol of the city was designed by the firm Bakewell and Brown and opened in 1927. Its façade is very recognizable but take the time to walk through the central courtyard to get the full impact of this beautiful piece of architecture.
Botanical Gardens, Architecture and History
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is located in nearby San Marino. This estate was the home to railroad magnate Henry Huntington and his wife Arabella who were avid art, plant, and literature collectors. These extensive collections make up one of the world’s premier research libraries, art collections, and gardens.
Library Treasures
The Huntington’s left their amassed collections to be enjoyed by all. Following their deaths, their home and grounds opened to the public in 1928. Portions of the collection are on display such as Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and a rare copy of the Gutenberg Bible. You’ll also find letters from historical figures including Abraham Lincoln, works by leaders in science such as Sir Isaac Newton, and a handwritten draft of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. There’s also an amazing collection of early lightbulbs among many other treasures.
Art Galleries
There are multiple art galleries on the grounds as well as the mansion, the former home to the Huntington’s. These galleries include an extensive collection of American and European art. The total collection numbers 42,000 pieces of art in all. They list their collection as being the most significant of British art outside of the United Kingdom. Among the pieces you’ll find are Mary Cassatt’s Breakfast in Bed and Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough which recently underwent a public conservation project. You’ll also find a collection of Greene and Green furniture among the many works of art.
Botanical Gardens
If art and famous literature aren’t enough to get your attention, then the elaborate gardens are worth the trip. I’ve been to The Huntington dozens of times just to walk through the meticulously themed gardens. This alone can take a whole day as you log a few miles taking it all in.
The cactus, palm, Australian, Japanese, and Chinese gardens are among my favorites with the Chinese garden being the newest addition and still expanding.
Go early and wear comfortable shoes. There are multiple restaurants on the grounds including the Freshwater Noodle and Dumpling House, a traditional tea (requires reservations) at the Rose Garden Tea Room as well as café options at the 1919 Café including my favorite, Border Grill.
The Gamble House
In the late 1800s, Pasadena established itself as a warm winter retreat for the East Coast elite. This immigration of the rich seeking to escape the frigid cold led to some of Pasadena’s most famous landmarks. Among the iconic Pasadena sites, you’ll find The Gamble House. This was the west coast home to members of the Proctor and Gamble family. This stunning display of architecture was designed by brothers, Charles and Henry Greene, the architects of Greene and Greene who led the Arts and Crafts movement in California. They designed the architecture and furnishing of the Gamble House as well as many other homes in the Pasadena area.
The San Gabriel Mission
The San Gabriel Mission is currently closed due to a devastating fire which occurred in July of 2020. I highly encourage a visit to this beautiful piece of California history when they reopen in 2022.
The history of the Pasadena area, like much of California, began as the home to Native Americans prior to the arrival of the Spanish. The Hahamogna inhabited this area until the Spanish arrived in 1771. They established the San Gabriel Mission located just south of current-day Pasadena in the town of San Gabriel. This is the fourth of the Spanish built California Missions, so it offers a superb glimpse into the history of the area. Portions of the building were damaged by earthquakes over the years however much of the mission is original.
It’s worth the trip to see the beautiful architecture and historical artifacts. In addition, this mission claims the title of being the first winery in California. The Trinity Vine was planted in 1775 and provided cuttings that were used throughout the state. The remnants of the winemaking facility are on display as is an offspring of the original grapevine.
Science, Space and The Big Bang
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena is home to world-famous institutions of science. The California Institute of Technology (CalTech) is a top research university. They have helped to educate some of the greatest minds of the past century. From Linus Pauling who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry as well as the Nobel Peace Prize to Charles Richter who developed the Richter Scale, which anyone living in earthquake country is well acquainted. Albert Einstein was a visiting professor here and Steven Hawkings used his year-long visit to Caltech to perform groundbreaking research on black holes.
If you’re thinking of studying here, you best be bright since less than 10% of applicants gain admission. To see the campus, join an architectural tour sponsored by the college. If you’re like many who know of the school made famous by The Big Bang Theory television show you can head to the aptly named photo spot off of Colorado Blvd. located between Raymond St. and Arroyo Parkway.
Mount Wilson Observatory
One of the original Caltech trustees more than a century ago was George Ellery Hale. He was already a renowned astronomer when he founded the Mount Wilson Observatory situated 5715 feet above Pasadena. This was the most famous observatory in the world for many decades. It produced groundbreaking astronomical discoveries such as Edwin Hubble and Milton Humason’s expanding universe discovery. This led to what we now know as the Big Bang Theory.
This is still an operating Observatory as well as an amazing step back in history. From the end of March through November, the observatory is open for tours. They offer weekend public tours, self-guided tours as well as reserved private group tours. I enjoyed a private tour and for a science geek like me, it was fantastic. A group of us sat beneath the rotating dome, taking our turns gazing through the telescope While it’s not a view upward, science lovers will enjoy the lockers of the original astronomers which still remain complete with nametags.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Speaking of space, Pasadena is also home to the Jet propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This is a joint venture between NASA and Caltech. This is where the Mars Rover was built! To book a tour see their website. Having been to their annual open house in the past I definitely recommend this for anyone interested in science.
Take a Hike
Despite Pasadena lying in a metropolitan area of over 10 million people you can easily escape to the mountains. Here you’ll feel like you’re miles from civilization. The San Gabriel Mountains which border Pasadena to the North are full of hiking trails. Among the popular trails are Eaton Canyon and The Mount Wilson Trail. Hit the trails early and come prepared with water and appropriate hiking attire.
Enjoy world-famous works of art, stunning architecture, local dining, and shopping options in a town where science is interwoven into the history and nature is the backdrop.
