Pasadena Summer Experience Guide 2023

Summertime in Pasadena is a sensation of sunshine and roses. Join the celebration, from music festivals and cultural festivities to adventurous summer nights and culinary delights from every corner of the world. Immersed in history and heritage, the scene is set with picture-perfect gardens and worldclass art and culture.

Savor more summer, enjoy more music, and make more memories in Pasadena – to last a lifetime.

CREDIT: ABEL KLAINBAUM

LOS TROMPOS AT KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Summertime in Pasadena

MUSIC, BLUE SKIES, AND GOOD TIMES

OLD PASADENA

“Old Pas” is a vibrant stop along Route 66 and is home to historic gems like Castle Green. Savor the global dining scene as talented chefs make everything from handcrafted pastas and bone marrow to dim sum and vegan sushi burritos. Grab a coffee or boba and explore the one-ofa-kind stores and petfriendly retailers. Live up the nightlife at local bars and speakeasies offering aperitifs, craft beers, and late-night snacks. oldpasadena.org

CIVIC CENTER

Influenced by the BeauxArts and City Beautiful movements of the early 20th century, Pasadena City Hall, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, and Pasadena Central Library are the historic district’s breathtaking architectural centerpieces. The venues attract a busy calendar of conventions and live events, such as America’s Got Talent - Live. auditions. Here, you’ll find bronze sculptures honoring Jackie and

Mack Robinson, The Paseo shopping center, and a selection of fine steakhouses, restaurant bars, and delightful eateries.

PLAYHOUSE VILLAGE

Pasadena’s center of art and entertainment is home to theaters, museums, dining, and nightlife. The Pasadena Playhouse is a piece of Hollywood history, The Ice House is the nation’s oldest comedy club and revered among comics, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum is housed in a historic landmark influenced by Chinese Imperial architecture. Shop L.A.’s oldest record store at Canterbury Records and sip on coffees or wines at The 1894 within Vroman’s Bookstore playhousevillage.org

SOUTH LAKE AVENUE

This 12-block shopping district features purveyors of beauty and wellness alongside specialty boutiques and fine restaurants. The Burlington Arcade

is a picturesque spot with boba and coffee shops, located near The Commons, an bucolic hideaway of shops and modern eateries. Across the way is The Shops on

Lake Avenue. Dine inside a Craftsman masterpiece at Magnolia House and experience a coffee shop with a wine wall at Republik Coffee Lounge. southlakeavenue.org

EAST WASHINGTON

This hidden neighborhood is home to family-owned artisanal coffee houses, ice cream shops, and eclectic

retail shops surrounded by Federal-style architecture. Octavia’s Bookshelf features BIPOC authors, TacTile Mountain curates minimal style home

goods and snacks, and Lavender & Honey is a popular espresso bar next to Millie’s Café, which serves fresh eggs, real butter, and Alta Dena dairy products.

Treat yourself to artisanal ice cream at Carmela Ice Cream and enjoy spending time with the locals.

Summer of Music & Festivals

CONCERTS IN THE PARK, MUSIC FESTIVALS, FOODIE EVENTS, CONVENTIONS, ARCHITECTURAL TOURS, SOCCER MATCHES, AND MORE

MUSIC FESTIVALS

Bring your dancing shoes to the hottest music festival venue in Los Angeles, the Brookside Golf Course surrounding the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium. Stay tuned for new announcements on IG: @rosebowlstadium

Just Like Heaven (May 13) headlines with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and MGMT, who will perform their album Oracular Spectacular in its entirety for the first time. The lineup also features Empire of the Sun, M83, Azealia Banks, Caribou, and more.

Cruel World Festival (May 20) returns to Pasadena with major comeback performances from Souxsie and Love and Rockets. Lineup also features Iggy Pop, Billy Idol, Adam Ant, and more.

Re:SET Concert Series (June 2-4) arrives in Pasadena

with headliners LCD Soundsystem, BoyGenius, and Steve Lacy, plus artists like Jamie XX, Toro Y Moi, James Blake, and more.

Head in the Clouds (August 5-6) descends to Pasadena for a third year with music label 88rising bringing some of the biggest Asian acts in the world.

CONCERTS & LIVE SHOWS

Summer Sounds at One Colorado (June 3, 10, 17, 24) brings song and dance to summer nights on Saturdays in Old Pasadena.

Bernadette Peters in Concert (June 9-11) at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium showcases Broadway’s brightest star and Stephen Sondheim’s most stunning muse.

Pasadena Symphony and POPS (June 24 - September 9) at the LA County Arboretum is the best outdoor dinner party picnic with phenomenal soloists like The Fray performing alongside the Pasadena Symphony.

Karol G: Mañana Será Bonito Tour (August 18-19) returns to the stage this summer at Rose Bowl Stadium as part of her six-city tour.

America’s Got Talent - Live (August 22 - September 27) is your chance to be a part of the show’s Season 18 live studio audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where the final performers compete for the ultimate prize in front of Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofía Vergara.

Jazz in the Park (September 17, 24, October 1) is a perfect time for a picnic, featuring free outdoor jazz concerts on Sunday evenings at the new Playhouse Village Park.

Coldplay: Music of the Spheres World Tour (September 30 - October 1) presents the return of the legendary British rock band to Rose Bowl Stadium along with H.E.R. and 070 Shake.

CONVENTIONS & TRADE SHOWS

Pasadena Convention Center

June 2-4

Monsterpalooza

Celebrate the art of monsters and movie magic with celebrity meet and greets and an incredible marketplace of vendors and exhibitors.

June 11

Robo Toy Fest

Don’t miss this one-day toy and collectible event, featuring new and vintage toys, celebrity guests, and more.

July 7-9

International Gem & Jewelry Show

Shop for gems and jewelry at wholesale prices from jewelry stores, makers, and manufacturers. From engagement rings to Swarovski beads and cool stones, there’s a lot of sparkle to shop for.

July 29-30

Brick Fest Live!

Celebrate the joy of LEGO® bricks and see life-sized models, enjoy hands-on activities, meet master builders and cosplayers, dive into the giant brick pit, add to the Minecraft Zone, build in the Glow Zone, and more.

August 5-6

CatCon

Experience a wonderland of catthemed merch, feline-friendly celebrity appearances, petting, nibbles, art, and more as pop culture and cat culture converge.

September 15-17

Golden State Tattoo Expo

Get tattooed, shop for original art, discover jewelry and fashion finds, take seminars, watch live performances, meet ink masters, and more.

PASADENA SYMPHONY AND POPS

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

Preservation Pasadena: Architectural Exploration (June 17-18) by Pasadena Heritage is a series of weekend tours, programs, and events to educate and advocate for Pasadena’s rich architectural legacy.

Foodieland Night Market (June 24-25) at Rose Bowl Stadium is a multicultural outdoor food festival with an immersive, familyfriendly vibe — the ideal summer event to eat, drink, chill, and play.

Colorado Street Bridge Party (July 15) hosted by Pasadena Heritage celebrates the city’s iconic, picturesque bridge in all its glory with delicious food, drinks, live music, and dancing.

LA Galaxy vs LAFC (July 4) at Rose Bowl Stadium promises to be an epic battle between the city’s Major League Soccer rivals.

Movies Under The Stars (July 1-29) at One Colorado in Old Pasadena, presented in partnership with IPIC Theaters, is a memorable, summer affair under the stars.

National Ice Cream Day (July 16) is the sweetest day of the year! Grab some scoops at One Colorado in Old Pasadena, and enjoy balloon art, face painting, crafts, a DJ, and more.

Pasadena Chalk Festival (June 17-18) celebrates its 30th annual event on Father’s Day weekend at the plaza of the Pasadena Convention Center, where hundreds of chalk murals by artists are on display along with a silent auction and live music.

Pasadena Police Department Car Show (June 17) returns to Pasadena City Hall for its annual fundraising event to benefit youth programs, featuring classic and modern cars on display along with live music, food, auctions, and raffles.

Rose Bowl Flea Market, one of the nation’s biggest flea markets , is open for business on the second Sunday of the month at Rose Bowl Stadium.

COLORADO STREET BRIDGE PARTY

Vibrant Arts & Culture

SOAK IN PASADENA’S INCREDIBLE THEATERS, MUSEUMS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

ON STAGE: THEATER ARTS

Playhouse Village’s vibrant theater scene is anchored by the Pasadena Playhouse, a historic theater that has hosted many famous actors and productions since 1917. Catch their last show of the season, Stew, running from July 12 to August 6. The Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama is a story that follows three generations of Black women as they begin to feel their past. In July, its musical theater boot camp is a great opportunity for students to learn from the pros. pasadenaplayhouse.org

Nearby, at Boston Court Pasadena, see performances from the Grammynominated ensemble Hub New Music, National Theatre Live, jazz vocalist Sidney Jacobs, the Eclipse Quartet, the Nevenka Folk Ensemble, and classical pianist Mark Robson. Don’t miss the World Premiere of “Measure Still For Measure,” a new take on a Shakespearean #metoo story. The summer programming includes a teen playwriting class. bostoncourtpasadena.org

At A Noise Within, Lauren Gunderson’s The Book of Will, a love letter to William Shakespeare expressed in a comically outlandish true story of love, loss, and laughter, runs May 7 to June 11. anoisewithin.org

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE

FROM A FAMILY BEST KNOWN FOR OWNING THE ICONIC LOS ANGELES LAKERS, JOHNNY BUSS IS READY FOR HIS NEXT ACT

BY RAMONA SAVISS

For as long as he can remember, Johnny Buss has loved comedy, a passion instilled by his parents, led by his late father Jerry Buss. “My dad, especially, loved to make me laugh,” he says. “[Since the ‘80s], my dad and I used to talk about owning a club.”

So when a friend approached Buss in 2019 about buying The Ice House, a comedy institution in Pasadena since 1960, he didn’t hesitate. To Buss, owning a comedy club was similar to owning a sports team. “The bottom line is, we’re sellers of tickets,” he says. “The Lakers are really just a show — we put on a show for 15,000 people a night. The Ice House is much smaller than that, but we are putting on a show for 140 people a night in two showrooms, so it really becomes the same thing.”

As owner, Buss decided to revamp the iconic club. “We have a lot of the artifacts from the original Ice House…so we’re putting up all of the photographs,” he says. Inside, the club will feature two showrooms with simultaneous shows. “I’m trying to make the club an experience not just for comedy but an overall nice place to hang out,” he says.

Buss also wants to give back to the Pasadena community. “We are very involved with the Playhouse

Laughs Legendary

IT’S JUST AMAZING TO SEE HOW MANY GREAT COMICS HAVE BEEN THERE. IT’S REALLY LIKE YOU’VE GONE BACK IN TIME TO 1960 WITH THIS ROUTE 66 COMEDY CLUB THAT BECAME THE LEGENDARY ICE HOUSE”

Johnny Buss, OWNER OF THE ICE HOUSE

Village — we’re going to sponsor their Jazz Festival for the entire summer this year,” he says. He also plans to host many charity events at the club. As far as stand up comedy, Buss has refrained from being the opening act since he reopened The Ice House this spring, but is willing to step on stage and do his bit at some point in the future. “There’s no question,” he laughs. “It’s going to happen.”

NOW EXHIBITING: MUSEUMS

Pasadena’s museums are world-class. The Norton Simon Museum is your chance to see artists such as Degas, Picasso, or Rembrandt alongside rare European masterworks and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art. Now through August 14, see All Consuming: Art and the Essense of Food, an expansive new exhibition all about food. The summer programming also includes film screenings, workshops, discussions, and an annual garden party on June 10 in the museum’s sculpture garden, which is inspired by Monet’s garden at Giverny. nortonsimon.org

The Pasadena Museum of History offers rotating exhibitions such as Community Stitches: Quilt Design & Stories, which highlights over 180 years of American quilt making. You can also take a docent-led

tour of the historic Fenyes Mansion, see the Finnish Folk Art Museum, or deep dive into Pasadena history at an upcoming event or walking tour. p asadenahistory.org

The only university museum in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the arts and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the USC Pacific Asia Museum launched a new initiative to decolonize and deconstruct Orientalism after the pandemic, reprogramming its exhibitions to bring in contemporary thought. On the second Sunday of the month, admission is free as special programming featuring performances and workshops takes over the museum. pacificasiamuseum.usc. edu

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a cultural and education center boasting an extensive research

library of rare books and manuscripts, a world-renowned art collection, and 16 stunning botanical gardens. Enjoy afternoon tea by the rose garden at the newly renovated tea room, relaxing music in the dramatic 15acre Chinese garden, family friendly summer activities, educational discussions, and more. huntington.org

Pasadena’s Armory Center for the Arts offers a wide range of art

classes and workshops for children and adults, housed in a historic building that was once used as a National Guard armory. This summer through June 11, dive into the Exposure: Native Art and Political Ecology exhibition, which documents international Indigenous artists’ responses to the impacts of radiation and toxic waste on Native peoples and the environment. armoryarts.org

USC PACIFIC ASIA MUSEUM

Food Culture

HOME TO MORE THAN 600 RESTAURANTS, A VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE, AND LOTS OF SWEET SUMMER TREATS

Pasadena is a foodie town filled with exhilarating flavors. That’s a lot of ground to cover, so we asked Pasadena resident and editor of Eater LA Farley Elliot to share his expertise on the local culinary scene.

To get a sense of the culinary heritage, Farley recommends Pasadena staples like Pie ‘N Burger, touting it as “one of the first places in America to truly codify the California burger sensibility,” as well as Mijares, “the former boarding house turned cozy patio destination for big margaritas that is, shockingly, 102 years old,” and The Royce, for “pure luxury inside the 1907-era Langham hotel, with its lush grounds and hidden-away appeal.”

“Locals get to enjoy a yearround bounty of rustic patios, beer bars, inexpensive date night spots, and under-theradar Indian and Japanese gems that make this city an ideal mix of quiet comfort and continued discovery,” Farley says. “The beating heart of this city’s dining scene is still comfortable neighborhood dining, where anyone can pop in for a bite or a glass of wine, and feel like they belong.

PIE ‘N BURGER

MIJARES

THE ROYCE WOOD FIRED STEAKHOUSE

AT AGNES, GATHERING WITH LOVED ONES FOR AN EXCELLENT MEAL IS CELEBRATED — AND SO IS THE CHEESE.

BY RAMONA SAVISS

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery is not your average eatery. Set in a former horse stable built in 1922 for Pasadena’s fire department, the restaurant features an indoor dining room and a sprawling outdoor patio. Here, chefs/owners Vanessa Tilaka and Thomas Kalb combine 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry to create a a culinary juxtaposition of old and new.

Named after his maternal grandmother, Kalb’s goal for Agnes was to combine warm Midwest hospitality with a modern and elevated twist on Americana comfort food through re-imagining family dishes. “Vanessa and I met while working in the Bay, fell in love, and decided to open our own restaurant and cheesery right here,” Kalb says. “Pasadena constantly finds itself being compared to L.A. or the Westside, but it’s in a league of its own. Our patrons care about us and each other….about who the staff are and what they are interested in.”

Tilaka’s family has been in the food business for several generations. Her grandparents owned a restaurant in Thailand, and her father and uncles opened L.A.’s first Thai market. Tilaka is also the shop’s cheesemonger. “I discovered my love for cheese after taking a cheese education class in San Francisco, and the rest is history,” she says. In addition to elevated comfort food, the restaurant’s marketplace offers 50 to 65 different cutto-order cheeses and cured meats, a midday takeaway

Table Setting the

WE HOPE TO GROW WITH THE COMMUNITY EACH YEAR, AND BECOME A STAPLE THAT PEOPLE CAN RELY ON FOR GOOD FOOD, WINE, AND CHEESE”

menu of sandwiches and salads, plus wine by artisanal and local makers.

There’s a genuine sense of community at Agnes. Guests can also take classes and tastings to expand their appreciation and knowledge of cheese, “learning about regional varieties, pairings, and best practices for buying and storing cheese,” says Tilaka. “We hope to grow with the community each year,” she adds, “and become a staple that people can rely on for good food, wine, and cheese.” agnesla.com

Vanessa Tilaka and Thomas Kalb, CHEFS AND OWNERS OF AGNES

Savor the Sounds

RESTAURANTS & BARS WITH LIVE MUSIC

Anayas Restaurant los-anaya.com

Bacchus Kitchen bacchuskitchen.com

Barney’s Beanery Pasadena barneysbeanery.com

The Blind Donkey theblinddonkey.com/pasadena

Club 54 Lounge club54lounge.com

Der Wolf thederwolfpasadena.com

Eden Garden Bar & Grill edengardenbarandgrill.com

Edwin Mills by Equator edwinmills.com

El Portal Restaurant elportalrestaurant.com

The George thegeorgepasadena.com

Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastropub hawgheavenbbq.com

Ixtapa Cantina cantinaixtapa.com

King’s Row Gastropub kingsrowpub.com

The Mixx themixxpasadena.com

Perry’s Joint perrysjoint.com

T. Boyle’s Tavern IG: @tboyles_tavern

The Tap Room langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/ los-angeles

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHTS

Bone Kettle

Sensational, slowcooked Indonesian food and precious bone broth in a beautiful space from the Tjahyadi brothers. bonekettle.com

Chef Tony Dim Sum

Squid ink shrimp dumplings and lavish ingredients from Chef Tony He, proclaimed by Eater LA to be the “godfather of LA dim sum.” IG: @ cheftonypasadena Little Flower

On the edge of town, a candy confectionery serving delicious sandwiches, salads, books and candles. littleflowercandyco.com

Union Pasadena

Rustic, yet elegant, handmade pastas and other Northern Italian classics in an intimate, yet lively, space. unionpasadena.com

Osawa Sushi, shabu, and small plates from the mastermind that invented the tuna tartare, Chef Shigefumi Tachibe. theosawa.com

UPSCALE MEXICAN CUISINE, LIVE MARIACHI, AND MEZCAL COCKTAILS HARMONIZE BEAUTIFULLY AT MAESTRO

BY RAMONA SAVISS

When childhood friends Sergio Martinez, Paul Gonzales, and Emmanuel Gonzales opened Maestro in January 2017, they were intent on creating an authentic representation of Mexican food and culture. “It’s close to what you see in Guadalajara, Mexico City, or San Miguel de Allende,” says Paul Gonzales. “We felt Los Angeles needed more of an upscale experience.”

Maestro stands out for many reasons, starting with the ambience — a perfect date night with its live music most nights of the week. As for the food, Gonzales touts the scallops with huitlacoche, barbacoa-style lamb shank, and chilean sea bass with citrus orange glaze. And don’t forget the cocktails, he adds: “We have one of the best mezcal and tequila selections in the city with [more than] 250 agave spirits.”

While all three of the owners’ families are from Los Altos de Jalisco, they all grew up in Southern California — Paul and Sergio in El Monte and Emmanuel in the San Fernando Valley. Now in business together, they love being a part of the Pasadena community, mainly because it’s a foodie haven. Gonzales notes: “The [people of Pasadena] really know good food!” maestropasadena.com

IT’S CLOSE TO WHAT YOU SEE IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO CITY, OR SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE. WE FELT LOS ANGELES NEEDED MORE OF AN UPSCALE EXPERIENCE”

Paul Gonzales, CO-OWNER OF MAESTRO

Toast to Summer Nights

WHERE TO RELAX AND MINGLE WITH A QUALITY IMBIBE

Pasadena is buzzing with incredible craft breweries, cocktails lounges, and wine bars. Eater LA editor Farley Elliott loves “an Old Pasadena haunt” like Stoney Point Restaurant (stoneypointrestaurantpasadena.com), where you can sit at the bar with the regulars “popping some fritto misto and sipping on a cold martini.” He also recommends Bar Chelou (barchelou.com), which is “certainly promising big things in the wine and craft cocktail space”; The Raymond 1886 (theraymond.com) for “hard to beat” mixed drinks; the British pub Lucky Baldwin’s (luckybaldwins.pub); and neighboring King’s Row Gastropub (kingsrowpub.com), where “the patio is lively and the warm air feels just right.”

THE RAYMOND 1886

LOCAL BREWER MARTIN QUINONES IS BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER — ONE CRAFT BEER AT A TIME

BY RAMONA SAVISS

Martin Quinones seemed destined to open a craft brewery. Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, he moved to L.A. for film school and spent 14 years as a sound editor — brewing beer at home was just a hobby. After losing his passion for sound editing, Quinones realized craft beer was his true love. In 2017, he found a place in Pasadena to start a brewery, created a business plan, and began the process of getting permits.

Quinones launched Cervecería Del Pueblo in 2020, though the start of a pandemic was admittedly not the ideal time to open a brewery. He quickly pivoted and began packaging beer to go, selling more than 15,000 cans. In 2021, he finally was able to open his first taproom on West Bellevue Drive. “It was amazing to see people drink our beer and smile,” he says.

Now, Quinones aims to bring new cultures to his patrons through the South American ingredients he brews with — like Colombian coffee, Argentinian yerba mate, Peruvian quinoa, and Ecuadorian cacao. His brewery also hosts comedy nights, paint classes, open mics, musical bingo, trivia, and run club meetups. As explained by Cervecería Del Pueblo’s manifesto, it’s about building a sense of community. “A brewery being a communal space has to be inclusive, welcoming and safe,” Quinones says. “Our community makes us who we are.” cerveceriadelpueblo.com

Passion Brewing

A BREWERY BEING A COMMUNAL SPACE HAS TO BE INCLUSIVE, WELCOMING AND SAFE,OUR COMMUNITY MAKES US WHO WE ARE”

Martin Quinones, OWNER OF CERVECERÍA DEL PUEBLO

BEER

35er

A popular sports bar with people playing pool, drinking beer, and jerseys on the walls from local teams, now and then. 35erbar.com

Barney’s Beanery

A gastropub with license plates and beer caps splattered across the walls and ceilings. At the Pasadena location, sit inside a bus, play pool, watch the game, eat loaded nachos and drink great brews on tap. barneysbeanery.com

Jake’s Trustworthy Burgers & Beer

Serving burgers on Route 66 since the 1940s, with craft beers from Trustworthy Brewing Co. jakestrustworthyburgers.com

Old Towne Pub

If you can find it in Old Pasadena’s alleyways, this tiny dive bar has been serving beers and live music since the ‘70s. IG: @oldtownepub

Wild Parrot Brewing

New microbrewery and tap room on Route 66 offering a dog-friendly patio, great food, and beers with funny names. wildparrotbrewing.com

COCKTAILS

The Arbour

A farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal menus and a rotating signature craft-cocktail menu. thearbourpasadena.com

Magnolia House

Sip on specialty craft cocktails inside a classic Craftsman bungalow built over 100 years ago. Enjoy with Belgian fries and small plates. themaghouse.com

Parkway Grill

The Café Negroni is cold dripped through crushed coffee beans and poured over an ice block, served at a wooden bar from the 20s. theparkwaygrill.com

The Raymond 1886

Sip on something theatrical, with craft cocktails that give a full sensory experience, smoke and all. theraymond.com

Ten Quarter

A hidden craft cocktail bar in Old Pasadena that requires special entry instructions, with a wide selection of whiskeys. tenquarterpasadena.com

WINE

The 1894

A book lover’s wine bar located within storied Vroman’s Bookstore offering craft beer, wine, and literary themed cocktails. vromans1894.com

The Cellar

The wine library aesthetic paired with an ornate cheese and charcuterie plate awaits. The entrance on Colorado Boulevard might feel hidden. cellardining.com

Good Luck Wine Shop

A haven for natural wine lovers, sip and shop in the Vin De California winery, where Kate and Adam Vourvoulis make heritage varieties in a totally natural way. goodluckwineshop.com

Monopole by Wine RX

A Latina-owned wine shop and tasting room where cheese and charcuterie are sometimes paired with live music and special events. monopolewine.com

Pasadena Wine Shop

For “brand new” and “grand cru” wine lovers, shop for your favorite bottles and enjoy the occasional neighborhood event. pasadenawineshop.com

BARNEY’S BEANERY

AMARA CAFÉ

Café Scene

BOBA, COFFEE, AND TEA

Café culture is strong in Pasadena, where visitors and locals mingle in neighborhood hotspots that feel eclectic, culturally immersive, or simply out of this world.

Rose Bud Coffee (rosebudcoffee. com) helps transitional youth gain permanent employment while serving barista style brews, lattes, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items. At Emmy-nominated actor Richard Cabral’s Tepito Coffee (tepitocoffee.com), the Mexican heritage coffee and literary events empower the previously incarcerated through a partnership with Homeboy Industries.

Coffee & Plants (bio.site/ coffeeandplantsla) is a gorgeous spot co-owned by Leona Lewis and, as the name implies, offers coffee and houseplants. Don’t forget to grab a puppaccino for your best friend! CAR Artisan Chocolate (carartisanchocolate.

com), is a chocolate-filled heaven, offering what Eater LA calls “L.A.’s Ultimate Chocolate Croissant.”

Grab a seat at Amara Café (amaracafe.com), a local favorite Venezuelan spot for empanadas, arepas, sipping chocolate, and community. Lavender & Honey (lavenderandhoney espresso. com) is a cozy café in a fun neighborhood where you can shop, dine, and enjoy time with loved ones.

Copa Vida (copa-vida.com) was recently featured in Apple TV’s Shrinking starring Harrison Ford, Jason Segel, and beautiful Pasadena. Get a taste of London at Burlington Arcade, where picturesque red telephone booths sit around OinkMoo Tea Bar (oinkmooteabar. com), Mandarin Coffee (IG: @ mandarincoffeestand ), and a fun kimono shop.

THE BOBA TRAIL

There’s a bustling boba culture in Pasadena, so be sure to check out the 30 (and counting) tasty spots on the Pasadena Boba Trail with the QR code below.

BOBA TRAIL

BY RAMONA SAVISS

Tanya Smith is still learning the ropes as a first-time business owner. The former elementary public school educator of 30 years opened My Place Cafe in January 2020, mostly to help her community. “I decided to purchase the cafe after my church asked me to volunteer to learn everything about coffee,” says Smith, who still teaches part time. “They wanted to have and run a coffee cart.”

Smith’s goal was to create a friendly place, befitting of its name, for people to come together. “My cafe is not just a cafe,” she says. “It is a neighborhood home away from home where customers are known by name.” In addition to serving delectable coffee and comfort food, My Place Cafe provides a bulletin board for local vendors while hosting numerous events such as live music, book clubs, and poetry readings. Smith also strives to hire locals, donates food to the homeless, and gives a portion of her event proceeds to nearby schools. “When businesses give back, they are investing in the well-being of those around them,” she says.

My Place Cafe stands out as a community-driven cafe where locals feel connected, supported, and welcomed. “People are attracted to where they feel a sense of belonging,” says Smith. Having a supportive

Your Place My Place Is

community, she adds, also helps her small business by creating word-of-mouth-advertising, networking opportunities, and, most of all, a loyal customer base.

As for her go-to drink? Smith likes the toasty chai latte, a tasty combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, maple syrup, steamed milk, and slice of french toast in a cup, which she admits “makes me feel like a kid again!”

IG: @myplacecafepas

MY CAFE IS NOT JUST A CAFE. IT IS A NEIGHBORHOOD HOME AWAY FROM HOME WHERE CUSTOMERS ARE KNOWN BY NAME”

Tanya Smith, OWNER OF MY PLACE CAFE

NEW CAFE OWNER TANYA SMITH IS SERVING COFFEE, AND HER COMMUNITY, QUITE WELL

Summer Sweets

ICE CREAM & TREATS

3Catea 3catea.com

Known for: High quality fruit drinks and tea

Must try: Mango tea yogurt smoothie

Hello Gelato

IG: @hellogelatopasadena

Known for: Smooth and silky gelato

Must try: Blueberry cheesecake gelato

Motto Tea Café mottotea.cafe

Known for: Fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes

Must try: Nutellamisu Mousse

Float floatcoffeeshop.com

Known for: Build-your-own floats

Must try: The Creamsicle

L’Moon Creamery lamooncreamery.com

Known for: Hand-brewed teas and speciality drinks

Must try: Thai tea soft serve with honey boba

Sweet Cow Café sweetcowcafe.com

Known for: Soft serve made with premium California milk

Must try: Creamy Melon

Wanderlust

wanderlustcreamery.com

Known for: Ice cream flavors that take you around the world

Must try: Quamada Con Tuna

SWEET TOOTH GUIDE

PHOTO CREDIT @ICECREAMSUNDAY

Lush Open Space

PARKS SPOTLIGHT

The urban forestry in Pasadena is divine, home to over 28 diverse parks. Head to the new Annandale Canyon Nature Preserve for a one mile out-and-back pedestrian trail that leads to a beautiful scenic overlook of L.A. skyscrapers. Get a picturesque view of the historic Colorado Street Bridge at Desiderio Park and hop on the pickleball bandwagon at Allendale Park

Explore the Arroyo Seco, a lush open space and natural preserve on the National Register of Historical Places affectionately known by locals as “the Arroyo.” Filled with life, this scenic multiterrain ecosystem has 22 miles of trails that connect the Angeles National Forest with South Pasadena. Take a stroll or walk, run, hike, bike, and try new things from sunrise to sunset.

In the Lower Arroyo, find the Bird Sanctuary, experience fly fishing at the Casting Pond, pick up a new

hobby at the Archery Range, or experience the riparian habitats, oak woodland and sage scrub through shaded trails.

There’s lots to do in the Central Arroyo, like flying a kite, picnicking, playing baseball, and enjoying a round of golf. Take the 3.3-mile loop around Rose Bowl Stadium and Brookside Golf Course on foot, by bike, on rollerblades, or with a walker. Bring the family to Kidspace Children’s Museum for an adventure or go swimming at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center

In the 1,300-acre Hahamongna Watershed Park , play 18 holes of Frisbee golf at the first disc golf course in the world, enjoy the picnic areas, and explore

the extensive network of bridle, bicycle, and hiking trails. For some serious hiking, check out Eaton Canyon, Mount Wilson, and the Angeles Crest National Forest .

WALKING TOURS

Eat your way through the hidden spots of Old Pasadena with Melting Pot Food Tours (meltingpottours.com), where you’ll taste flavors from India and Nepal to Mexico and Venezuela. Explore the city’s architecture and film locations with Jared Cowan, co-founder of My Valley Pass (myvalleypass.com/ valleytours). Learn about the area with Pasadena Walking Tours ( pasadenawalkingtours. com), which has an exploration tour during the day and a haunted version at night. Pasadena Heritage ( pasadenaheritage.org) holds educational tours rooted in history and the Gamble House ( gamblehouse.org) hosts regular tours.

DESIDERIO PARK

EATON CANYON

MORE ARROYO SECO

MORE WALKING TOURS

PHOTO CREDIT: @EAZYNAZY

(PHOTO CREDIT @FRIDA.PAWLO.PUP

AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF PASADENA’S BOTANICAL PARADISE

Nicole Cavender’s love for plants began with her childhood, growing up in Ohio where she lived near the woods. “My father grew a very productive garden, which I was around all the time,” she says. However, it wasn’t until college that she realized she could have a career in botany.

In 2021, Cavender joined The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in nearby San Marino as the Telleen/Jorgensen Director, overseeing a large team in caring for 130 acres of themed gardens open to the public. “I am really excited to be working here with one of the most extraordinary gardens in the world,” she says.

The best part, according to Cavender, is being with the plants almost every day. “My work is very multifaceted, but an important part of it is the care and oversight of the gardens. There’s always something to see, learn, and observe,” she says. “If you’re taking care of a sizable garden like this, you want to be in it all the time because that’s how you get to really know everything.

While she can’t pick a favorite garden — “that’s like asking a parent if they have a favorite child” — Cavender points visitors to the rose, Chinese, Japanese, and desert gardens. “The Huntington has a world-class plant collection. Our favorable climate allows us to grow more kinds of plants outdoors than most other gardens in the country,” she notes.

This summer, Cavender recommends an educational

Nicole Cavender, THE HUNTINGTON’S TELLEEN/JORGENSEN DIRECTOR

visit to the Chinese medicinal plant garden, an afternoon stop at the newly renovated tea room in the rose garden, and a lovely picnic with live music that is open to members on select Sunday evenings in July. Plus, look for the midsummer opening of a kitchen garden, which will showcase how to grow food in Southern California. “Plants are everywhere, not just in the garden,” Cavender says. “This is one of the most important ideas that we want to get across: They’re essential.” huntington.org

BY RAMONA SAVISS MORE BOTANICAL GARDENS

MY WORK IS VERY MULTIFACETED, BUT AN IMPORTANT PART OF IT IS THE CARE AND OVERSIGHT OF THE GARDENS. THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO SEE, LEARN, AND OBSERVE”

Essential Parks & Rec Tips

BY GARRETT CRAWFORD NATURE LOVER AND PARKS SUPERINTENDENT

1. Hydration: The summer months can reach triple digits, so be prepared with a full hydration supply and sun protection. To avoid the heat, explore the area before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

2. Tell someone: Nature isn’t often equipped with cell service or Wi-Fi, so tell a friend when and where you’ll be in the Arroyo. Emergency phones are located by the Casting Pond and near the Bush Gardens Gate.

3. Admire the wildlife: Hang out at the bird sanctuary or head out and explore habitats where woodland creatures and animal communities forage and nest. This includes poison oak and rattlesnakes, so make sure you know what they look like before you go. There’s also a resident bobcat in the Lower Arroyo Seco, and he’s a wild animal, so don’t pet him. Just slowly move on with your adventure.

4. Pack out what you pack in: We all know this one. Let’s protect the beauty around us, and if you want to take the extra step, pick up the litter you see and let the Citizen Service Center know about any graffiti at (626) 744-7311.

5. Stop and smell the flora and fauna: The Arroyo received over 40 inches of rain this year, so it’s a great time to enjoy the thriving ecology. Stay on the trails and don’t disrupt the plants in their habitats or take them home. The volunteers at The Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery have cultivated native plants for sale and is open Wednesdays through Sundays.

6. Know the land: The Lower and Central Arroyo provide mild and moderate levels of adventure while the Hahamongna Watershed Park has some of the more strenuous trails, like the Gabrielino Trail that starts just above JPL or the route to Devil’s Gate Ram.

7. For the little adventurers: The Arroyo is a fantastic natural playground for children wearing sunscreen. Enjoy the immersive hiking, learn to fly-fish at the Casting Pond, or try your hand at the Archery Range.

8. Four-legged friends: Bring your best friend and hang out in the Arroyo together. Keep them on a leash on the trails at all times, pick up what gets dropped down, and enjoy the off-leash areas at Alice’s Dog Park at Vina Vieja Park.

Top 5 Kid-Approved Activities

BY LISA CLEMENTS, CEO, KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

There’s so much to see and do with children in Pasadena. Take a tip from local parents: Whatever your child’s age or interest, there’s a free and fun way to fuel their curiosity and support learning and development.

The Original Whistle Stop

If you’ve got a train-loving child in your family, make sure to also drop by this 1950s model train store on Route 66 in Pasadena. The Original Whistle Stop is a community gem that delights train lovers of all ages with intricate model trains, vintage pieces, railroad literature, wooden train sets, and the friendliest staff anywhere. Trains are irresistible to many children and playing with them helps builds motor skills, develop spatial reasoning, and it introduces concepts of physics and perspective. All aboard! thewhistlestop.com

Vroman’s Bookstore

When my kids were little, reading together was a form of bonding we all enjoyed. It’s also a tremendous boost to children’s cognitive development, language acquisition, and ability to focus. Celebrate the power of sharing stories with your children at California’s largest and oldest independent bookstore, serving the Pasadena community

since 1894. Make your way to the second floor to find the robust children’s department with an excellent selection of children’s books, Saturday Storytime with Mr. Steve, author book signings, unique gifts, gourmet coffee, and an old-fashioned newsstand. vromansbookstore.com

Caltech Turtle Pond

For a healthy trek with a charming destination, grab some scooters, or just lace up your sneakers, and wander through the beautiful campus of the California Institute of Technology. While kids might not be impressed that Caltech is home to some of the brightest minds in the world, they will love a visit to the turtle pond. Watch the turtles swimming, stacking, and sunning themselves, and encourage conversation about what you observe. Don’t forget to take pictures and share them! IG: @caltech_turtle_club

Pasadena Farmers’ Market

The Pasadena Farmers’ Market is a wonderful way to introduce new fruits and vegetables to children and create awareness about where food comes from. Saturday mornings on the east side of Victory Park, bring your kids to shop for fruits and vegetables in

season, taste local honey, unwrap the vegan tamales, and snack on fresh roasted peanuts in a festive, music-filled atmosphere. Encourage your child to select an interesting new food they’d like to try, and you may end up with a brave little foodie in the house! pasadenafarmersmarket.org

Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center

Start at the Nature Center to learn about native plants, rocks, and minerals. Check out some nature exhibits and view a collection of live native animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated. Follow the Junior Nature Trail to scout for tadpoles in the pond, listen for local birds, and watch quietly for rabbits, lizards, and other wild animals who live here. If you’re feeling energetic, pack a picnic and hike the 3.5-mile main trail, which is mostly flat and appropriate for even young hikers. The waterfall and shallow pool in the middle of the trek is a good stop for splashing and resting before heading back. Nature-based experiences are multi-sensory, teach close looking and mindfulness, and help children develop a connection to wild places and wild creatures — all in the course of a lovely family day out. parks.lacounty.gov/eaton-canyonnatural-area-and-nature-center

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

PHOTO CREDIT: JULIE SHUFORD

Kidspace Children’s Museum

Tucked away in beautiful Brookside Park is 3.5 acres of kid-sized adventure at Kidspace Children’s Museum, a nonprofit museum that launched at Caltech in 1979. Designed to delight and engage children intellectually, emotionally, and physically through handson, kid-driven experiences, the museum invites all children to play, discover, create, and to explore the world with curiosity and kindness.

Throughout the year, Kidspace offers numerous hands-on exhibits and programs to stimulate learning through play. Its newest exhibit, “Muddy Boot Farm”, is an imaginative, farm-to-table play space where children dig, plant, harvest, sort, collect, weigh, sell, and serve fanciful items such as giant carrots and turnips, artisanal

bread, and a variety of eggs collected from whimsical chickens. Elsewhere on campus, children dip their toes into a blue sand lake and go “fishing,” tackle STEM-based principles with Ramps and Rollers, sit and spin in Los Trompos, giant interactive interpretations of traditional Mexican toy tops, and challenge themselves in climbing towers and on a swinging rope bridge.

This summer, the hugely popular “Kidspace Campout” event returns to celebrate iconic American summer experiences such as visiting national parks, camping out, fishing, and creating camp crafts. Children can learn about animal tracks, meet some animal ambassadors up close, and explore the campus to look, listen, and

learn about native wildlife. They can splash through the arroyo stream and hop on a trike over a miniature “Golden Gate Bridge.” Best of all, families can gather around the fanciful “campfire” throughout the day for songs and activities.

Spend a fun, care-free day at Kidspace, where you’ll find ample free parking outside the museum, tasty meals and snacks at the Bean Sprouts Café, and a delightful museum store for unique gifts and souvenirs. Reserve tickets online and check the calendar for special weekend performances, new exhibits, and seasonal experiences.

kidspacemuseum.org

MORE KID-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

Neon Retro Arcade neonretroarcade.com

Southern California Children’s Museum socalkids.org

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens huntington.org

Arroyo Seco Golf Course arroyosecogc.com

Pasadena Ice Skating Center skatepasadena.com

KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Pasadena Originals

SHOP INDEPENDENT CLOTHING BOUTIQUES, VINTAGE GOODS, AND HOMEGROWN BRANDS

SOUTH LAKE SHOPPING DISTRICT

At Burlington Arcade, Mikko Nakatomi has curated one-of-akind kimonos and Japanese goods at Kimono no Kobeya (kimononokobeya.com).

Nearby, Alexandria II Bookstore (alexandria2. com) offers best-selling books, home decor, crystals, stones, and jewelry. Explore The Shops on Lake Avenue, where you’ll find sophisticated woven goods at Ghiaia ( ghiaiacashmere. com) and cute gifts at Sanrio Pasadena (ilovemykittyshop. com). Inside the ivy-covered walls of Pasadena Commons (pasadenacommons. com) is a modern retail and dining oasis, anchored by WilliamsSonoma, where you’ll enjoy pop-up markets and want to snap pics of the telephone booths.

PASADENA’S VINTAGE VAULT

Rooted in history and heritage, the city’s vintage goods attract design aficionados and retro fans. Uncover treasures at the Rose Bowl Flea Market (IG: @ rosebowl_fleamarket), find Victorian and Art Deco furnishings at the Pasadena Antique Center and Annex ( pasadenaantiquecenter. com), bring home treasures from L.A.’s oldest record shop at Canterbury Records (canterburyrecords. com), or shop for ‘80s rock/punk culture at MeowMeowz (IG: @ meowmeowzpasadena)

OLD PASADENA GEMS

Shopping in Old Pas is a special affair, with shops on every corner and cafés in brick lined alleyways. Discover ornate brooches and offbeat art at Gold Bug ( goldbugpasadena. com), find handcrafted gifts at Homage (homagepasadena. com), take home vintage Chanel at Clothes Heaven (clothesheaven. com), pamper with naturally made soaps and aromatics at Lather (lather.com), and look for One Colorado’s familyfriendly events. For fair trade and consciously organic products and apparel, look no further than Planta (theplanta. com). Sneakerheads will love Kicksneaker (kicksneaker.com) and stop by the unique Old Pasadena Pharmacy for daily needs and curated gifts.

EAST WASHINGTON SHOPS

In this whimsical locale, Scarlett Patterson and Nico Yaryan of Tactile Mountain (tactilemountain.com) offer a minimalist selection of tinned fish and specialty pantry items next to independent magazines, art books, homewares, and handcrafted children’s toys. Neighboring Octavia’s Bookshelf (octaviasbookshelf.com) is the perfect spot to buy books from BIPOC authors. Find highly curated women’s fashion featuring European sensibility and laidback Californian vibes at Tuck Pasadena (tuckpasadena.com) and stop by Southern Roots (southernrootsgifts.com) for fresh flowers and garden gifts.

PASADENA COMMONS ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET GOLD BUG OCTAVIA’S BOOKSHELF

MORE VINTAGE FINDS

HOW AN INDEPENDENT RETAILER IS HONORING HER HERITAGE

BY RAMONA SAVISS

Erica Gutierrez was inspired to open her retail shop, Mercadito Monarca, in Pasadena’s artsy Playhouse Village neighborhood because she wanted to see a space in her hometown that celebrated her Michoacan, Mexican heritage. “I always felt I needed a space that helped me connect to my culture and provided opportunities for me to learn more about it,” she says. “A place that allows people to reconnect with their heritage and feel the love and pride that goes into celebrating who we are.”

Gutierrez travels to various parts of Mexico to meet artisans and buy directly from them as much as she can, in addition to sourcing from local L.A. artisans and small businesses owned by people of color. Mercadito Monarca showcases the work of more than 60 different Indigenous, Latinx, and Black owned brands and artisans. “I like to select items that are unique and positively portray the culture they represent,” she says. “It’s important to me that the items tell a story and represent the exquisite nature of how they are made and the people who make them.”

As a small business owner herself, Gutierrez says the best way to support independent shops is to intentionally buy gifts and everyday wares from them. “Shopping small sustains diversity and innovation,” she says. And if that’s not feasible? “Offer to volunteer or help spread the word about them to your social and business networks,” she adds.

Culture Curating

Through artisan-made crafts and in-store-events, Gutierrez is paying homage to her heritage and giving back to her community. “This summer we plan to host various types of workshops hosted by artists and myself,” she says. Past workshops include a paint and sip night, altar building, sound baths, ornament making, sugar skull decorating, and more.

IG: @mercaditomonarca

IT’S IMPORTANT TO ME THAT THE ITEMS TELL A STORY AND REPRESENT THE EXQUISITE NATURE OF HOW THEY ARE MADE AND THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THEM.”

Erica Gutierrez, MERCADITO MONARCA OWNER

Grand Getaways

FROM LAVISHLY OPULENT TO AFFORDABLE CHIC, HERE’S WHERE TO STAY IN PASADENA

With palm-lined streets, architectural gems, and a coveted climate, Pasadena is L.A.’s best kept secret. Soak in the romance of a secluded hideaway resort, live it up in a vibrant downtown boutique, or save money with a budget motel. Whichever you choose, Pasadena makes it easy to explore the charming neighborhoods and lively downtowns on foot. Bring Fido and experience the pet-friendly accomodations and neighborhoods together.

THE LANGHAM HUNTINGTON, PASADENA

HOTELS

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT LOS ANGELES PASADENA/OLD TOWN

This full-service hotel in the heart of Old Pasadena features expansive guestrooms appointed with pillowtop mattresses and ergonomic workspaces. Guest benefits include access to the fitness center, heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Bistro restaurant offers breakfast and dinner daily, with cocktails served in the evening.

180 N. Fair Oaks Ave. (626) 403-7600

marriott.com

HILTON PASADENA

Located in the heart of Pasadena, where the Civic Center meets the Playhouse Village, this full-service hotel boasts spacious rooms with views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Old Pasadena. Dine and drink at the Corner Craft Kitchen + Bar or enjoy room service from the comfort of your room. Guest perks include a heated outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center.

168 S. Los Robles Ave. (626) 577-1000

hilton.com

THE WESTIN PASADENA

The Westin Pasadena offers exceptional service, Heavenly Beds®, and upscale amenities in the heart of the Civic Center district. Guests can take advantage of the state-of-the-art Westin WORKOUT Fitness® facility and heated outdoor pool with stunning city views. The stylish Ventanas Restaurant & Bar offers indoor and outdoor seating, featuring a firepit for an evening gathering spot.

191 N. Los Robles Ave. (626) 792-2727

marriot.com

THE LANGHAM HUNTINGTON, PASADENA

A Pasadena landmark for more than 100 years, this elegant full-service resort nestled in an upscale residential neighborhood embodies the city’s history and grace. Located on 23 acres, with grand historic ballrooms and lush gardens, the property offers worldclass dining, the award-winning Chuan Spa, and a kids program. Other attractive amenities include a large outdoor saline pool, tennis courts, and bike rentals.

1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave. (626) 568-3900

langhamhotels.com/pasadena

HYATT PLACE PASADENA

Located in The Paseo, a retail and dining complex across from the Pasadena Convention Center, this six-story hotel opened in December 2018. Spacious, modern guest rooms feature a separate seating area. Breakfast is included in the rate, and guests have 24hour access to dining and the StayFit fitness center. Complimentary Wi-Fi, the Coffee to Cocktails Bar, and an outdoor swimming pool round out the many amenities.

399 E. Green St. (626) 788-9108

hyatt.com

HOTEL DENA, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL

Sheraton Pasadena, soon to be rebranded as Hotel Dena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is adjacent to the Pasadena Convention Center and Civic Auditorium in downtown Pasadena. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool and fitness center, plus complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests have two onsite dining options to choose from: the elegant Restaurant Soleil and Charlie’s Bar.

303 Cordova St. (626) 469-8100

marriott.com

PASADENA HOTEL & POOL

Experience California’s Golden Age at the Pasadena Hotel & Pool. The historic, 1926-built hotel offers modern guest rooms and suites, a lush courtyard, and a rooftop pool deck outfitted with loungers. Grab a cocktail or coffee in our lobby, a neighborhood gathering spot that harkens back to Old Pasadena.

928 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 884-4150

pasadenahotel.com

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT LOS ANGELES PASADENA/OLD TOWN

Start each day at Residence Inn by Marriott in Pasadena with a complimentary buffet breakfast, make use of the state-of-the-art fitness center, or make a splash in our expansive outdoor pool and hot tub. Relax in modern, extended-stay, pet friendly suites with fully equipped kitchens, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

21 W. Walnut St.

(626) 204-9220

residenceinnpasadena.com

ACE MOTEL 2870 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 792-2051

acemotelca.com

ASTRO PASADENA HOTEL 2818 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 449-3370

astropasadena.com

GREENTREE INN PASADENA 400 S. Arroyo Pkwy. (626) 795-8401

greentreeinn.com

HOTEL LE RÊVE PASADENA 3321 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 796-9291

hotellerevepasadena.com

MOTELS & INNS

HOWARD JOHNSON BY WYNDHAM PASADENA

1599 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 808-4500

wyndhamhotels.com/ hojo

HYLAND INN PASADENA 2462 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 714-7690

LA CASA INN 2800 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 449-1122

lacasainnpasadena.com

LINCOLN MOTEL 1559 Lincoln Ave. (626) 794-1355

lincolnmotelpasadena. com

PASADENA LODGE 2855 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 449-4250

PASADENA ROSE & CROWN HOTEL

1203 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 449-3170

pasadenarose andcrown.com

PASADENA ROSE INN 2097 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 796-3122

RAMADA BY WYNDHAM

PASADENA 2156 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 788-0325

wyndhamhotels.com/ ramada

RODEWAY INN & SUITES

2860 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 792-3700

rodewayinnpasadena. com

SAGA MOTOR HOTEL 1633 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 795-0431

thesagamotorhotel.com

SUPER 8 MOTEL 2863 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 449-3020

super8pasadena.com

TRAVELODGE BY WYNDHAM PASADENA CENTRAL 2131 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 796-3121

wyndhamhotels.com/ travelodge

Road Trip: Route 66

Pasadena’s historic Route 66 is filled with mustsee landmarks and adventures. Drive on the iconic Colorado Street Bridge, shop at the first ever Trader Joe’s, dine in a historic train station at The Luggage Room Pizzeria & La Grande Orange, visit L.A.’s oldest record store at Canterbury Records, get drive-through coffee at Jones Coffee Hut, and catch a comedy superstar set at The Ice House, the oldest comedy club in the nation.

SONGS ABOUT PASADENA

Pasadena is a sensationally musical place, where a young Van Halen band once invigorated the city’s backyard party scene before taking the stage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in route to becoming rock superstars. Enjoy listening to our Spotify playlist of songs about Pasadena while strolling, jogging, biking, or road-tripping through town. Fun fact: Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” was about someone he met here.

KICKS ON ROUTE 66

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

COLORADO STREET BRIDGE

SUMMER MUSIC AT THE HUNTINGTON

JOIN THE FUN!

Scan to view the full event calendar.

EPIC EVENTS IN PASADENA

The Pasadena Convention Center is a vibrant hub for events of all types, from the thrilling to the fantastic. With events such as Halloween 45, anime conventions, the Golden State Tattoo Expo, and more, there is always something exciting and new to explore.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Golden Future 50+ Expo (May 11)

• Pasadena Artazan Show (May 20-21)

• Bride World Expo (May 21)

• CrossFit Semifinals (May 25-28)

• MonsterPalooza (Jun. 2-4)

• Robo Toy Fest (Jun. 11)

• Bernadette Peters in Concert (Jun. 9-11)

• International Gem and Jewelry Show (Jul. 7-9)

• Brick Fest Live (Jul. 29-30)

• CatCon (Aug. 5-6)

• America’s Got Talent Season 18 Live (Aug. 22Sept. 27)