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.

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