Welcome to Pasadena
Cultural vibrancy meets academia in this affluent hotspot
History, heritage, and cutting-edge commerce merge in the attractive city of Pasadena, known for its rustic Spanish revival homes, New Year’s Day Rose Parade, and abundance of cosmopolitan amenities that fill day-to-day life with convenience. Home to over a thousand charming local shops and restaurants, nightlife spots, and markets, Pasadena has become one of California’s most distinct hubs for culture and commerce.
This vibrant city attracts people from all walks of life, looking for a taste of the local flavor with spontaneous adventures to famous landmarks, plentiful sunshine, and endless recreational pursuits to make every day feel like an adventure. The California Institute of Technology is one of the prestigious institutions encapsulating the city’s academic flair, along with the iconic Rose Bowl striking a perfect picture of Pasadena’s fun-loving charisma. With an enchanting mix of elegant bungalows, stately Victorians, and early 20th-century American Craftsman homes, Pasadena offers a little bit of everything.
What to Love
- Elaborate town festivals
- Vibrant Old Town Pasadena
- Enchanting architecture
- Hub of history and culture
- Buzzworthy entertainment venues
- Distinguished schools
Local Lifestyle
Pasadena’s proximity to Downtown Los Angeles heightens its appeal for people needing to commute each day for work, but even within city limits, it’s impossible to overlook the city’s ideal business climate, academic opportunities, and corporate landscape which have made it a hotspot for well-educated professionals. An appreciation for active, healthy living is manifest, and locals revel in the sophistication of an urban atmosphere mixed with the tinges of a laidback intimate suburb.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
A shopping adventure through Pasadena’s bustling business districts is sure to fill any foodie or shopper with glee. Begin at Old Pasadena for a pilgrimage into the real heart of town, where vintage clothing stores like Crossroads Trading lie side by side with trendy boutiques like C’est LA Vie and a cluster of high-end retail stores, restaurants, and art galleries set in open-air shopping plazas and tucked back in late 19th century and early 20th century buildings with remarkable architectural tinges. From the upscale One Colorado boasting designer tenants like Nike and Anthropologie to one-of-a-kind gifts at Gold Bug and al fresco dining at II Fornaio Cafe Santorini, or Russell’s.
Pasadena also boasts as the home to South California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore—Vroman's Bookstore—with everything on display from children’s books to gifts, home decor, and stationery. Pop into the family-friendly Domenico’s Pizza with a menu of deep-fried mozzarella, pasta dishes, and red-sauce classics alongside crusty pizza. Craving a pastrami sandwich like you’ve never had before? The Hat offers the best yet, and if you’re out for the best Italian sandwiches in Pasadena, everyone knows Roma Market is the place to go!
Things to Do
A dazzling reputation precedes Pasadena’s Rose Parade—an annual new year’s tradition dating back over a century and enticing a huge crowd of people from all over the world to Pasadena’s grand display of elaborate floats wreathed in flowers and marching bands immediately preceding the legendary Rose Bowl Game held at state-of-the-art, 88k capacity Rose Bowl Stadium.
Enjoy a relaxing day at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or art enthusiast. The library’s collections of distinguished cultural and historical works spanning across various continents will be a perfect escape for those looking for quick research, or take a meditative walk through the themed gardens of the botanical gardens. Here, you’ll find diverse species of flora, from desert cacti to a Japanese garden, palm tree oasis, lily ponds, and a startling rose garden amongst others. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Norton Simon Museum with its iconic exhibits.
Schools
Served by the Pasadena Unified School District, kids are guaranteed the highest quality education within the walls of Pasadena’s award-winning academic institutions, both in the public and private sectors. Some of the area’s most coveted schools include:
