Ultimate 3-Day Pasadena Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See
Pasadena blends historic charm, vibrant arts, and lush gardens at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, creating the perfect Southern California escape.
Day 1: History, Art, and Old Town Charm
Morning
Begin your Pasadena adventure at the The Huntington Library. Explore world-renowned art galleries, rare manuscripts, and stroll through over a dozen themed botanical gardens, including the stunning Japanese and Desert Gardens.
The Huntington Library
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Grande Orange Café, housed in the historic 1934 Del Mar train station, where you can savor fresh California fare and a vibrant retro atmosphere.
La Grande Orange Cafe
Wander through Old Pasadena, a lively neighborhood filled with beautifully restored 19th-century buildings, boutique shops, specialty stores, and vibrant street life.
Old Pasadena
Evening
Experience creative Californian cuisine for dinner at Union Restaurant, a cozy yet acclaimed spot known for its farm-to-table Italian-inspired dishes made with local ingredients.
Union Restaurant
Day 2: Architecture, Science, and Gardens
Morning
Tour the iconic Gamble House, a masterpiece of American Arts and Crafts architecture, famous for its exquisite craftsmanship and beautifully preserved interiors.
Gamble House
Afternoon
Head to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for a fascinating public tour (advance reservation required), where you’ll discover NASA’s latest space missions and see real spacecraft components.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Stroll through the tranquil Arlington Garden, Pasadena’s only dedicated public garden, filled with native Californian plants, citrus groves, and whimsical art installations.
Arlington Garden
Evening
Dine at the beloved Pie'n Burger, a retro diner serving classic burgers, fresh-baked pies, and old-fashioned milkshakes since 1963—a true Pasadena institution.
Pie'n Burger
Day 3: Science, Local Flavors, and Mountain Views
Morning
Start your day at the impressive Kidspace Children's Museum, a hands-on wonderland for families, with interactive exhibits, outdoor gardens, and creative play spaces for children of all ages.
Kidspace Children's Museum
Afternoon
Indulge in a local favorite at Lucky Baldwin's Pub, a British-style pub in Old Pasadena, featuring a wide selection of international beers and hearty pub fare in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Lucky Baldwin's Pub
Take a stroll across the historic Colorado Street Bridge, a Beaux Arts marvel from 1913, and enjoy sweeping views of the Arroyo Seco and San Gabriel Mountains.
Colorado Street Bridge
Evening
Wrap up your Pasadena adventure with dinner at The Raymond 1886, a historic Craftsman cottage with inventive cocktails and a menu blending classic and contemporary flavors in a romantic setting.
The Raymond 1886
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