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Los Angeles On Your Own - Pasadena |
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The 10 Top Things to do in Pasadena |
Orientation
Spending a day or two in the Pasadena area can be a great way to relax, shop and explore before you head off on your cruise.
Airports You have two options: you can fly into Los Angeles International (LAX), rent a car and drive for about an hour east on the 105 Freeway to the 110 Freeway, and proceed north into Pasadena, or you can fly directly to the Burbank Bob Hope airport (BUR), rent a car and drive for about 20 minutes to your hotel in the Pasadena area. Clearly BUR is more convenient.
Car Rental You'll really need to rent a car if you're planning to stay in Pasadena.
Freeways The 210 Freeway proceeds east/west through the city of Pasadena. It turns into the 134 as you proceed west from Pasadena. The Pasadena Freeway (the 110 freeway) is the country's oldest freeway, and will take you downtown.
Getting to your Cruise Ship If you are taking a Carnival cruise, your ship will depart from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. All other cruise lines will depart from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro. Both of these terminals are within a 30 minute to 1 hour drive from the Pasadena area (as long as it's not rush hour). Arrange with your car rental agency for turning in your car in either San Pedro or Long Beach. |
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See our Map of Recommended Shopping Areas: Pasadena, Glendale & Monterey Park for the locations of the shopping areas listed below.
Old Town Pasadena
Thirty years ago, the western end of Pasadena's Colorado Boulevard was a collection of derelict stores, industrial buildings and exotic entertainment parlors. In the 1980s, the area was transformed into a premier shopping area. Today, Old Town Pasadena is one of the largest draws for shopping, dining and entertainment in the Los Angeles area.
Paseo Colorado
An urban village in the heart of Pasadena's downtown Civic Center, Paseo Colorado features a unique collection of specialty retailers, fine and casual dining, theatres and luxury residential apartment homes and lofts that reside in four levels above the retail marketplace and beautifully landscaped public promenades.
280 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, California 91101
Open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
South Lake Avenue
Pasadena
As one of Pasadena's premier shopping district, South Lake Avenue features 10 blocks of top retailers, unique shops and charming boutiques. More than 600 businesses are nestled along this tree-lined boulevard in the city's financial district.
Valley Boulevard
Monterey Park, San Gabriel and Alhambra
If you're looking to shop for Chinese products, a trip to Valley Boulevard may be in order. During the past 25 years, immigration from Taiwan to the Los Angeles area has been significant, and as a result, the cities of Monterey Park, San Gabriel and Alhambra are predominantly Asian cities. On Valley Boulevard, from Garfield Avenue east, you'll find dozens of mini-malls with stores, boutiques, pastry shops, restaurants and supermarkets that cater to their Chinese clientele.
Area Malls
Westfield Santa Anita Fashion Park
Arcadia
The Westfield Santa Anita Fashion Park in Arcadia is one of Los Angeles County's most popular shopping destinations. This is a good choice if you're looking to find some last minute items before heading off on your cruise.
Located at the corner of Huntington Drive and Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia.
Glendale Galleria
Glendale
It's time to make a trip to Glendale Galleria for the best in shopping, entertainment and dining! Whether you enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the mall's restaurants or spend the day shopping at all your favorite stores, Glendale Galleria offers a complete entertainment experience.
Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
2148 Glendale Galleria
Glendale, California 91210
The Americana at Brand
Glendale
The Americana at Brand offers 75 shops and fashionable boutiques, including specialty restaurants and cafes, a theater and a variety of nationally known and one-of-a-kind retailers. This upscale mall is adjacent to the Glendale Galleria.
Open Monday through Wednesday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Thursday through Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
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Recommended Restaurants
See our Map of Recommended Restaurants: Pasadena, Downtown & the Valley for the locations of the restaurants listed below.
Pasadena Area
Pie & Burger
Comfort food
The focus here is on burgers, fries and pie at this Pasadena landmark diner, but that's okay with us. You'll sit on a stool at the counter (although there are three tables for larger parties) and enjoy the delicious burgers. The pies are very good, too. Cash only.
913 E California Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106
Open Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 10:00 pm; Saturday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm; and Sunday 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tel: (626) 795-1123
Mi Piace
Italian
The award-winning Mi Piace is the perfect spot to enjoy an intimate dining with the finest and freshest authentic Italian cuisine. Eat in the dining room or al fresco on the sidewalk in Old Town Pasadena.
25 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
Open Monday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Tuesday through Thursday 7:30 am to 12:30 am, Friday 7:30 am to 1:30 am, Saturday and Sunday Brunch 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, lunch and dinner 11:00 am to 12:20 am.
(626) 795-3131
Cafe Santorini
Italian/Mediterranean
It feels like you're in Italy or Greece on the patio of this well-liked romantic Mediterranean restaurant. Make sure you sit on the patio. Good lamb shanks and kebabs, seafood dishes.
70 W Union St
Pasadena, CA 91103
Open Monday through Thursday 11:30 am to 10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 11:30am to midnight; Sunday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
(626) 564-4204
Saladong Song
Thai
The sister restaurant to Saladong next door, Song offers delicious authentic Thai food in an architecturally inspiring facility. The restaurant features a pleasant outdoor patio and excellent, attentive service.
383 S Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105
Open Sunday through Thursday 7:00 am to 9:45 pm, Friday and Saturday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (626) 793-5200
The Hat
Pastrami
Famous for its signature pastrami dip, the thinly shaved meat is griddle-fried and spread across French rolls, accompanied by dill pickles and mustard. Burgers are big and dressed with Thousand Island dressing. Comedian and talk show host Dennis Miller says he eats here occasionally to slake his pastrami yens.
491 N Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
Open Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
(626) 449-1844
Hollywood/Koreatown Area
Musso & Frank's
Hollywood institution
Dating back to 1919, eating at Musso & Frank's is like being in a time warp. Your waiter can likely be an octogenarian, while the bartender is his uncle. Everything is a la carte, and on the pricey side. Famous for their sand dabs, chicken pot pie and the movie people that frequent the place. Featured in Michael Connelley's Harry Bosch novels, and worth a visit if you're a fan.
6667 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
Open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am to 11:00 pm
Tel: (323) 467-7788
Jitlada
Thai
This little restaurant in the rear of a mini mall specializes in Southern Thai cuisine. While the surroundings may be modest, the food that comes out of Chef Tui Sungkamee's kitchen is some of the best, most authentic Thai food in Los Angeles. Chef Tui's sister, Jazz Singsanong makes menu suggestions and makes sure you're enjoying your meal. Try the squid appetizer, the green mussels and Southern spicy chicken, an off-the-menu item. You're spoiled for choice for great food at Jitlada.
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Open daily 11:00 am to 10:30 pm
Tel: (323) 663-3104
Chan Dara
Thai
The name means "Chan the movie star," but the food and the service are the stars here. Has an entertainment clientele, so you may be able to spot an occasional movie or rock star. Their chicken curry is very good, as are their appetizers. Try the squid appetizer.
511 N Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
Open Monday through Thursday 11:30 am to 10:30 pm, Friday 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday 12:30 to 11:00 pm, Sunday 12:30 to 10:00 pm
Tel: (323) 464-8585
Downtown Los Angeles
Philippe the Original
Beef dip sandwiches
This downtown landmark, established in 1908, claims to have invented the beef dip sandwich. Long but quick lines form behind the counter, where a preparer serves up your sandwiches and side dishes. Great mustard, with a funky communal dining experience.
1001 Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (213) 628-3781
Hama Sushi
Sushi
This small sushi bar (10 stools and 2 tables) in the Little Tokyo section of Los Angeles consistently creates delicious sushi for its mainly downtown clientele. Beer and wine. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard. Parking is across the street in the multi-level parking garage.
347 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Open daily noon to 11:00 pm
(213) 680-3454
San Fernando Valley
Dr. Hogly Wogly Tyler Texas BBQ
Barbecue
Los Angeles' best barbecue. Located in the middle of the San Fernando Valley, of the 405 Freeway at Roscoe. Like all good BBQ joints, you can smell the restaurant two blocks away. Great sandwiches, ribs and chicken, served Texas style. Save some room for their sweet potato pie.
8136 Sepulveda Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91402
Open daily 11:30 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (818) 780-6701
Chili John's
Chili
Sometimes it's hard to believe that a place that opened in 1913 and that has served only chili still survives, but only in Los Angeles. You sit on stools at a U-shaped counter and watch your server ladle out your chili, with or without beans, spicy or mild. Cash only.
2018 W Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506
Open Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed in summer
Tel: (818) 846-3611
San Gabriel
Green Village Shanghai Restaurant
Shanghai Chinese
There are over 600 Asian restaurants in the Monterey Park/Alhambra/San Gabriel area, and this is one of the best and most unusual. This is Shanghai food, so it's a bit oily. But the restaurant's popularity has only grown since it was established in the early 1990's. This is a great opportunity to sample some real exotic Chinese food; try the seaweed-flavored yellow fish, Wu Xi crispy eel, crabmeat-pork steamed buns, Hangzhou steamed pork with sticky rice and braised pork knuckle in soy sauce. Full bar. Accepts Visa and MasterCard.
250 W. Valley Blvd., on the second floor
San Gabriel
Open daily from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (626) 576-2228 |
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High End/Expensive (Over $250/night)
The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa
Pasadena
Formerly the Ritz-Carlton, the Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa is a Pasadena landmark of renown. Set on 23 acres overlooking San Marino, the original hotel facility was constructed in 1907; it was completely rebuilt in 1991. The hotel features are 380 guestrooms and suites in the main building, the Lanai Building, Royce Manor, the Clara Vista Executive Retreat and individual bungalows.
1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue
Pasadena,, CA 91106
Tel: (626) 568-3900
Mid-Priced Hotels ($100 to $250/night)
Pasadena Hilton
Pasadena
The Hilton Pasadena, a cozy boutique-style hotel, places you in the center of it all. Relax in luxury, high-tech hotel accommodations in Pasadena, featuring Southern California lifestyle amenities.
168 South Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
Tel: (626) 577-1000
Westin Pasadena
Pasadena
Relax in contemporary comfort at The Westin Pasadena. The hotel is centrally located, just two blocks from the Paseo Colorado shopping center and four blocks from the shops, restaurants and entertainment activities in Old Town Pasadena. The seasonal outdoor heated rooftop pool offers beautiful views.
191 North Los Robles
Pasadena, CA 91101
Tel: (866) 716-8132
Courtyard Los Angeles/Old Pasadena
Pasadena
Conveniently located in Old Town Pasadena, this recently renovated hotel puts you in the heart of the areas's shopping, dining and entertainment activities. Only 13 miles from Burbank's John Wayne airport, and only 9 miles to downtown Los Angeles.
180 N Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103
Tel: (626) 403-7600
Sheraton Pasadena
Pasadena
The beautiful Sheraton Pasadena Hotel is ideally located within walking distance of the abundant shopping, dining, and entertainment options of Old Town Pasadena. Their complimentary shuttle services a three-mile radius, so you can easily explore the city's historic landmarks and attractions, such as the Rose Bowl, the Norton Simon Museum and The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.
303 Cordova St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Tel: (626) 449-4000
Embassy Suites Arcadia
Arcadia
The Embassy Suites Arcadia is conveniently located just off the 210 Freeway in the beautiful city of Arcadia, just minutes from Old Town Pasadena. Every two room suite at the hotel is beautifully decorated with a private bedroom and separate living room area.
211 East Huntington Drive
Arcadia, California 91006
Tel: (626) 445-8525
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Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
The Library's rare books and manuscripts constitute one of the world's largest and most extensively used collections in America outside of the Library of Congress; here you'll find one of the 5 copies of the Gutenberg Bible, Mark Twain's original manuscript of Huckleberry Finn, and other amazing volumes. The Art Collections are distinguished by their specialized character and elegant settings in three separate galleries. The Botanical Gardens are divided into more than a dozen thematic areas on 120 acres and include more than 15,000 different species of plants. It's easy to spend several hours walking the peaceful grounds; check out the new classical Chinese garden.
Admission is $15 on weekdays, $20 on weekends; senior's and children's discounts available.
Open Wednesday through Monday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Gamble House
The Gamble House in Pasadena, California, is an outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture. The house and furnishings were designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter and Gamble Company. The house, a National Historic Landmark, is owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by the University of Southern California.
Tickets go on sale on tour days in the Bookstore at 10:00 am Thursday through Saturday, and at 11:30 am Sunday. Tour price is $10 for adults, students and seniors $7, children free.
Open for guided 1 hour tours Thursday through Sunday from noon to 3:00 pm (last tour begins at 3:00 pm).
Norton Simon Museum
The Norton Simon Museum of Art holds one of the world's finest and most prestigious collections of art. The permanent collections consist of Western and Asian art from a period spanning more than 2,000 years. European and American masterpieces including paintings, sculpture, works on paper and photography are complemented by stunning art works from India and Southeast Asia. The Museum holds an extensive print collection, which includes rare etchings by Rembrandt and Goya as well as a comprehensive collection of Picasso graphics.
Adult admission is $8, seniors are $4.
Open Wednesday through Monday, noon to 6:00 pm; open until 9:00 pm on Fridays.
Los Angeles County Arboretum
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is comprised of a 127 acre botanic garden and historic area. Located in Arcadia, the Arboretum is home to plants from throughout the world. The Arboretum was also used in many movies and television shows, and has a 19th century carriage house. During your time in the Arboretum, you will be accompanied by hundred of peacocks that frequently will spread their wings.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (62 and over), $5 for students with ID, and $2.50 for children 5 to 12. Children under 5 are admitted free
Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Horseracing
Santa Anita Racetrack
Play the ponies at one of the most beautiful racetrack locations in the country. Races begin on September 24 and continue through October 26, then resume on January 1, running through April.
Hiking
Hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains
One of the pleasures of the Pasadena area is the hiking one can do in the nearby San Gabriel mountains. Click here for trail information on the 5 mile round trip hike to Echo Mountain, once home to a resort that overlooked the San Gabriel Valley. Ruins of the hotel and railroad equipment that brought guests up the hill remain for your inspection.
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