What are the best things to do in Pasadena?
Top picks in Pasadena include Norton Simon Museum, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena Museum of History, Kidspace Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Pasadena travel guide.
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🇺🇸 United States travel guide
North America · North America
Pasadena Travel Guide
Pasadena, United States
Photo: David Wakely · CC BY-SA 2.5
Why visit Pasadena
Travel guide for Pasadena, United States — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Pasadena is a stop in United States, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Norton Simon Museum, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena Museum of History instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–280 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures
Weather
Diverse — temperate to subtropical
Experiences
Things to do in Pasadena
1
Norton Simon Museum
2
USC Pacific Asia Museum
3
Pasadena Museum of History
4
Kidspace Museum
5
Robinson Memorial
Plan your trip
Pasadena itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Norton Simon Museum
- Visit USC Pacific Asia Museum
- Visit Pasadena Museum of History
- Eat at Mijares Mexican Restaurant
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Kidspace Museum
- Visit Robinson Memorial
- Eat at Ricchardo's the Total Vegetarian
Budget
Pasadena trip cost
Budget
USD 55–90
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–280
per person / day
Luxury
USD 320–530+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Pasadena, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Pasadena
Estimated total (USD)
$3,300
≈ $1,650 per person · $471 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $200/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Pasadena mid-range ground costs (budget 55–90 · mid 120–280 · luxury 320–530+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Mijares Mexican Restaurant
Ricchardo's the Total Vegetarian
All India Cafe
Marston's
Kabuki
The Hat
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hilton Pasadena
Sheraton Pasadena
The Westin Pasadena
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasadena-Colorado Blvd.
Greentree Pasadena Inn
Shopping
- Old Pasadena
- Playhouse District
- South Lake Avenue
- One Colorado
- Paseo Colorado
- Rose Bowl Flea Market
Nightlife
- Jones Coffee Roasters
Museums & culture
- Norton Simon Museum
- USC Pacific Asia Museum
- Pasadena Museum of History
- Kidspace Museum
In pictures
Pasadena gallery
Photos: David Wakely, Bobak Ha'Eri, Shant Jaltorossian, aka SGJ91 at English Wikipedia, Canon.vs.nikon, Unknown authorUnknown author — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Pasadena travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Pasadena?
Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures.
How many days do I need in Pasadena?
Plan at least 2 days in Pasadena for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Pasadena?
Popular stays in Pasadena include Hilton Pasadena, Sheraton Pasadena, The Westin Pasadena. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Pasadena cost?
On the ground in Pasadena (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 55–90 per person per day, mid-range about 120–280, and luxury about 320–530+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Pasadena, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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