Begin your first day in Pasadena by taking a city tour. Visit City Hall to see the magnificent interiors, and then head to Huntington Library to explore the art collections, gardens and library. Grab lunch at La Grande Orange and then travel to the Norton Simon Museum, a popular art museum.
Start your morning visiting The Gamble House and marvel at the Greene and Greene-designed house with a guided tour. Then, move to The Wrigley Mansion on Saint Mark’s Square and explore different architectural styles that are brought together in one house. Have a late lunch at El Portal, offering authentic Mexican flavors before ending the night with a visit to The Pasadena Playhouse to see a theatrical performance.
Embark on a day full of discovery, starting off with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL, to learn about NASA's missions, space exploration and other scientific endeavors. Grab lunch at the Athenaeum, then head to the Kidspace Children's Museum where families can enjoy hands-on, interactive exhibits. End the afternoon at Eaton Canyon for a hike, bird watching and/or trail running.
To fully enjoy the attractions offered in Pasadena, it is best to rent a car. There is public transit bus service but limited. The cost of car rental is between $30-$50 per day. The city is also served by ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft.
If you have more time, consider visiting South Lake Avenue for additional shopping and dining options. For those who are interested in architecture, take the “Art and Architecture Tour” of Pasadena . If you have less time, you may combine some of the attractions such as visiting The Gamble House and Huntington Library on the same day or skipping the Kidspace Museum visit.