South Pasadena is a small city, so you can travel around easily by walking, biking, or using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. If you want to explore further, you can rent a car for the day at a reasonable price. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 per day, depending on the type of car and rental period. If you are flying into Los Angeles, you can take a taxi or Uber to South Pasadena for around $50-$70, and the journey should take around an hour.
If you have extra time, you can explore the nearby San Gabriel Valley for stunning natural scenery, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. For instance, you can visit the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, the Descanso Gardens, or the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. However, keep in mind that these attractions may require more time and transportation. If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions and focus on your favorites. Also, be sure to check the opening and closing times of the places before visiting to avoid any surprises.