Explore South Pasadena in 3 days

• Day 1: Start your day with a visit to the Arroyo Seco Park. Enjoy the scenic views of the Arroyo Seco river, hike the trails, and have a picnic. In the afternoon, head over to the Farmers Market at the South Pasadena Library Park. Here, you can grab some delicious local produce, handmade crafts, and enjoy live music. End the day with a dinner at the famous Mike and Anne's restaurant, known for its California-style cuisine.
• Day 2: Start your day with a visit to the South Pasadena History Museum. Take a walk through the museum and learn about the city's rich history. Next, head over to the South Pasadena Nature Park for a relaxing walk through the gardens and see the wildlife. In the evening, catch a movie at the historic Rialto Theatre, which provides a unique and vintage movie-going experience.
• Day 3: Start your day with a visit to the Garfield Park, which features a playground, swimming pool, tennis courts, and plenty of picnic tables. Next, take a stroll down the Mission Street, to explore the local shops and cafes. For the rest of the day, visit the Pasadena Playhouse to see a theatrical performance, or head over to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens to experience the stunning landscapes and art galleries.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Arroyo Seco Park (2 hrs, free)
• Farmers Market (2 hrs, $20 for lunch and some shopping)
• Mike and Anne's (2 hrs, $50 per person)
• South Pasadena History Museum (1.5 hrs, $10 per person)
• South Pasadena Nature Park (1.5 hrs, free)
• Rialto Theatre (2 hrs, $15 for ticket and snacks)
• Garfield Park (2 hrs, free)
• Mission Street (2 hrs, costs for shopping or dining vary)
• Pasadena Playhouse (3 hrs, $50 per person)
• Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (4 hrs, $30 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: $260 per person

Transportation

South Pasadena is best explored on foot or via bikes, which can be rented at local stores. Public transportation such as buses or trains are also available options. Taxis or ride-sharing apps are also good options to get to destinations quicker. The average cost for transportation would be $30 for the duration of the trip.

Useful tips

For those with more time, consider adding a day trip to nearby cities such as Hollywood or Santa Monica. Meanwhile, those with limited time should prioritize the top attractions, and switch between the attractions depending on opening times or weather conditions of the day.