Exploring South Pasadena, California in 4 Days

• Day 1:
  • Visit the Rose Bowl Stadium and Museum: The iconic and historical stadium is a must-visit for avid sports fans. You can take an engaging tour to witness the rich legacy of the stadium and also admire the museum artifacts that chronicled the life and history of the venue.
  • Explore the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens: An exquisite library dedicated to rare books, an impressive art museum, and a sprawling botanical garden make this place heaven for art and literature lovers.
• Day 2:
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Arroyo Seco Trail: A scenic walking trail that follows the ravine of the Arroyo Seco river. The tranquil and picturesque setting lets you escape the urban hustle and bustle effortlessly.
  • Step back in time at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden: The vast botanical garden filled with a diverse range of plant species, historic structures, waterfalls, and gardens provide a glimpse of the natural and cultural history of Southern California.
• Day 3:
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the Pasadena Antique Mall: A treasure trove of rare antiques and collectibles await you at this sprawling antique store.
  • Get a unique dose of history at the Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood: The well-preserved collection of well-preserved bungalows from the early 20th century will give you a peek into the architectural history of the region.
• Day 4:
  • Discover the hidden gem of South Pasadena Farmers Market: Indulge in farm-fresh produce, gourmet food, and artisanal goods from the local vendors. The fabulous atmosphere and warm hospitality of the locals make it an unforgettable experience.
  • Learn about the history of the area at the South Pasadena Historical Museum: It has a vast collection of artifacts and memorabilia tracing the town's history back to the 19th century.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Rose Bowl Stadium and Museum (2 hours, $20)
• Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (3-4 hours, $25-30)
• Arroyo Seco Trail (2 hours, Free)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (3-4 hours, $20-25)
• Pasadena Antique Mall (2 hours, Free)
• Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood (1 hour, Free)
• South Pasadena Farmers Market (2 hours, Free)
• South Pasadena Historical Museum (1 hour, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $85-100

Transportation

Public transportation is the most economical way to travel. The Gold Line Metro Rail has a stop in South Pasadena connecting it to downtown Los Angeles in just under 30 minutes. For travelers who prefer more flexibility and privacy, car rental is a great option. Additionally, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in the area, but it can get expensive. The estimated travel costs for a standard round trip between downtown LA and South Pasadena are around $12 using the Metro Rail and $20-25 using Uber or Lyft.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore the town's various neighborhoods like the South Pasadena's Orangewood Walking Tour or take a trip to nearby attractions like the San Gabriel Mission or the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. For those with less time or want to focus more on natural scenery, we recommend spending extra time at the Arroyo Seco Trail and the Botanic Garden.