Exploring South Pasadena, California in 5 Days

• Day 1 - Old Pasadena and Library Park
  Start your first day by exploring the historic district of Old Pasadena. Take a stroll down Colorado Boulevard, admire the beautiful architecture, and stop by the Pasadena Museum of History. After lunch, head to Library Park and soak in the sun by the fountain while enjoying a good book. End the day with a show at the Pasadena Playhouse.
  
• Day 2 - The Huntington Gardens and The Gamble House
  Spend your second day surrounded by natural beauty and architecture. Explore the 120-acre botanical paradise of The Huntington Gardens, home to over 14,000 plant varieties. After lunch at the tea room, take a 15-minute drive to The Gamble House for a guided tour of this masterpiece of American Arts and Crafts architecture. Wrap up the day with dinner at the charming Green Street Restaurant.
  
• Day 3 - Norton Simon Museum and Eaton Canyon Falls
  Start your day with a visit to the Norton Simon Museum, which features a world-renowned collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. After lunch, head to Eaton Canyon Falls for a refreshing hike to the waterfall. End the day with dinner at the cozy café named The Raymond 1886.
  
• Day 4 - Pasadena Farmers Market and Pasadena City Hall
  Begin your day by visiting Pasadena Farmer's Market, where you can find fresh produce and unique artisanal products. Then take a short walk to the Pasadena City Hall, a beautiful City Beaux-Arts-style building. End the day by watching a movie at the historic Pasadena Arclight Theatre.
  
• Day 5 - Kidspace Museum and Langham Huntington Hotel
  Spend the last day of your trip at Kidspace Museum, where children can explore science and nature through fun exhibits and activities. Afterward, stop by the charming city of San Marino to see the Langham Huntington Hotel, a landmark property that has hosted notable guests for over 100 years. Finish your trip with dinner at The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse.
  

Time and Costs Estimates

• Old Pasadena and Library Park (6 hours, Free)
• Pasadena Museum of History ($10, 2 hours)
• Pasadena Playhouse (~$35, 2 hours)
• The Huntington Gardens ($29-39, 4-6 hours)
• The Gamble House ($15-20, 2 hours)
• Green Street Restaurant ($20-40, 1 hour)
• Norton Simon Museum (Free - $25, 2-3 hours)
• Eaton Canyon Falls (Free, 2-3 hours)
• The Raymond 1886 ($20-40, 1 hour)
• Pasadena Farmer's Market (Free, 2 hours)
• Pasadena City Hall (Free, 2 hours)
• Pasadena ArcLight Theatre ($16-18, 2 hours)
• Kidspace Museum ($14, 3-4 hours)
• Langham Huntington Hotel (Free, 1-2 hours)
• The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse ($35-75, 1-2 hours)

Total Estimated Costs: $200-400

Transportation

While South Pasadena is a relatively small city, it is recommended to rent a car if you are traveling from afar. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in the area. Public transportation options include Metro Bus and Metro Rail. The Metro Rail Gold Line runs through the city and connects it to other nearby cities, such as Downtown LA and Chinatown. Travel costs may vary depending on the mode of transportation, but expect to spend around $50-100 for a rental car and approximately $5-10 for public transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Rose Bowl Stadium or the Glendale Galleria shopping mall. For a day trip, check out the neighboring cities of Pasadena, San Marino and Alhambra. If you have less time, prioritize a visit to the Huntington Gardens and The Gamble House but skip the Kidspace Museum.