The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is an ideal place to start your day trip to Pasadena. These stunning 120-acre grounds feature various gardens, including the Rose Garden, Desert Garden, Japanese Garden, and the Art Museum with notable paintings and sculptures.
If you appreciate architecture, you will love the Gamble House in Pasadena. It is a living museum with a beautiful example of Craftsman-style architecture. The house is in pristine condition, and visitors can enjoy a guided tour that takes them back to the early 1900s.
Old Town Pasadena is the perfect place for lunch and shopping. The streets are lined with restaurants and cafes that cater to all tastes and budgets. Visitors can also explore the dozens of unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops in the area.
Next, head to the Kidspace Children's Museum, a wonderful place for families to explore and learn together. The museum has over 40 hands-on exhibits that teach children about nature, science, and art. Kids can also climb, crawl, and play in the Adventure Tower, a three-story climbing structure filled with various challenges.
Your last stop is the Norton Simon Museum, one of the finest art museums in Pasadena. The museum houses an impressive art collection of European masterworks, modern and contemporary art, and Asian art pieces. Visitors can admire works by Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Picasso, among other famous artists.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Pasadena Museum of History or the California Institute of Technology. Or, if you are short on time, skip one of the museums or shorten your visit to Old Town Pasadena, depending on your interests. You may also want to bring a backpack or a small bag to carry your essentials and keep you comfortable throughout the day.