Best hotels in Pasadena
Courtyard by Marriott Old Town Pasadena
180 N Fair Oaks Ave, CA, 91103
The streets of Old Pasadena are among the city’s highlights. This Marriott places you only seconds from them, and only a couple of blocks from Pasadena Memorial Park. Rooms are generous in size, while outdoor spaces include a firepit and a heated pool, ideal for making the most of the many sunny days.
The Langham Huntington
1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, CA, 91106
Formerly a Ritz Carlton, this storied hotel has stood here, in one form or another, since 1907 – it’s an iconic location next to the San Gabriel Mountains that has featured in numerous films and TV shows. Rooms are serene and luxurious, the gardens gorgeous and there are excellent events to keep kids entertained. There’s also a steakhouse, tap room and classic afternoon tea service.
The Westin Pasadena
191 N Los Robles Ave, CA, 91101
Just north of Route 66, south of I-210, this Westin has a flawless location when it comes to exploring the city. You’re in close proximity to city hall, Fuller Theological Seminary and Pasadena Conference Center. Rooms are cool and modern, while the pool and gym are part of the hotel’s focus on wellness.
Best restaurants in Pasadena
Bone Kettle
67 N Raymond Ave, CA, 91103
Flavor is very much a priority at this ambitious Southeast Asian restaurant. Small plates include sensational choices such as oxtail dumplings and bone marrow with scallion confit. The 36-hour bone broth is the main event, whether it’s served with hearty brisket, oxtail, sirloin or chicken.
Russell’s
30 N Fair Oaks Ave, CA, 91103
In a town big on upscale eateries, sometimes what you really need is the perfect diner. Russell’s is such a thing. Open daily from 7am-9pm, you may have to line up for the hugely popular breakfasts. Expect classics like steak and eggs, oozing omelets and fluffy pancakes teetering in a pile. At lunch, the burgers are unmissable.
Little Flower
1424 W Colorado Blvd, CA, 91105
This charming cafe takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the globe with its diverse menu. Start the day with their exemplary coffee and their breakfast bowl – or the more virtuous oatmeal with fruit. Lunch delivers aromatic Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and a pastrami Reuben that’s worth the trip alone.
Things to do in Pasadena
The Gamble House
4 Westmoreland Pl, CA, 91103
Built for David Gamble, one of the heirs to Proctor & Gamble, this house is a perfect example of the Arts & Crafts architecture movement in California. Designed and built by Henry and Charles Greene in 1908, it’s a masterpiece in wood (17 different types) and glass. A docent-led tour is the best way to get context on the house, the family and the Arts & Crafts style.
Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Dr, CA, 91103
The Rose Bowl Stadium is best known as the home of the eponymous Rose Bowl game, one of the highlights of the college football calendar. Beyond that, it has also hosted Super Bowls, World Cup Finals and huge concerts. On game-day, you can go and cheer on the UCLA Bruins who call it home, or head to the famous flea market on the second Sunday of each month.
The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Rd, CA, 91108
The Huntington is a true triple threat – not merely a world-class library, it’s also an art museum with stately botanical gardens. The themed gardens cover 120 acres, with the Japanese, Chinese, Desert and Rose Gardens among the finest. The library holds gems such the original manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and a Gutenberg bible. Finally, the museum has modern American masterpieces by Hopper, Warhol and Mary Cassatt.