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Pasadena in Los Angeles

Things to Do in Pasadena, Los Angeles

Old Pasadena's brick blocks anchor the city's original commercial district. The Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade take over each New Year's Day, with the San Gabriel Valley behind.

Old Pasadena's brick blocks anchor the city's original commercial district. The Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade take over each New Year's Day, with the San Gabriel Valley behind.

  • Kidspace MuseumKidspace MuseumChildren's Museum
  • Amara Cafe & RestaurantAmara Cafe & RestaurantBreakfast
  • Oh la laOh la laBrunch
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By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026

Top things to do in Pasadena

  • Kidspace Museum in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Kidspace Museum

    4.6 · 3.1k
    Children's Museum

    This museum with an expansive outdoor play area features hands-on arts & science exhibits.

    Mon–Thu
    10 AM – 5 PM
    Fri
    10 AM – 8 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 5 PM
  • Alexandria II in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Alexandria II

    4.7 · 469
    Bookstore

    Cozy store offering New Age titles, crystals, tarot cards, psychic readings, incense, oils & more.

    Mon–Fri
    10 AM – 8 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 8 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 7 PM
  • Bertrand's Old Town Music in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Bertrand's Old Town Music

    4.8 · 253
    Record Store

    Quaint mainstay for classical & pop sheet music, plus woodwind, brass, band & string instruments.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Thu
    12 PM – 6:30 PM
    Fri
    12 PM – 6 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 3 PM
    Sun
    Closed
  • South Pasadena Farmer's Market in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    South Pasadena Farmer's Market

    4.7 · 410
    Market

    Year-round open-air market, open 4-8 PM Thursdays, featuring fruit, vegetables & local vendors.

    Mon–Wed
    Closed
    Thu
    4 PM – 7 PM
    Fri
    Closed
    Sat
    Closed
    Sun
    Closed

Where to eat & drink in Pasadena

  • Amara Cafe & Restaurant in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Amara Cafe & Restaurant

    4.7 · 1.6k
    Breakfast· $20–30

    Cozy, warm spot for South American fare like arepas & churros plus sipping chocolate & coffee.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    7:30 AM – 3 PM
    Sat
    7:30 AM – 6 PM
    Sun
    7:30 AM – 6 PM
  • Oh la la in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Oh la la

    4.7 · 1.5k
    Brunch· $20–40
    Mon–Fri
    8 AM – 3 PM
    Sat
    8 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    8 AM – 5 PM
  • The Speakeasy in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    The Speakeasy

    4.5 · 350
    Lounge· $20–30

    Dark cocktail lounge with a vintage 1920s vibe, featuring a hidden entrance & secret password.

    Mon–Wed
    Closed
    Thu
    8 PM – 1 AM
    Fri
    6 PM – 2:30 AM
    Sat
    6 PM – 2:30 AM
    Sun
    6 PM – 12 AM
  • Criterion coffee in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Criterion coffee

    4.8 · 418
    Coffee Shop· $1–10
    Mon–Fri
    7 AM – 6 PM
    Sat
    8 AM – 6 PM
    Sun
    8 AM – 6 PM
  • Old Towne Pub in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Old Towne Pub

    4.7 · 359
    Pub· $10–20

    Diverse live music performances & craft beers draw crowds to this tiny, brick-lined bar.

    Mon
    7 PM – 2 AM
    Tue
    Closed
    Wed–Fri
    7 PM – 2 AM
    Sat
    7 PM – 2 AM
    Sun
    7 PM – 12 AM
    Map
  • Artisanal Goods by CAR in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Artisanal Goods by CAR

    4.7 · 501
    Bakery· $10–20
    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Thu
    8 AM – 4 PM
    Fri
    8 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    8 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    8 AM – 5 PM
  • Copa Vida in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Copa Vida

    4.5 · 1.2k
    Coffee Shop· $10–20

    Spacious, modern locale for expertly brewed coffee & tea with a well-rounded cafe menu.

    Every day
    7:30 AM – 6 PM
  • Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Jones Coffee Roasters

    4.6 · 773
    Coffee Shop· $10–20

    Welcoming coffeehouse with global roasts owned by a family that has its own plantation in Guatemala.

    Every day
    7 AM – 5 PM
  • The Blind Donkey in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    The Blind Donkey

    4.5 · 858
    Pub· $30–40

    An extensive menu of eclectic whiskeys plus beer & American bar bites in rustic, exposed-brick digs.

    Mon–Fri
    5 PM – 1 AM
    Sat
    1 PM – 1 AM
    Sun
    1 PM – 1 AM
  • Nick's Pasadena in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Nick's Pasadena

    4.7 · 1.6k
    American· $30-80
    Every day
    11 AM – 10 PM
  • Wagyu Master Shabu House in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    Wagyu Master Shabu House

    4.8 · 473
    Hot Pot· $50-100
    Mon–Thu
    5 PM – 9 PM
    Fri
    5 PM – 10 PM
    Sat
    12 PM – 10 PM
    Sun
    12 PM – 9 PM
  • The Arbour in Pasadena, Los Angeles

    The Arbour

    4.7 · 590
    Californian· $30-80

    Farm-to-table Californian fare & craft cocktails in a relaxed, fashionable space with a woodsy feel.

    Every day
    4 PM – 10 PM

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Pasadena map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of Pasadena with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1Kidspace Museum
  2. 2Amara Cafe & Restaurant
  3. 3Oh la la
  4. 4Alexandria II
  5. 5The Speakeasy
  6. 6Bertrand's Old Town Music
  7. 7Criterion coffee
  8. 8Old Towne Pub
  9. 9Artisanal Goods by CAR
  10. 10Copa Vida

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