Pasadena: Beyond the Tournament of Roses Parade

Pasadena, a city celeated for its iconic Tournament of Roses Parade, offers a wealth of experiences that extend far beyond the floral floats and marching bands. From serene gardens to impressive museums and a viant dining scene, Pasadena beckons with a unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions.

Experiencing the Tournament of Roses Parade Like a Local

The Tournament of Roses Parade is a spectacle that draws visitors from around the globe, but experiencing it like a local can transform the event into something truly special. The parade, officially named The Tournament of Roses, is the best parade you'll ever see. My number one suggestion for the Rose Parade is to stay away from the “TV Corner”, Colorado Blvd and Orange Grove.

One of the best insider tips is to utilize public transportation. Take the Metro A Line to Lake Avenue, which drops you off within walking distance of the parade route. From there, head east on Colorado Boulevard to find less crowded viewing spots, this is where you'll have a much more pleasant experience. The prime viewing locations are taken by folks willing to camp out the night before.

While the tradition of camping out the night before is popular, arriving early on parade day, around 6-7 AM, can secure a great viewing spot without the need for a sleepover on the sidewalk. Many people do not know you can visit the floats post parade as they all park on Sierra Madre Blvd for the next 3 days, for a small fee you can take your time and see the artistry that goes into the floats up close.

Just before the start of the parade at 8:00 AM, keep an eye (and ear) out for the Stealth bomber flyover, a thrilling signal that the festivities are about to begin. The start of the parade is back at the TV corner, and performances will take place there for the cameras, but if you're down the eastern end, once the floats start coming its a pretty solid stream of parade, and over right at 10AM. After the parade, the floats are displayed on Sierra Madre Boulevard for closer viewing. There is a small fee to see the floats up close.

An extra insider tip: on December 31st, bike to the Rose Bowl to witness the floats emerging from their tents, a unique and behind-the-scenes experience. Sometimes you'll even spot the celeity riders doing photo ops pre-parade. If you're in the neighborhood of Glendale or Eagle Rock New Years Eve you might even spot the Burbank float making its way up Colorado Blvd to meet up with the other floats. It's our own little mini-parade usually around 10PM.

Huntington Liary: A World of Gardens and Art

The Huntington Liary, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens offers a luxurious escape into a world of art, literature, and natural beauty. This sprawling complex is a transformative experience, inviting visitors to explore its diverse offerings.

The gardens are a highlight, with the Japanese Garden providing a serene retreat with its meticulously manicured landscapes and tranquil water features. The Rose Garden is another must-see, boasting over 1,400 varieties of roses, creating a viant tapestry of color and fragrance. Don't miss the Desert Garden, a testament to the beauty and resilience of arid-climate plants.

Inside the art museum, you'll find famous works like Gainsborough's 'The Blue Boy,' a masterpiece that captivates with its exquisite detail and viant colors. The liary houses rare books, including a Gutenberg Bible and Shakespeare's First Folio, offering a glimpse into the world of literature and history.

Dining options abound, from the elegant 1919 cafe to the casual Border Grill, Freshwater Dumpling & Noodle House, and the charming Rose Garden Tea Room. There's something to satisfy every palate.

Hidden Gem: Attend the Greene & Greene Art Glass talks held in the Greene & Greene Gallery, where experts explore the intricate art glass designs of Charles and Henry Greene. Talks take place in the Greene & Greene Gallery at the Huntington at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Join docents from the Gamble House in Pasadena as they host drop-in talks about Greene & Greene Art Glass. Greene and Greene forged their own style of art glass windows, employing changes in the craft to achieve their own naturalistic style.

Old Town Pasadena: History Meets Modernity

Old Town Pasadena seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern attractions, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Stroll through the streets and discover independent boutiques, cozy cafes, and hidden courtyards, each offering a unique experience.

Explore trendy eateries and art galleries, immersing yourself in the local culture and creativity. Old Pasadena has launched the commUNITY campaign to highlight the resilience of our business community, and encourage visitor safety. The artwork features an upbeat, radiant sun to symbolize that even in the face of unbelievable hurdles, the Old Pasadena business district continues to shine. A cohesive campaign of posters, window clings, and sidewalk decals greets visitors as they arrive in the district and outlines safe and healthy practices.

The streets are lined with outdoor restaurants and twinkling lights, and with the onset of summer, the still-growing crowds will return as well. There are numerous outdoor spaces, as well as the comfortable and convenient commUNITY Dining area on Big Bang Theory Way, with picnic tables for savoring under umellas during the day or café-lighting in the evening.

Hidden Gem: Don't miss the commUNITY Dining area on Big Bang Theory Way, a communal dining space where you can enjoy takeout meals from local restaurants in a socially distanced setting. This communal dining space is for anyone looking for a socially distanced area to enjoy a take-out meal or coffee from any of the neighborhood's nearly 200 restaurants. The seating areas are maintained from 11:30am-8pm each day with continuous sanitizing.

Norton Simon Museum: A Glimpse into Art History

The Norton Simon Museum houses a world-class art collection, featuring works by masters such as Picasso, Remandt, and Van Gogh. The museum's range and depth offer a comprehensive journey through art history.

The sculpture garden provides a serene atmosphere, inviting contemplation amidst beautiful greenery and striking sculptures. Explore specific pieces and exhibits that exemplify the museum's diverse collection, from Renaissance masterpieces to modern and contemporary works.

Hidden Gem: Take advantage of the free admission on the first Friday of every month from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., allowing you to experience the museum's treasures without charge. Enjoy free admission for all visitors on the first Friday of the month from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. ing your friends or family and enjoy free entrance to the galleries and garden.

Pasadena Museum of History: Preserving Local Stories

The Pasadena Museum of History plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing the city's rich local history. The campus includes the Fényes Mansion, the Finnish Folk Art Museum, and the History Center.

Explore the museum's collections, including photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the stories of Pasadena's past. The campus includes the History Center, the Finnish Folk Art Museum, and the landmark 1906 Beaux Arts Fenyes Mansion. The History Center is home to our exhibition galleries, Research Liary, and Archives and Museum Store. 2025 MOTA DAY ACTIVITIES: View our exhibition 100 Years – 100 Images a collaboration with Pasadena Society of Artists celeating their Centennial Anniversary.

Hidden Gem: Join the Mini-Tours of the Finnish Folk Art Museum, offering a glimpse into Finnish culture and heritage. Guests can join Mini-Tours of the Finnish Folk Art Museum which is furnished in the style of a 19th century Finnish farmhouse, one of a handful of museums devoted to the Scandinavian country in the United States.

Arlington Garden: A Community Oasis

Arlington Garden stands as Pasadena's only dedicated free public garden, offering a tranquil escape into nature. This three-acre garden is not only friendly to people and pets but also serves as a refuge for Pasadena's native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year.

Discover California-native plants, an orange grove, and olive trees, creating a Mediterranean-inspired landscape. The Navel Oranges from our orange grove are used to make our sweet orange marmalade which is sold to support the Garden. Please do not to take or pick any fruit or other plant material.

Admire the Yoko Ono Wish Tree installation and wander through the classical labyrinth, adding elements of art and contemplation to the garden experience.

Hidden Gem: Sample the Arlington Garden Marmalade, made from the garden's own orange grove, a delicious and locally sourced treat. Made with love from Washington Navel oranges from Arlington Garden's own grove. Grown using regenerative gardening techniques and hand-picked by local volunteers before being turned into delicious marmalade by Sierra Madre's famed E. Waldo Ward and Son. Everything about this product is local!.

Gamble House: An Arts and Crafts Masterpiece

The Gamble House is a significant example of American Arts and Crafts architecture, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and design. The Gamble House was built in 1908 by architects Greene & Greene as the Pasadena winter home of the Gamble family of Procter and Gamble.

Designed by Greene & Greene for David and Mary Gamble, the house features unique architectural elements and interior design that exemplify the Arts and Crafts movement. This National Historic Landmark is an exceptional example of Craftsman architecture, exhibiting exquisite wood surfaces and joinery and the integration of architecture, landscape, and furnishings.

Hidden Gem: Visit during Museums of the Arroyo Day for free admission and a chance to explore this architectural gem. The Gamble House is excited to take part once again in MUSEUMS OF THE ARROYO DAY on Sunday, May 5, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., along with 4 other museums located along the Arroyo Seco.

Descanso Gardens: A Natural Escape

Descanso Gardens offers a diverse landscape of woodlands, meadows, and gardens, providing a natural escape from the city. Step into a world of enchantment at Descanso Gardens' Forest of Light, where the holiday season comes alive in a stunning display of color, light, and mystery. This immersive, outdoor experience is a visual feast for the eyes, featuring over a million lights, sparkling installations, and an enchanting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a magical winter fantasy.

Explore the rose garden, California native garden, and camellia forest, each offering a unique sensory experience. Take a ride on the Descanso Railroad, a delightful way to see the gardens from a different perspective.

Immerse yourself in the sounds of birds chirping, the scent of blooming flowers, and the sight of lush greenery as you walk through the gardens. Each year, the botanical garden's nighttime experience masterfully mixes hands-on art installations with atmospheric, luminescent forests, all against a backdrop of uplit trees and shimmery sound effects. This year's event, which runs from November 17 through January 5, adds in the garden's whimsical new model railroad, which has been all lit of for the season and filled with miniature replicas of Enchanted's most recognizable installations (and kept me absolutely mesmerized for about 20 minutes).

Hidden Gem: Experience the popular holiday light show, a magical display that transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland. The Enchanted Forest of Light is open nightly from November 17, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Please note that the exhibit will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Dining in Pasadena: A Culinary Journey

Pasadena's diverse dining scene offers a culinary journey for every palate, with options ranging from upscale restaurants to casual eateries. The new restaurants are quickly helping to restore Old Pasadena into a truly culinary destination, with a range of experiences from fast-casual to chef-driven, and from international cuisine to local favorites.

Explore specific restaurants like Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery, Perle Restaurant, and Boiling Point, each offering a unique dining experience. Discover the variety of cuisines available and the unique atmospheres of different establishments.

Hidden Gem: Support local restaurants through the Dine Out Pasadena program, which promotes and supports the city's viant dining scene. Dine Out Pasadena boosts Pasadena's viant dining scene, supporting local restaurants and enhancing the city's commercial districts. By creating lively on-street dining spaces, Dine Out Pasadena promotes a sense of community, celeation, and economic vitality.

Beyond the Beaten Path: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Venture beyond the well-trodden tourist spots and discover the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, a tranquil oasis of traditional Japanese design. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden will host the sixth annual Pasadena Festival of Tea on Sunday April 6 from 10am to 4pm, with samplings from several local tea vendors specializing in a wide variety of Japanese, Chinese and Korean teas.

Admire the koi pond, tea house, and stone lanterns, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. It has been used for weddings and other events and was recently used as a place of solace for war veterans experiencing PTSD to heal them from their trauma. There are many contemplative places to walk and sit, small waterfalls, a koi pond, arched idges, rooms for lectures, and a gift shop.

Attend events held throughout the year, such as tea ceremonies, to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. For a limited number of guests, traditional Japanese tea ceremony demonstrations with tea practitioner Mikko Nakatomi will be held in the garden's Japanese Niko-an teahouse. Stay tuned for more information about the vendors and how to register for this extremely popular event.

Hidden Gem: This garden is a hidden gem, offering a unique cultural experience away from the crowds. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a hidden garden gem in Pasadena. Its hosts the annual Festival of Tea, authentic tea ceremonies, and other events.