Pasadena in a Day: A Whirlwind Tour of Iconic Attractions

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by Emma

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

Pasadena 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day adventure through the heart of Pasadena, where history and nature blend seamlessly. Begin your journey at the Rose Bowl Stadium, an iconic gym where the echoes of athletic prowess resonate. Spend an hour soaking in the atmosphere of this legendary venue. Next, step back in time at The Gamble House, an architectural masterpiece offering a glimpse into the past with its exquisite craftsmanship, all within an hour's visit. As the day unfolds, marvel at the grandeur of the Pasadena City Hall. With its stunning architecture, it's more than just a town hall; it's a symbol of civic pride that you can admire throughout the day. Finally, reconnect with nature on the Eaton Canyon Falls Trail. This tranquil escape is the perfect way to round off your day with a one-hour hike to the serene waterfall. This itinerary through Pasadena promises a day filled with diverse experiences, from the thrill of sports to the tranquility of nature, all curated by Trip.com for your travel delight.

Top 6 Hotels in Pasadena
TOP 1
Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia
Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia
hotelStar
4/5
92 reviews
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TOP 2
DoubleTree by Hilton Monrovia - Pasadena Area
DoubleTree by Hilton Monrovia - Pasadena Area
hotelStar
4/5
44 reviews
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TOP 3
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
hotelStar
5/5
139 reviews
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Hilton Pasadena
Hilton Pasadena
hotelStar
4/5
63 reviews
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Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena Old Town
Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena Old Town
hotelStar
4/5
56 reviews
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Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town
Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town
hotelStar
3/5
108 reviews
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Day 1: Pasadena's Architectural Wonders and Natural Escapes

1

Rose Bowl Stadium

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Kick off your Pasadena adventure at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, a legendary venue that's much more than a sports complex. As you step into the realm of athletic giants, feel the pulse of countless historical games and events that have graced this hallowed ground. Set aside an hour to explore the gym facilities and immerse yourself in the stadium's rich legacy, all while surrounded by the inspiring architecture that has made the Rose Bowl a national landmark.

Attraction Info

  • 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Fri,8:30am-5:30pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Ruth's Chris Steak House
Ruth's Chris Steak House
/5 · 0 reviews
2.9 km from attraction
True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen
/5 · 0 reviews
2.2 km from attraction
Chado Tea Room
Chado Tea Room
/5 · 0 reviews
2.3 km from attraction
Alexander's Steakhouse
Alexander's Steakhouse
/5 · 0 reviews
2.8 km from attraction
Celestino Ristorante & Bar
Celestino Ristorante & Bar
/5 · 0 reviews
3.8 km from attraction
All India Cafe
All India Cafe
/5 · 0 reviews
2.4 km from attraction
2 min,1.31 km
2

The Gamble House

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Next on the itinerary, a mere stone's throw from the athletic grandeur of the Rose Bowl, is The Gamble House. This hidden gem offers a journey back in time with its exquisite example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture. Dedicate an hour to wander through the historical residence, where every nook and cranny tells the story of early 20th-century craftsmanship and the Gamble family's legacy, preserved in the intricate woodwork and timeless design.

Attraction Info

  • 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Tue, Thu-Sun,10:00am-4:00pm
5 min,2.06 km
3

Pasadena City Hall

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As the sun arcs across the Pasadena sky, make your way to the majestic Pasadena City Hall. This stunning example of a town hall is not just a seat of governance but a masterpiece of Mediterranean Revival architecture. With its grandiose dome, ornate fountains, and beautifully landscaped courtyards, it's a place where you can easily spend the day admiring the intricate details and capturing the perfect photograph to encapsulate your visit.

Attraction Info

  • 100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open on Tue-Fri,8:30am-4:30pm;Open on Mon,8:30am-11:00pm
12 min,9.83 km
4

Eaton Canyon Falls Trail

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Conclude your day with a refreshing escape to nature on the Eaton Canyon Falls Trail. Just a short drive from the city's architectural marvels, this trail offers a tranquil respite from urban life. Spend an hour trekking through the scenic route, where the sound of cascading water and the sight of the picturesque waterfall will be the perfect finale to your Pasadena day trip. The trail's accessibility for hikers of all levels makes it an ideal outdoor adventure for anyone looking to connect with Southern California's natural beauty.

Attraction Info

  • California 91001, USA
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Tue-Sun,8:00am-7:30pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Bulgarini Gelato
Bulgarini Gelato
3/5 · 1 review
2.8 km from attraction
The Coffee Gallery
The Coffee Gallery
/5 · 0 reviews
3.1 km from attraction
Park Bench Deli
Park Bench Deli
5/5 · 2 reviews
2.7 km from attraction
McDonald's
McDonald's
/5 · 0 reviews
2.9 km from attraction
Altaeats
Altaeats
/5 · 0 reviews
2.0 km from attraction
El Patron
El Patron
/5 · 0 reviews
2.7 km from attraction
3.3/5106 Reviews
3.3/5106 Reviews
Pasadena
|5.36km from Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
2.1/55 Reviews
2.1/55 Reviews
Pasadena
|5.41km from Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
4/5105 Reviews
4/5Very Good105 Reviews
Pasadena
|5.43km from Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
2.8/5113 Reviews
2.8/5113 Reviews
Pasadena
|5.45km from Eaton Canyon Falls Trail

Top Things to Do in Pasadena-2024

TOP 1
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood
4.8/5 · 5,539 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 37,514 review
Highlights:

Join the 60th Anniversary celebration of the world-famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, April 26 - August 11. Don’t miss the all-new experience that lets you step off the classic tram and onto the studio backlot for a limited time. Explore an iconic film set, take part in immersive photo-ops, experience tour enhancements, and enjoy themed food with collectible merchandise.


·Explore one of the largest movie street scenes in Hollywood and get a behind-the-scenes look at film production

·Watch the world’s most exquisitely produced live water stunts and explosion performances, creating movie-like intense scenes

·Enjoy a fantastic journey in the wizarding world of Harry Potter and explore the mysterious Hogwarts Castle

·Enter the world of Super Mario™ on Super Nintendo,ready to experience Mario Kart™ like never before

·With the popularity of the movie "Despicable Me", the Minions are now big stars in Universal Studios. Follow the Minions, Gru and his daughters to experience a wonderful experience full of touching and laugh

·Enjoy the thrilling roller coaster and experience the most realistic movie scenes


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TOP 2
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park
4.7/5 · 1,293 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 28,062 review
Highlights:

·Check in to Sleeping Beauty Castle which is the symbol of the entire park

·Play a few rounds of roller coaster through Space Mountain and experience the thrill of speed

·Explore the modern retro-looking ice cream parlor and various small shops, bring back a piece of Disney magic

In 1955, Walt, the father of Disney, built California Disneyland in Los Angeles, which is the world's first original Disney theme park. The park is located within the California Disney Resort. There are two main parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. The two parks are adjacent to each other. Visitors can visit both parks at one time and experience the joyful magic of Disney World. Come and enter the land of fairy tales and meet classic characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Disney princesses, Avengers, and Star Wars heroes.


△ Step into fairy-tale worlds filled with Character sightings, attractions and more!


△ Enjoy a leisurely stroll through small-town America—you’ll love the turn-of-the-century charm!


△ Explore this out-of-this-world land, where you can live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away!

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TOP 3
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach
4.6/5 · 554 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 6,743 review
Highlights:
Santa Monica Beach is a popular seaside holiday retreat in Los Angeles. Boasting turquoise water and pristine sand beaches, this is a place teeming with waterfront restaurants, bars and shops, making it a site bustling with action both day and night. With magnificent seascape much adored by Hollywood film directors, this is where many movies and TV shows have been filmed. Santa Monica Beach sits at the end of Route 66, a road of great historic value that traverses across the US from east to west. As a cultural symbol, the signpost of Route 66 is a photo takers’ mecca.
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TOP 4
Hollywood Walk Of Fame HQ
Hollywood Walk Of Fame HQ
4.5/5 · 1,103 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 17,844 review
Highlights:
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has over 2,000 star emblems inscribed with the names of celebrities in recognition of the honorees' contribution to the media and entertainment industry. The star emblems fall into five categories, i.e., classic film camera (representing motion picture directors and actors), television receiver (representing anchors), phonograph record (representing singers), radio microphone (representing radio broadcasters), and comedy/tragedy masks (representing theater/stage performers). The Hollywood Walk of Fame attracts film lovers from around the world. Locating your idol from among the stars and taking a picture with them is something you cannot miss when you visit LA.
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TOP 5
Hollywood
Hollywood
4.6/5 · 467 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,423 review
Highlights:
Located in the northwest of Los Angeles, Hollywood is a place-name concept known for its well-developed film and television entertainment industry. It is the cradle of American cinema and has become synonymous with American cinema. Because it faces the sea in the west and is close to the desert, with less rain and pleasant scenery, it is a very ideal filming location, so it has attracted Columbia, Paramount, Universal and other companies to shoot movies here. When it comes to Hollywood, the most famous one is the nine English letters "HOLLYWOOD" on the Hollywood Hills. It is the sign of Hollywood. Standing on Hollywood Boulevard and looking north, you can see the huge sign on the hill. Hollywood, which has developed because of movies, still has many movie-related attractions. You can come to the Walk of Fame to find the handprints of your favorite stars and take pictures with movie characters on the road; go to Universal Studios to watch a water stunt show; go to Disneyland for free Take a group photo; or visit the Chinese Theater and Dolby Theater, or you can take a stroll on Sunset Boulevard, admire the tall and straight palm trees, and then stroll on the Santa Monica Beach to see the daily sunset night view
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Pasadena 1 Day Itinerary