GLORIA & JOHN
THINGS TO DO
Old Pasadena
Take a walk around Old Town Pasadena, where almost every shop you can think of is within walking distance. A historic area with beautiful buildings and alleyways, this is the best stop to soak in as much of Pasadena if you are here for a short stay.
Pasadena City Hall
Are you a fan of Parks & Recreation? This is Pasadena City Hall - otherwise known as the building used for Pawnee City Hall. Even if you are not a P&R fan, anyone would enjoy walking around City Hall and taking in the breathtaking views.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Have a day to spare? Visit The Huntington Library, Museum, and Gardens. There are so many ways to get lost (in the best way!) and lose track of time in this beautiful place.
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
One of the most popular hikes near Pasadena - and for good reasons! An easy hike with rewarding views, this one is great for everyone!
Millard Falls Trailhead
A quieter and more moderate hike than Eaton. 2.5 miles with some shade and calming creeks - a great option for those looking for ~1 hour long hike. Pasadena is close to the San Gabriel mountains, so you are sure to find a trail with any length / difficulty level!
mandarin coffee stand
Stop by Mandarin Coffee Stand for its coffee and to walk through Burlington Arcade - a dreamy alleyway with eye-catching storefronts.
DASH COFFEE BAR
We love coffee and all the amazing coffee shops in Pasadena, but we often have to stop by Dash Coffee Bar to grab an Oat Pandan Latte. They have other unique options too, using ingredients such as ube and yuzu - yum!
Chim!
If you are at Dash, you might as well stop by Chim! Pasadena is saturated with delicious Thai restaurants, but Chim! is a cool spot to try Thai street food. Definitely try their Gai Zaap with sticky rice - it has a flavor like none other, and try it spicy if you can handle it!
Cha Redefine
Our favorite local boba! Truthfully, there are a lot of boba shops in Pasadena, but we are suckers for Cha Redefine's Blueberry Matcha.
Bone Kettle
If you are looking for a nice place with an ambience to grab a fancier meal, Bone Kettle is a great option with Indonesian fusion and interesting Asian-inspired drinks!