The Perfect Weekend in Pasadena, California

I was recently cast in my very first commercial and naturally it was filming in Los Angeles. I say this like this is some every day occurrence, but friends, it is not. But it did take me to LA for a mini trip and I was left with more time on my hands to explore than I was anticipating. And explore I did! When people think of LA they often think of Hollywood, Santa Monica, or maybe even Disneyland. But I found that Pasadena is a destination in its own right. With its charming Old Pasadena district, world-class dining, cultural attractions and basic proximity to all the major LA hot spots, Pasadena makes a great home base for your Southern California adventures! I've got some tips to make the most of your visit.

The Perfect Weekend in Pasadena, CA

I stayed at the Westin Pasadena and loved how easy it was to walk to just about everything that I needed. I had a balcony and an incredible view of the Pasadena City Hall and the San Gabriel mountains in the distance. The rooftop pool was beautiful and the workout room was one of the best I've had at a hotel in a long time. If you have a car, parking can be expensive, but luckily everything was within walking distance so I didn't need one. 
In case you are curious, here's a little behind the scenes of my commercial filming that I did in Pasadena. 

Fun Fact: Many homeowners rent out their homes and even their driveways for film and commercial production!

Exploring Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena is the city’s historic district, filled with charming streets lined with boutique shops, top-rated restaurants, and beautifully restored architecture. There is something for everyone here and lots of places for you to wander and explore.

Shopping and Strolling

Wander along Colorado Boulevard, where you’ll find a mix of trendy and unique boutiques. There are a lot of big box stores, but also smaller stores you can pop into as well.

Fun fact: Colorado Boulevard is part of the historic Route 66 as well as home of the Rose Parade.

Dining in Old Pasadena

Pasadena is a foodie’s paradise, and Old Pasadena does not disappoint. Pick up a sweet treat at Delight Pastry and then get a coffee at Coffee and Plants, one of LA's first vegan coffee shops. I ate Pho at Ginger and Spice Noodle & Grill and it was delicious. I also ate a delicious meal at Star Leaf, a woman owned restaurant with some incredible dishes with rich flavors. 

Cultural Attractions

I couldn't walk by the Pasadena City Hall without taking a picture of it. It was just a beautiful old building with arches and domes that are just begging for exploration. You'll likely see photographers and smiling subjects in the rose-filled courtyard and the building may just look familiar because...

Fun fact: The Pasadena City Hall building doubled as Pawnee City Hall from the show Parks & Rec.

If you have extra time in Pasadena, don’t miss these must-visit spots:

• The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens – Wander through beautifully themed gardens and explore rare manuscripts and art collections.

• The Gamble House – As in the Proctor and Gamble fortune...this home is a beautiful Craftsman style home that offers guided tours.

• Rose Bowl Stadium – Catch a UCLA football game, attend a concert, or browse the famous Rose Bowl Flea Market which happens on the first Sunday of every month. 

Beyond Pasadena: Exploring Greater LA

One of the best parts about staying in Pasadena is its central location. Many of Los Angeles’ most famous attractions are just a short drive away:

• Downtown LA (10 miles / 20 min drive) – Visit The Broad, Grand Central Market, or catch a game at Crypto.com Arena.

• Hollywood (15 miles / 25 min drive) – Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, or take in the views from Griffith Observatory.

• Universal Studios Hollywood (16 miles / 25 min drive) – Perfect for a thrilling day at one of the best theme parks in the country.

• Santa Monica & Venice Beach (25 miles / 40 min drive) – Relax by the ocean, stroll the Santa Monica Pier, or explore the Venice Canals.

• Disneyland (35 miles / 45 min drive) – The magic of Disneyland is just under an hour away.

I didn't know much about Pasadena when I arrived, but boy did I enjoy exploring the area. I found it to have a sweet small town feel in a city that has more of a movie star reputation. Most people don't take the time to come to the area, but friends, I think Pasadena makes the perfect home base for your next SoCal adventure! With easy access to the rest of LA, you can experience the best of both worlds!

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