Los Angeles

With the aggressive development of Old Town and the Paseo, it may seem like Pasadena is nothing more than an outdoor mall. But its history as LA’s artsy half-sibling shines through if you look beyond Colorado Boulevard. Check out the Norton Simon Museum’s small but eclectic art collection, enjoy an outdoor concert at the restored Levitt Pavilion, or hike the Arroyo Seco to see a different side of LA’s neighbor to the northeast.

Landmarks

• The Ambassador Auditorium • 131 S St John Ave
626-354-6407
Operated by the Worldwide Church of God.

• Castle Green • 99 S Raymond Ave
626-385-7774
This Moorish Colonial marvel may be a has-been, but it’s a beautiful one.

• Colorado Street Bridge • Colorado Blvd & Orange Grove Blvd
626-795-9311
This stunning Beaux-Arts bridge is a romantic ode to Pasadena’s majestic past.

• Fenyes Mansion • 470 W Walnut St
626-577-1660
Beaux-Arts oppulence at its best, the mansion’s museum and gardens are open to the public for tours.

• The Gamble House • 4 Westmoreland Pl
626-793-3334
Pasadena’s Craftsman style at its best.

• Kidspace Children’s Museum • 480 N Arroyo Blvd
626-449-9144
Way cool kid-geared activities and exhibits.

• Levitt Pavilion • 166 N Raymond Ave
626-683-3230
This historic band shell hosts outdoor concerts all summer long.

• Old Pasadena • W Colorado Blvd & S Fair Oaks Ave
626-356-9725
A fine example of urban regentrification at work.

• Pasadena City Hall • 100 N Garfield Ave
626-744-4000
A lovely building with even lovelier gardens.

• The Pasadena Civic • 300 E Green St
626-449-7360
Home to both the Pasadena Symphony and the People’s Choice Awards.

• The Pasadena Playhouse • 39 S El Molino Ave
626-356-7529
Back in the day, the Playhouse’s now-defunct acting school turned out many a movie star.

• Rose Bowl Stadium • 991 Rosemont Ave
626-577-3100
UCLA football, Galaxy soccer games, and the infamous monthly swap meet.

• Wrigley Mansion • 391 S Orange Grove Blvd
626-449-7673
This Italian Renaissance mansion built by chewing gum magnate now serves as HQ for the Tournament of Roses.

Nightlife

• Bodega Wine Bar • 260 E Colorado Blvd
626-793-4300
Ideal for chilled wines on warm nights.

• The Ice House • 24 N Mentor Ave
626-577-1894
Stand-up comedy, improv, booze.

• Lucky Baldwins Pub • 17 S Raymond Ave
626-795-0652
Expat Brits, imported ales, high tea.

• POP Champagne & Dessert Bar • 33 E Union St
626-795-1295
Sweets + bubbly = classy, classy date spot.

Restaurants

• Akbar Cuisine of India • 44 N Fair Oaks Ave
626-577-9916 • $$$
Creative Indian cooking.

• All India Cafe • 39 S Fair Oaks Ave
626-440-0309 • $$
Delicious dosas, curries, and regional specialties from all over India

• Arroyo Chop House • 536 S Arroyo Pkwy
626-577-7463 • $$$$
Take your father here for steaks.

• Bar Celona • 46 E Colorado Blvd
626-405-1000 • $$
Tapas by the plate and hipsters by the glass.

• Beckham Grill • 77 W Walnut St
626-796-3399 • $$
Beer. Steak. Brilliant.

• Bistro 45 • 45 S Mentor Ave
626-795-4278 • $$$$
High-end gourmet food and wine.

• Café Santorini • 64 W Union St
626-564-4200 • $$$
Mediterranean magic on the rooftop terrace.

• Euro Pane Bakery • 950 E Colorado Blvd
626-577-1828 • $
Sophisticated pastries for subtle palates.

• Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain • 1526 Mission St
626-799-1414 • $
Enjoy an old fashioned sundae while picking up your prescription

• Father Nature’s Lavash Wraps • 17 N De Lacey Ave
626-568-9811 • $
Father sure knows his lavashes (thin leavened flatbread).

• Firefly Bistro • 1009 El Centro St
626-441-2443 • $$
Seasonal charm, tent style.

• Green Street Restaurant • 146 Shoppers Ln
626-577-7170 • $$
A Pasadena staple.

• Hey That’s Amore • 27 E Holly St
626-844-8716 • $
Italian subs with names like the Heavy Hitter, Taxi Driver, and Soprano.

• Houston’s • 320 S Arroyo Pkwy
626-577-6001 • $$$
Chain with a little something for everyone.

• Intelligentsia Coffee • 55 E Colorado Blvd
626-578-1270 • $$
Acclaimed coffee snobs tackle beer, wine, and café classics.

• Julienne • 2651 Mission St
626-441-2299 • $$$
Charming sidewalk bistro that is trÃ¨s délicieux.

• La Luna Negra • 44 W Green St
626-844-4331 • $$
Vibrant, colorful Spanish tapas bar.

• Magnolia Lounge • 492 S Lake Ave
626-584-1126 • $$
Chic and sexy with a tantalizingly creative menu.

• Maison Akira • 713 E Green St
626-796-9501 • $$$$
Light, French-Japanese cooking.

• Marston’s • 151 E Walnut St
626-796-2459 • $$
Awesome breakfasts and traditional American dinners.

• Mi Piace • 25 E Colorado Blvd
626-795-3131 • $$$
Italian chain with outdoor tables.

• Noodle World • 24 W Colorado Blvd
626-585-5885 • $
Big portions. We’re talking LARGE.

• Parkway Grill • 510 S Arroyo Pkwy
626-795-1001 • $$$$
Pasadena’s perennial upscale favorite; live music in the bar.

• Pie ‘N Burger • 913 E California Blvd
626-795-1123 • $
Juicy burgers, homey pies.

• Ración • 119 W Green St
626-396-3090 • $$$
Aggressively authentic pintxos and wine from Spain’s Basque Country.

• The Raymond • 1250 S Fair Oaks Ave
626-441-3136 • $$$$
Romantic, special occasion dining.

• Roscoe’s House of Chicken n’ Waffles • 830 N Lake Ave
323-466-7453 • $$
Cheap Southern chain.

• Shiro • 1505 Mission St
626-799-4774 • $$$$
Low-key interior, sublime fusion cuisine.

All that development is good for something—the shopping in Pasadena can’t be beat. While Old Town is chock-a-block with chain stores, don’t overlook enduring mom-and-pop spots like Canterbury Records and Vroman’s Bookstore. Those looking to score unique clothing, furniture, and antiques on a budget should prepare to approach bargain shopping nirvana every second Sunday of the month at the famous Rose Bowl Flea Market.

• The Slaw Dogs • 720 N Lake Ave
626-808-9777 • $
Delectable hot dogs and sausages piled high with innovative toppings.

• Sorriso • 46 E Colorado Blvd
626-405-1000 • $$
Surprise! There’s a good, non-chain restaurant on Old Town Pasadena’s main drag.

• Tonny’s • 843 E Orange Grove Blvd
626-797-0866 • $$
24-hour Mexican grub.

• Tutti Gelati • 62 W Union St
626-440-9800 • $
A hidden paradiso for sweet treats.

• Vertical Wine Bistro • 70 N Raymond Ave
626-795-3999 • $$$$
A variety of wine flights. Don’t miss the mini-grilled sandwiches.

• Yahaira’s Café • 698 E Colorado Blvd
626-844-3254 • $$
Mexicali fusion food.

Shopping

• Abuelita’s Knitting and Needlepoint • 696 E Colorado Blvd
626-799-0355
Cozy craft store offering luxurious yarns and needlepoint supplies.

• Angels School Supply • 600 E Colorado Blvd
626-584-0855
Back to school isn’t so bad after all.

• Blick Art Materials • 44 S Raymond Ave
626-795-4985
Art supplies for everyone from the career artist to the scrapbook hobbyist.

• Canterbury Records • 805 E Colorado Blvd
626-792-7184
New and used, plus DVD and video. Great jazz, blues, and classical.

• Jacob Maarse Florists • 655 E Green St
626-449-0246
Fabulous floral arrangements.

• Julienne Fine Foods • 2649 Mission St
626-441-2299
Carry home some gourmet goodies or order Le Pique-Nique for your next Hollywood Bowl foray.

• Lather • 17 E Colorado Blvd
626-396-9636
Modern apothecary products that smell good and feel good.

• Lush • 24 E Colorado Blvd
626-792-0901
Super-fresh beauty and bath products.

• Messarian Oriental Rugs • 493 E Colorado Blvd
626-792-9858
Beautiful rugs from the Near and Middle East.

• Mignon Chocolate Boutique • 6 E Holly St
626-796-7100
Build your box of favorites!

• Nicole’s Gourmet Imports • 921 Meridian Ave
626-403-5751
French cheese rocks. And stinks.

• Old Focals • 45 W Green St
626-793-7073
Vintage and custom glasses frames to keep you looking retro-chic.

• Pasadena Antique Center & Annex • 444 S Fair Oaks Ave
626-449-7706
Dozens of dealers under one roof.

• Rose Bowl Flea Market • 1001 Rose Bowl Dr
323-560-7469
Food, drink, gadgets and antiques; yours for the haggling.

• Rose Tree Cottage • 801 S Pasadena Ave
626-793-3337
English tea room and gift shop.

• Run with Us • 235 N Lake Ave
626-568-3331
For those who still have knees enough to run.

• Stats Floral • 120 S Raymond Ave
626-795-9308
Every imaginable supply and bauble for your décor, floral, crafting projects.

• Target • 777 E Colorado Blvd
626-584-1606
Perfect-sized, not too big, two story, very manageable.

• Three Dog Bakery • 36 W Colorado Blvd
626-440-0443
Fancy biscuits you’d be proud to offer man’s best friend.

• Vroman’s Bookstore • 695 E Colorado Blvd
626-449-5320
Indie, eclectic, charming and famous for its children’s department.