Old Pasadena Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A storefront with a sign reading "Scotch & Soda" and a large window displaying a mannequin.
A brick building with a red awning, outdoor tables and chairs, and a trash can.
A clothing store with mannequins displaying various outfits.
A weathered brick wall with faded graffiti reading "MABEL COTTEN".
A brick building with a storefront named "Cop Copine + Willow" and a "MAC" sign above it.

The historic centre of Pasadena in Los Angeles County offers alfresco dining, farmers markets, shopping and arts and crafts events.

Old Pasadena is the first commercial centre of Pasadena. Dine in some of the city’s finest restaurants and shop for handmade jewellery, vintage items and boutique clothing. Old Pasadena also has an energetic nightlife scene, with popular bars and music venues.

See many restored historic buildings in the Old Pasadena Historic District. Explore a Victorian-era castle, built over 100 years ago. Take a short walk to a large park, featuring activities for children and free summer concerts.

Organise a self-guided tour of the Castle Green, a nationally registered historic monument. This castle was built in the late 19th century and is regarded as the historic centerpiece of Old Pasadena. Join the December Holiday Tour to appreciate the fascinating architecture with sounds of carols and tastes of holiday treats.

Shop for high-quality fashionable clothing in Old Pasadena. This area is known for its vintage items, watches, antiques and furnishings. Have your hair done or get a manicure at one of the area’s beauty salons. Dress up for dinner and select from a range of excellent restaurants, serving local and international cuisine.

Book a walking architectural tour and see the old Santa Fe Station, the former Green Hotel and Central Park. Learn about many historic buildings, including St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church. The Old Town is now considered a National Register Historic District.

Explore Old Pasadena’s Central Park, a historic park and popular walking area. Visit nearby Memorial Park where, in the summer, you can listen to free weekly concerts for adults and children in the Levitt Pavilion for Performing Arts.

The Metro Gold Line light rail connects Old Pasadena with downtown Los Angeles. Alternatively, find Old Pasadena about 27 miles (43 kilometres) from Los Angeles International Airport.

Old Pasadena is an important historic centre in the Californian city and highly regarded for its shopping, dining and visitor attractions.

Stay near popular Old Pasadena attractions

Old Pasadena Historic District

Learn about the local history of Pasadena when you spend time at Old Pasadena Historic District. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
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Activities

Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket

AU$26
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket
Los Angeles: Mulholland Trail Horseback Riding Tour

Los Angeles: Mulholland Trail Horseback Riding Tour

AU$105
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Mulholland Trail Horseback Riding Tour
Los Angeles: Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour

Los Angeles: Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour

AU$54
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour
Los Angeles: Sunset Sailing

Los Angeles: Sunset Sailing

AU$209
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Sunset Sailing
Los Angeles: Battleship Iowa Museum Ticket

Los Angeles: Battleship Iowa Museum Ticket

AU$43
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Los Angeles: Battleship Iowa Museum Ticket
The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

AU$68
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles
See all activities in Los Angeles

Our pick of the best Old Pasadena Hotel Deals

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town

4 out of 5
180 N Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena CA
The price is AU$235 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$235
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pasadena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,416 reviews)
"Not sure why there was no Ballet or Nell Service! The hallways were hottt ! I’m not sure why this is even a Marriot ! The Man that checked us in was very pleasant and apologized for the Valet! He said since the remodel things changed! Also remodel should upgrade the toilets! The toilet was made for ..."

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town
Loews Hollywood Hotel

Loews Hollywood Hotel

4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue Los Angeles CA
The price is AU$406 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
AU$406
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Holiday Inn Los Angeles - LAX Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Los Angeles - LAX Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
9901 S La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is AU$203 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$203
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.2/10 Very good! (4,753 reviews)
"They said as an amex holder, you pay what you were offered, expecting parking to be an amenity that is free, not at all. Get to the room to at least expect a relaxing bed, and what I get is a very itchy one, upon close inspection, I was sleeping on bedsheets that had trimmed hair in it. If it was ..."

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2026

Holiday Inn Los Angeles - LAX Airport by IHG
Sheraton Universal Hotel

Sheraton Universal Hotel

4 out of 5
333 Universal Hollywood Drive Universal City CA
The price is AU$327 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$327
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Universal City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
Sheraton Universal Hotel
The Biltmore Los Angeles

The Biltmore Los Angeles

4 out of 5
506 S Grand Ave Los Angeles CA
The price is AU$306 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$306
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
The Biltmore Los Angeles
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel

E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel

4 out of 5
1020 S Figueroa Street Los Angeles CA
The price is AU$251 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
AU$251
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
See all 7,533 properties in Old Pasadena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Old Pasadena

Find the best Old Pasadena areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Old Pasadena
Learn more about Old Pasadena
A bustling Las Vegas street with illuminated signs, palm trees, and historic architecture.

Hollywood

Travellers love Hollywood for its popular shops, and you can see more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Sunset Strip and Hollywood Palladium.

A city skyline with tall buildings and palm trees.

Downtown Los Angeles

Crypto.com Arena and L.A. Live are top sights in Downtown Los Angeles, and you should be sure to explore the great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more sights in the area.

A row of tall, ornate street lamps with white globes, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a clear blue sky.

Mid City

While you're in Mid City, take in top sights like Koreatown Plaza and jump on the metro at Wilshire - Vermont Station to see more of the city.

A white church with a bell tower and arched windows.
Photo by Zhou You
Open Photo by Zhou You

Westchester

You might enjoy the shopping while in Westchester. HHLA is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Westchester/Veterans Station or LAX/Metro Transit Center to see more of the city.

A green sign with 'KOREATOWN' in white letters, a red lantern, and a traditional roof.

Koreatown

Travellers choose Koreatown for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Wilshire - Western Station or Wilshire - Normandie Station and check out top sights like Wiltern Theatre.

Old Pasadena Travel Guide

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