What to do in Pasadena, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Pasadena
Pasadena
Norton Simon Museum featuring a statue or sculpture
Pasadena City Hall showing interior views
Norton Simon Museum which includes a statue or sculpture

Pasadena Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Pasadena has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Pasadena is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Pasadena to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Pasadena Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Pasadena.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Pasadena attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Pasadena

Tours & day trips

See all 305 activities
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 1064 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $103 per adult
Warner Bros. Studio Tour HollywoodOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 112 activities
Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets

Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets

Activity duration is 10 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $5 per adult
Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept SecretsOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 43 activities
Hollywood Sign 2.5-Hour Tour with Comedians and Their Dogs

Hollywood Sign 2.5-Hour Tour with Comedians and Their Dogs

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 824 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $20 per adult
Hollywood Sign 2.5-Hour Tour with Comedians and Their DogsOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 24 activities
Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard

Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard

Activity duration is 2 hours
6.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $54 per traveller
Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood BoulevardOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 19 activities
Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 110 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $94 per adult
Los Angeles: Surfing Lesson in Venice BeachOpens in new tab

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Recommended things to do in Pasadena

Number of things to do
369
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets: CA $5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Pasadena

Discover the most popular places to visit in Pasadena

Universal Studios which includes rides, signage and a fountain

Universal Studios Hollywood

Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience!

Universal Studios Hollywood
Staples Center which includes a statue or sculpture, signage and shopping

Crypto.com Arena

This multipurpose sports arena has hosted some of the world’s biggest musical acts and is home to two National Basketball Association teams.

Crypto.com Arena
LosAngeles_DodgerStadium_501586_4

Dodger Stadium

Catch an event at Dodger Stadium during your trip to Los Angeles. Experience the fascinating museums and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Dodger Stadium
JANUARY 2024, LOS ANGELES, CA. - aerial view of LA Skyline & Convention Center at dusk showing intersection of Harbor Freeway 110 and Interstate Highway 10 with traffic

Los Angeles Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening at Los Angeles Convention Center, a top convention center in Los Angeles. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Los Angeles Convention Center
293627059

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Have a fun-filled day at Six Flags Magic Mountain and see why people love this theme park in Stevenson Ranch. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
Santa Monica Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and a beach

Santa Monica Beach

Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, this iconic southern California beach is a haven for swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts.

Santa Monica Beach
Entering Los Angeles terminal Island via cruise ship, USA.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Long Beach with a trip to Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Venice Beach featuring picnicking and a city as well as a large group of people

Venice Beach

Bronze your body and rub shoulders with body builders and wacky performers at Los Angeles’ quirky urban shoreline, a colorful escape from the city.

Venice Beach
Panoramic early morning view of a serene university campus, blending historic brick buildings with modern high-rises, surrounded by lush greenery and distant ocean vistas.

University of Southern California

Walk around the campus of University of Southern California, a top college in Los Angeles. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

University of Southern California

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Pasadena

Los Angeles which includes a sunset, a city and landscape views

Los Angeles

The big Alhambra symbol landmark of Los Angeles, California; Shutterstock ID 529097788; Purchase Order: -

Alhambra

Aerial view of the San Gabriel Mountains and Arcadia area

Arcadia

Snow covered mountains over the city of Eagle Rock in Los Angeles, CA

Glendale

Cool sculpture in South Pasadenda

South Pasadena

A panoramic view of the San Gabriel Mountains taken from Altadena in Los Angeles County, California.

Altadena

a stunning panoramic shot of the still green lake waters, weeping willows and other lush green trees reflecting off the lake at Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino California USA

San Marino

The world oldest Wistaria blossom displaying

Sierra Madre

Frequently asked questions

Is Pasadena worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Pasadena is explore Griffith Observatory. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's festivals and history.
How do I spend a day in Pasadena?
Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles Zoo are two excellent places to begin your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Pasadena while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Pasadena?
Griffith Observatory is one of the top tourist attractions in Pasadena and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Pasadena?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Playhouse and Kidspace Childrens Museum with a three-day getaway in Pasadena. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Los Angeles.
Is Pasadena a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Pasadena. Several top attractions, including Norton Simon Museum and Pasadena Playhouse, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Pasadena's best neighbourhoods, Lamanda Park is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Pasadena is 0.48 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Pasadena with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Pasadena with kids.

What to do in Pasadena for adults?
San Antonio Winery and Olvera Street are just a couple of the things to do in Pasadena. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, Colorado Street Bridge is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Pasadena.

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