Old Pasadena
Old Pasadena
4.5
About
Old Pasadena is the downtown historic business district of Pasadena, a lively and diverse city located just ten miles from downtown Los Angeles. This eclectic old town area features entertainment and activities for kids and adults alike: museums, galleries, and music events, as well as movies, shopping, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. Families often stop by after sports events at the Rose Bowl; this clean and safe district is pedestrian friendly and provides convenient parking and easy access to public transportation, served by major bus lines and two Metro Gold Line stops.
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- Memorial Park • 5 min walk
- Del Mar • 8 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
693 reviews
Excellent
354
Very good
246
Average
75
Poor
9
Terrible
9
Kristin D
Mission Viejo, CA17 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We were disappointed that there wasn’t more historical significance or public art displayed in Old Town Pasadena. It was literally just shopping and eating, so if you’re not into those things then you may be a bit bored. We were also disappointed that so many of the shops were big box regulars—Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Cheesecake Factory, Il Fornaio, the kind of stuff that makes you feel like you’ve been here before.
Written December 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plucas1234
Downingtown, PA199 contributions
Jan 2022
Went to Pasadena for the Rose Parade and bowl game. Had a great time with group of alumni from Washington and Jefferson College on our 100th year anniversary of playing Cal to a 0-0 tie. Look it up if you don't believe this, 1922.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisamarie L
Madison, WI926 contributions
Sept 2023 • Business
Really nice area, with views of the mountains in the distance. We stayed in the Westin along the Plaza Las Fuentes which was really nice to sit and walk in; lots of nice fountains, flowers and grottoes. Lots of interesting shops and restaurants of all kinds of food and treats. We could have stayed a month and eaten somewhere new every night. The City Hall is also very beautiful and worth walking around.
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jlholm
Akron, NY46 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Lovely shopping, eating and drinking spots. Tons of sidewalk cafe’s, pubs, tea rooms and more. Our last meal of the weekend was at Gale’s and the food and wine was wonderful. Lively spot with open kitchen and outdoor seating as well as intimate seating inside. We stopped at a couple different sidewalk spots while shopping the shops to get a snack or drink. Just a lovely weekend.
Written June 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary F
Waterford, Ireland22 contributions
Nov 2019
Loved the shopping in Old Pasadena. Great mix of shops for the browser and earnest buyer. And so friendly and helpful in the stores as I needed help with European sizes. Choice of places to have coffee and food too. I relished sitting in the sun enjoying a coffee and seeing the sign Route 66. Magical connotations for someone from The Emerald Isle. The historic buildings are wonderful. Fabulous experience. Love the vibe.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderlassie
Oldsmar, FL2,614 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Not a big fan of So. Cal but found so much of Old Pasadena charming and authentic. This, despite a bazillion others in town for Rose Bowl! Loved the diversity of eating/shopping choices.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daydream16680
Stafford, VA1 contribution
I'm from the east coast and whenever I go to LA, I find it sort of bland, soul-less and completely without personality when it comes to community and architecture. However, this trip I encountered the Old Pasadena district of Pasadena and found a cute neighborhood filled with friendly people and particular charm. Though the main drag of Colorado Street has become populated with some of the usual corporate strip mall standards (Gap, Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory) it is off of the beaten path you can find the real sleepers. For starters, shopping on Holly Street (two blocks north of Colorado), is fantastic! There is the most stunning silver jewelry store I have ever been in called Silver Me. The owner was extremely nice and the store was so relaxing that I spent half an hour just kind of hanging out. The store owner Monica gave me a bit of free tour advise and all of her selections were excellent. First, she said I had to experience the Hey, That's Amore Coffee Shop which she claimed was responsible for the unique sense of community there. It was across the street and had palapas out front with it's very funny and engaging owner Sebastiano hanging out with customers. After making me a delicious latte, he proceeded to guide me through some of the community events he had initiated that year. The most touching of which was the letters from US soldiers in Iraq plastered all over the walls thanking him for all of the care packages he and his customers had sent. Where does that happen in LA? Then I was off to recommendation nubmer two, back across the street to Lula Mae gifts. This shop contained some of the most ecclectic gifts I had ever encountered. All unique and unusual and a collection that had been put together with love. I got my son bacon strip band aids and cute face painted marraca for my neice. Then it was off to the best reccomendation of all. La Maschera Restaurant on Fair Oaks around the corner from Holly. It was brand new and had the most incredible furniture and lighting. All of the furniture, I was later told was made by the owners father...you could tell the place was brimming with pride, so I knew the food was going to be great. It was better than that. The restaurant is also a wine bar and the staff expertly paired each of our courses with the perfect flavor selection. My girlfriend and I started with the heart of palm salad with parmesian cheese. It was served as a little brick of tangy hearts of palm with a wonderfully flavored dressing and generous servings of slice parmesian cheese. This was followed by the soup course which was a creamy carrot/ginger. Wow. Its hard to believe how excited you can get over soup, and even harder to communicate, but you have to try it to believe it. I don't even really like carrots that much, but it was spiced so well...anyway, you get the idea. The main course was the grilled lamb. It's making my mouth water thinking about it. You have to try this place! We spent an additional two hours after dinner in their wine lounge watching old movies played on the wall while we relaxed on their couches and talked. Really friendly. Great area all around. I couldn't believe I was in Southern California. So to recap, travel north up Fair Oaks 2 blocks from Colorado to get to the little community oasis. You won't be disappointed!
Enjoy.
Linda M.
Enjoy.
Linda M.
Written March 23, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluekittycat
Pasadena, CA91 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
We live nearby Old Town Pasadena and often hang out there. It is a foodie haven and has lots of shopping options too. One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to go to a cities old town or shopping district. I always hope that there is a mix of interesting and unique as well as common stores. Old Town Pasadena definitely has that. As of this writing here are my favorites.
Coffee: Blue Bottle
Bar: Blind Donkey
Girls Night: Pop Champagne Bar
Family Dinner: Gyu-Kaku
Patio Dinning: Edwin Mills
Chain Store: Anthropologie
Unique Store: Gold Bug
Coffee: Blue Bottle
Bar: Blind Donkey
Girls Night: Pop Champagne Bar
Family Dinner: Gyu-Kaku
Patio Dinning: Edwin Mills
Chain Store: Anthropologie
Unique Store: Gold Bug
Written February 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYU62
Tucson, AZ18,363 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
We've been to Pasadena numerous times, but have never really explored the side streets and alleys. This visit, we had more time in the early evenings, and saw lots of charm here. Our Hotel (Marriott Courtyard) was very centrally located, and around the entire Hotel area, there were lots of narrow streets and alleys, small plazas, fountains, and lots of old brick buildings, which now house restaurants, outdoor cafes, and small interesting shops. Everything is nicely maintained and well lit at night.
The restaurants all looked so appealing, but we just did not have the time to visit most of them. There is much more to "Old Pasadena" than Colorado Blvd..
The restaurants all looked so appealing, but we just did not have the time to visit most of them. There is much more to "Old Pasadena" than Colorado Blvd..
Written October 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYU62
Tucson, AZ18,363 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Due to the heavy pedestrian traffic in this area, Old Pasadena cannot be seen in a drive around, as one needs to pay attention to the many people crossing streets on all corners.
Our Marriott Courtyard is right in the Center, so today, we spent much time walking around, and exploring back alleys and courtyards. Many of the alleys are nicely landscaped and well taken care of. While we saw many homeless in the three parks we passed, we saw none in the alleys. In some areas we were alone, and felt safe and secure.
Lots of restaurants and unique shops are tucked away everywhere. It was quite windy, but everywhere we looked it was clean and it was a pleasure to explore this area.
Our Marriott Courtyard is right in the Center, so today, we spent much time walking around, and exploring back alleys and courtyards. Many of the alleys are nicely landscaped and well taken care of. While we saw many homeless in the three parks we passed, we saw none in the alleys. In some areas we were alone, and felt safe and secure.
Lots of restaurants and unique shops are tucked away everywhere. It was quite windy, but everywhere we looked it was clean and it was a pleasure to explore this area.
Written August 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is our first visit to LA, we are a family of two adults and two kids and are considering to stay at either Old Pasadena or at LA Live downtown. Any recommendation, would be much appreciated.
Written January 7, 2017
First time to L.A.? Two kids? Anaheim, no question. Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure & Downtown Disney are right there as well as the Christ Cathedral (historical significance). Lots of restaurants & Hotels. I recommend the Portofino Inn & Suites Anaheim Hotel. Clean, reasonable, family suites available & two blocks walking distance from Disneyland. From Anaheim, take the I-5 north and you're in Buena Park, home to Knott's Berry Farm, Medieval Times Dinner Theater, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Knott's Soak City water park (summer only), Titanic The Artifact Museum, & Bodies The Exhibition. Travel 90 minutes or so on I-5 north from Anaheim and your in Hollywood, home to Grauman's Chinese Theater, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios & Universal City Walk, and Farmer's Market-The Original with lots of semi-outdoor eateries & shopping and maybe even a celebrity or two. For a California coastal view, take the 22 east for 36 minutes to lovely Seal Beach for small store coastal shopping, swimming & sun bathing & fresh seafood dining. For some REAL Los Angeles history, take the I-5 north to the 101 for 60 minutes & you will land on Olvera Street, the very birthplace of Los Angeles. Originally called Vine Street, in 1877 it was renamed after Agustin Olvera, the first judge of the county of Los Angeles. Start with "La Reina de Los Angeles Catholic Church" (which is where "Los Angeles" gets it's name) follow up with shopping open market Mexican shops & sooooo many restaurants. My favorite is "Cielito Lindo" and their green sauce drenched tacos. But don't stop there! Have lunch and keep going to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, the world's most famous Ice Age fossil excavation site located in the heart of Los Angeles. There is so MUCH to see and do, I could just go on and on! But in short, when we travel from Central California to the Los Angeles area, it's all about Disneyland first and anything else may or may not revolve off of that.
Written January 8, 2017
are there spas in the old pasadena area?
Written December 7, 2016
Yes, Burke Williams full service spa is in the center of the historic district.
Written December 7, 2016
Can you walk here from the Rose Bowl arena?
Written December 7, 2016
The Rose Bowl is under 2 miles from Old Pasadena. For major events, there are park and shuttle services from Old Pasadena to the stadium. The address for the center of Old Pasadena is 1 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91105 for navigation purposes.
Hope this info is helpful!
Written December 7, 2016
Is there a casual music spot for older adults 40 year olds? Last year I had a great time at the Picnik which had live music in an outdoor setting. It was fantastic. But sadly closed after it lost its lease. The other places are hipster night clubs. Not interested in that. Thanks for any info.
Written September 18, 2015
I don't go to night clubs or music clubs. I do however to to Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association dance on Saturday nights. Always a live "swing" band and friendly people who are all willing to help the beginner. (dance.) or one can just go and listen to the music. I am on Alaska Airlines flight 472 and will make it to Pasadena around 8 or 9PM I will see you there! Hahaha.
Written September 19, 2015
Good birthday restaurant?
1 Senior citizen, 4 adults, 2 small children.
Written January 4, 2015
Good birthday restaurant?
1 Senior citizen, 4 adults, 2 small children.
Written January 4, 2015
Barney's Beanery (at Colorado & Arroyo) is the most fun place for parties. It is primarily a sports bar, with about 50 TV screens around the place, and even at many of the booths, usually showing live sports events or horseraces. World Cup there is a scream, as fans for both teams are usually present and engaging one another in debating favorite players. There is also a section upstairs where the seating is like inside a bus. The menu is about 8 pages long, but I must admit, the food is OK but after trying about 10 different entrees, none of them were outstanding. However the clam chowder ranks with the Central Coast. It's a great party atmosphere. There's a lot of singles drinking scene on weekends. I know nothing about children, but if they like noise and sensory overload, this is the place.
Written January 8, 2015
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