Pasadena

Pasadena is located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, just 11 mi (18 km) northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. Over a million people flock to Pasadena every year after Christmas, as visitors come from all over to decorate and view the floats, and to attend one of the most famous college football bowl games of the year. Pasadena also boasts the renowned California Institute of Technology, whose alumni and faculty have garnered 32 Nobel Prizes.

Pasadena has become the most exciting place for nightlife in the San Gabriel Valley. Old Pasadena has many boutiques, national retailers, restaurants and clubs in the western section, with chic shopping and dining on South Lake and abundant services in the eastern area.

As the birthplace of Julia Child and home to numerous restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, Pasadena is a good destination for foodies. Adding to its culinary credentials, one of only 15 Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated culinary schools in the United States resides here. In addition, the first Trader Joe's market opened its doors in Pasadena in 1967. That same store on Arroyo Parkway is still serving customers today.

• 🌍 Old Pasadena. A 22-block historical area filled with 200 one-of-a-kind boutiques, national retailers, galleries, restaurants, and clubs. Old Pasadena is one of Southern California's hottest shopping/entertainment areas and gets very crowded on weekends. The area is very hip and young people love the great vibe! Old Pasadena is located between Arroyo Parkway on the east and Pasadena Avenue on the west, with Colorado Boulevard being the main thoroughfare. Get off the Gold Line at Memorial Park and walk south to Colorado. If you expect every building in the area to be old, you'll be disappointed, but fans of architecture from the Art Deco period back to the 19th century have quite a few beautiful buildings to appreciate. You can see many of them from a moving car, but to truly notice and enjoy the decorative details, you will need to park and walk. The Playhouse District and the Civic Center, a few blocks to the east of the district specifically named "Old Pasadena", also have beautiful historic buildings, including the lovely Municipal Building (city hall), built in 1927 and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium (carved on the exterior with the words "THE AUDITORIUM OF THE CITY OF PASADENA" in all caps), built in 1932. 
• 🌍 Norton Simon Museum, ☏ +1-626-449-6840. M W Th noon to 5PM, F Sa 11AM-8PM, Su 11AM-5PM, closed Tu. The sculpture garden closes 15 minutes before the museum. Features seven centuries of European art ranging from the Gothic period to the 21st century, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Fragonard, Goya, Poussin, Claude Lorrain, Cranach the Elder, Botticelli and many more. The museum also features an extensive collection of South and some Southeast Asian sculpture and a sculpture garden including works of Rodin. You are likely to be amazed by the greatness of the collection of both European and ancient South Asian work, and also by the number of extremely famous and commonly reproduced paintings on view. If you are generally an art lover, you will probably want to allow at least 2½ to 3 hours so as to see most of the collections without feeling rushed. Adults $12; seniors (62 and above) $9; students free with I.D. Free admission on the first Friday of the month from 5PM to 8PM. Parking in the museum's lot is free. 
• 🌍 USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 North Los Robles Ave, ☏ +1 626-499-2742, info@pam.usc.edu. W-Su 11AM to 5PM (Th until 8). Features artwork from Asia and the Pacific Islands spanning 5,000 years, with a range of innovative exhibitions and dynamic programming. Adults $10, seniors (65+) and students $7, youth 17 and under free. Also, free Th 5-8PM and on the Second Sunday of the month. (updated Sep 2019)

• 🌍 The Gamble House, ☏ +1-626-793-3334. Tours: Thursday through Sunday from noon to 3PM. Built in 1908 by Charles and Henry Greene for David Gamble of Procter and Gamble, this National Historical Landmark is an architectural masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The house was also the exterior of Doc Brown's house in 1955, in Back to the Future I & II. Filming of the front door and the interior took place at another location. Admission $10. 
• 🌍 Pasadena Museum of History, ☏ +1-626-577-1660. Open Wednesday through Sunday; hours vary. Near the Gamble House is the Pasadena Museum of History with The Finnish Folk Art Museum, History Center Galleries, and the 18-room Fenyes Mansion. Built in 1905, the mansion contains its original furnishings. prices vary for exhibits and Fenyes Mansion tour. 
• 🌍 California Institute of Technology. Architectural tours are offered the fourth Thursday of each month at 10:30AM (January through June, September and October) and on the third Thursday in November. A world-renowned institution for the study of science and engineering, Caltech's alumni and faculty have been awarded 32 Nobel Prizes. Albert Einstein studied here as a visiting scholar in the early 1930s. The 124 acres (50 hectares) campus offers interesting architectures, laid back atmosphere and colors displayed by ever-lasting blooming flora. Free. 
• 🌍 Kidspace Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, ☏ +1 626 449-9144. Sep-May: Tu–F 9:30AM–5PM; Sa Su 10AM–5PM; Jun–Aug: M-F 9:30AM–5PM, Sa Su 10AM–5PM. Kidspace offers more than 25 indoor hands-on exhibits, in addition to outdoor spaces, programs and activities, which are designed to encourage a child's growth and development through exploration of the environment, investigation in science, and artistic expression. Adults and children $10. 
• 🌍 Robinson Memorial, 100 N. Garfield Ave. The memorial, directly across from City Hall, honors the historic accomplishments of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and his brother, Olympian Mack Robinson with two 9 ft (2.7 m) bronze portraiture sculptures. The Robinson brothers grew up in Pasadena. Jackie was the first African-American to play baseball in the previously segregated Major Leagues, and Mack was a sprinter who won a silver medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. 
• 🌍 All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Av (Between E. Walnut St. and Thurgood Marshall St.), ☏ +1 626-796-1172. This is a lovely neo-Gothic Episcopal church, with timbered ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. The rose windows are Tiffany and the windows on the sides are in a neo-Gothic Arts and Crafts style. There is also fine woodwork inside the church. Free. (updated Sep 2015)

The San Gabriel mountains above Pasadena offer some excellent hiking opportunities. Of specific interest are some of the hikes along the abandoned Mount Lowe Railway in the Angeles National Forest. You can pass the site of the White City, Echo Mountain, the site of an old observatory, and Inspiration Point. Start at the northern end of Lake Avenue. As with any hiking excursion, let someone else know where you are going and when to expect you back again. Stay on the trails and most especially, do not attempt to go to the "second waterfall" in Eaton Canyon. Many people are killed each year attempting to climb up the loose rock slopes. In the summer months, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.

Old Pasadena and the Playhouse district have a number of theater and movie houses and are a good place to see some of the latest independent or foreign films.

• Rose Parade. The Rose Parade is held on New Year's Day. If January 1 falls on a Sunday, then the parade is moved to Monday, January 2. The parade starts at Orange Grove Blvd. and then heads east along Colorado Blvd. for 5.5 mi (8.9 km) to Sierra Madre Blvd. The easiest and best view of the parade are from the 70,000 grandstand seats that line the route. These tickets can be purchased starting each February. For those who want to view for free along the streets, people can start camping out at noon the day before the parade. Blankets, sleeping bags, lawn chairs and self-contained barbecues are permitted on the route; tents, ladders and upholstered furniture are not. There is a party atmosphere along Colorado Blvd. the night before, as everyone camps out to reserve their seats. 
  • If you are camping out, the most crowded area is on Colorado Blvd. between Orange Grove Blvd. and Lake Ave. To avoid the congestion, try to find a space on Colorado east of Allen Avenue. On average, more than 150,000 people attend the parade, so parking is at a premium. It is suggested that you purchase parking in advance. Colorado Blvd. shuts down to all traffic the night before the parade. The north/south streets shut down at various times the morning of the parade.Keep in mind that the parade starts at 8AM on the west end of town and lasts for two hours. If you're sitting farther east, the parade will begin and end later.
  • If you go to the beginning of the parade at about 2AM on the morning of the parade, you can see the floats up-close as they stage themselves on South Orange Grove Blvd. It will likely be quite cold, so dress warmly.
• Float Construction Viewing & Decorating, toll-free: +1-877-793-9911. The last few days before the Rose Parade, you can help decorate or preview Rose Parade floats as they are readied for the New Year's festivities. Although the work is detailed and can be repetitive, it is incredibly fun and exciting to know that you glued the thousands of poppy seeds that became a shadow on a giant leaf. There is a sense of camaraderie amongst the volunteers, and you get to climb on and decorate actual floats. Children under 16 are not allowed, but if you have older kids, this is an excellent family activity. You work in four hour shifts, and volunteers are fed out of a chow wagon for free. For a list of float companies and independent float volunteer opportunities, visit: . 
• Post-Parade Float Viewing, toll-free: +1-877-793-9911. For two days after the Rose Parade, you can see the floats up close when they are parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Blvds. Crowds of people flock to see the floats, so instead of driving to the location yourself, it is suggested that you take the shuttles that are offered throughout Pasadena. Fees apply. 
• Melting Pot Food Tours, toll-free: +1-800-979-3370. Experience the charming history, architecture, and folklore of historic Old Pasadena while feasting upon culinary delights from neighborhood eateries. 

• 🌍 Pasadena Ice Skating Center, 310 E. Green St, ☏ +1 626 578-0800. Located adjacent to the Pasadena Convention Center, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers year-round indoor skating, figure skating classes, and an ice hockey league in a regulation-sized rink. 
• 🌍 Brookside Golf Course, 1133 Rosemont Ave, ☏ +1 626 585-3598. Located adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium, Brookside features two 18-hole championship courses, a clubhouse, restaurant, golf shop, putting greens, driving range, and ample parking. 
• 🌍 Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd, ☏ +1 626 564-0330. M–F 5:30AM–9PM; Sa 6AM–5PM; Su 8AM–5PM. The center is a year-round facility with competitive teams in swimming, diving and water polo. Housing two 50-meter pools, it's open to the public and offers water aerobics, swimming, diving lessons, and therapy pools. Right behind the aquatics center is a pirate-themed playground with wheelchair ramps, swings, sand, and water features. (updated Jan 2020)
• 🌍 Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, ☏ +1 626 577-3101. The historic Rose Bowl Stadium was built in 1922. It is home to the annual Rose Bowl Game and UCLA Bruins football. The stadium hosts numerous events, including concerts. The stadium is not open for public tours. 
• 🌍 Rose Bowl Flea Market, ☏ +1 323 560-7469. The Rose Bowl Flea Market, one of the most famous in the world, boasts 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers. Nicknamed "America's Marketplace of Unusual Items," the market offers vintage jewelry, handmade quilts, antiques, clothes, plants, and collectibles. Held the second Sunday of every month, rain or shine. 
• Doo Dah Parade. Behold these wacky, unusual parade participants as they travel through East Pasadena down Colorado Blvd. between Sierra Madre and San Gabriel Blvds. 
• Make Music Pasadena. Held the third Saturday in June, Make Music Pasadena is a free musical celebration throughout Downtown Pasadena. From 11AM to 11PM, Pasadena is transformed into a musical playground where every conceivable genre of music played. 
• Pasadena Chalk Festival, Paseo Colorado. Held the third weekend in June, you can view hundreds of colorful chalk murals while enjoying live music, shopping and children's activities at Paseo Colorado. 
• Craftsman Weekend. Held every year in October, this is the largest, most comprehensive salute to Arts and Crafts-style architecture in the United States. Enjoy bus and walking tours of historic neighborhoods and visits to distinctive Craftsman-era homes. 
• 🌍 Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway (110 Freeway) (Starts at Colorado Blvd. and Arroyo Parkway and head south to the intersection of CA-110 and CA-101.). 24 hours. The Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway (110 Freeway) is a National Scenic Byway that runs for 9.4 miles (15.1 km) between Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles. The Parkway starts at Colorado Blvd., home of the famous Rose Parade, passes through the Arts and Crafts-style neighborhoods of South Pasadena into China Town, and ends at the 101 Freeway amongst the skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles. Free. 
• Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy - Pasadena Branch, 570 E. Orange Grove Blvd, ☏ +1 626 314 3093. (updated Mar 2024)

• 🌍 Old Pasadena, ☏ +1 626 356-9725. Historic Old Pasadena is home to an eclectic mix of more than 200 one-of-a-kind boutiques and well-known national retailers concentrated in an authentic downtown. 
• 🌍 Playhouse District, ☏ +1 626 744-0340. The Playhouse District offers an intimate scene where art, architecture and culture abound. The shops in the area are a reflection, and include culinary, music and bookstores. 
• 🌍 South Lake Avenue, ☏ +1 626 792-1259. South Lake Avenue covers 10 blocks and features Macy's, along with brand-name fashion and home decor shops, all within its pedestrian-friendly area. 
• 🌍 One Colorado (Old Pasadena), ☏ +1 626 564-1066. A shopping and dining area set amidst 19th-century architecture. Also offers free outdoor film festivals, live music, and arts events. The 25 stores include national retailers like Gap and Juicy Couture, as well as unique offerings like Elisa B. and The Soap Kitchen. 
• 🌍 Paseo Colorado. A fun, outdoor shopping area about a block east of Old Pasadena on Colorado Blvd., near Pasadena's Civic Center. With an array of shops, restaurants, an upscale grocery store, and movie theater, Paseo is great on warm evenings and a great place to eat and catch a movie. 
• Rose Bowl Flea Market, Rose Bowl Stadium, ☏ +1 323 560-7469. Second Sunday of every month 6AM–5PM. This flea market, one of the most famous in the world, boasts 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers. Vintage jewelry, handmade quilts, clothes, plants, antique furniture, and collectibles are among the offerings. 
• 🌍 Pasadena Antique Center, 444 & 480 S. Fair Oaks, ☏ +1 626 449-7706. The center boasts 130 dealers in 33,000 ft² (3,100 m²). Find furniture, art, jewelry and rare books dating from the turn of the century to mid-century. 

As the birthplace of Julia Child, Pasadena was destined to be a foodie's paradise. The city is home to more than 500 restaurants, offering cuisine from around the world.

• 🌍 Mijares Mexican Restaurant, 145 Palmetto Drive - Palmetto and Pasadena Ave, ☏ +1 626-792-2763. Pasadena's oldest restaurant is its best kept secret! A local favorite, this restaurant and bar serves delicious Mexican cuisine in a delightful, family-style setting. 
• 🌍 Ricchardo's the Total Vegetarian, 817 N. Lake Ave (north of the 210 Freeway), ☏ +1-626-794-0861. Vegetarian/vegan fast food, yummy. A bit on the pricy side for fast food -- about for a five dollars per person. 
• 🌍 All India Cafe, 39 S. Fair Oaks Ave (just south of Colorado Blvd. in Old Pasadena). Good Indian food. 
• 🌍 Marston's, 151 E. Walnut St (between Fair Oaks and Marengo), ☏ +1 626 796-2459. Great breakfasts in a converted old home. Come early because the crowds start to build up on weekends in the late morning. Esepcially recommended is the corn flake encrusted french toast. 
• Kabuki (2 locations). M-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM. Popular Japanese food chain, moderately priced. 
  • 🌍 88 W. Colorado Blvd (Old Pasadena), ☏ +1 626 345 5733. (updated Oct 2023)
  • 🌍 3539 E. Foothill Blvd (Hastings Ranch), ☏ +1 626 351 8963. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 The Hat, 491 N. Lake Ave. (Lake & Villa), ☏ +1-626-449-1844. Daily 10AM-10PM. Pastrami sandwiches, chili fries, Orange Bang, and other stuff that's bad for you but so good. 
• 🌍 Carmela Ice Cream, 2495 East Washington Blvd (E. Washington Blvd. and N. Altadena Dr.). Easily the best ice cream spot in and around Pasadena. This small artisan ice cream and sorbet maker uses local farmers market produce and organic dairies to create unique flavors, such as Salted Caramel, Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean, Lavender Honey, Lemon Basil Sorbet, and Cucumber Sorbet. Ice cream and sorbet-making classes available too. Must try. $3.50/scoop. 
• 🌍 Dog Haus, 105 N Hill Ave., Ste. 104 (N. Hill Ave. and E. Union St.). Gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and burgers served on King's Hawaiian Bread with massive toppings such as fried egg, haus garlic aioli, caramelized onions, grilled jalapeños, smoked bacon, curry ketchup, dill pickle chips, blue cheese crumbles, and all the usual suspects. Sides include fries, onion rings, and tater tots. Good soda selections. $5.95 and up. 
• 🌍 La Caravana Restaurante Salvadoreno, 1306 N Lake Ave (N. Lake Ave. and E. Washington Blvd.), ☏ +1 626 791-7378. If you have never eaten Salvadorian foods before, come try the pupusas. They are a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick, hand-made corn tortilla that is filled with a blend of cheese, pork, refried beans, and/or loroco. For first timers, try the Plato Tipico, which comes with rice, beans, one choice of pupusa, grilled pork, tamales, cheese, fried plantains, and vegetables. There is also a mini pupusas sampler plate. About $3/pupusa and $10/plate. 
• 🌍 Roma Italian Deli and Grocery, 918 N Lake Ave (N. Lake Ave. and E. Mountain St.), ☏ +1 626 797-7748. A small Italian grocery store with a wide selections of cheeses, prosciutto, salami, pastas, olive oils, and homemade bread. The store also makes a simple but delicious sandwich consists of bread, cold-cuts, and olive oils. The sandwich maker is a helpful 80-year-old man who would sometimes let you sample a slice of cheese or meat as he goes on in making the sandwich. Just go up to the sandwich counter and say "one sandwich, please" and nothing else. About $5. 
• Europane bakery & cafe (2 locations). This small artisan bakery makes some of the best sandwiches, homemade bread, and desserts in Pasadena. It is famous for its open-face egg salad sandwich (yolky-creamy) and decadent macaroons. (Flavors include Blackberry, Hazelnut, Mocha, Passion Fruit, Pistachio, Raspberry, and Salted Caramel.) $7 and up for sandwiches. 
  • 🌍 345 E Colorado Blvd, Ste 101, ☏ +1 626 844 8804. (updated Oct 2023)
  • 🌍 950 E Colorado Blvd, Ste 107, ☏ +1 626 577 1828. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 El Taquito Mexicano Truck, 510 S Fair Oaks Ave (S. Fair Oaks Ave. and W. California Blvd.). 6PM - As late as it takes. No trip to Southern California is complete without experiencing eating tacos out of a food truck. Try the carne asada (beef), al pastor (pork), or whatever strikes your fancy. (Cabeza, anyone?) Choose red or green sauce. (Red is spicier.) Wash them down with a cold can of coke or Mexican soda. The truck is parked on the lot of Nishikawa Automotive. Do not get confused with the yellow taco truck nearby. $1.25/Taco. 
• 🌍 Lucky Boy, 640 S Arroyo Pkwy, ☏ +1 626 7930120. Classic Pasadena fast-food place known for breakfast burritos, chilli cheese fries, and burgers. (updated Nov 2021)

• 🌍 Jones Coffee Roasters, 693 S Raymond Ave (S. Raymond Ave. and E. California Blvd.). A great local coffee house that roasts its own beans on site! It is situated in an obscure but tastefully decorated warehouse. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and owners. On unspecified days they even have homemade tamales for sale. 

Pasadena has a wide range of hotels to accommodate all budgets. The full-service hotels tend to cluster around downtown Pasadena, which provides ready access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Pasadena also has motels in the eastern part of the city, some of which are along the Rose Parade route.

Hotels

• 🌍 Hilton Pasadena, 168 S. Los Robles Ave, ☏ +1 626 577-1000. Within walking distance of Old Pasadena. Features 296 rooms. Expensive Wi-Fi and breakfast ($19.95). Complimentary shuttle within 2 mi (3.2 km) of hotel. Complimentary swimming pool (updated Apr 2015)

• 🌍 The Langham Huntington, 1401 S. Oak Knoll, ☏ +1 626 568-3900. Built in 1907 when Pasadena was the prime destination for the affluent traveler, The Huntington is the last resort hotel left in town and is nestled in one of the more pristine residential parts of the town. Located on 23 acres (9.3 hectares) with historic ballrooms and gardens, a spa, award-winning dining, and 380 guestrooms. 
• 🌍 Courtyard Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town, 180 N. Fair Oaks Ave, ☏ +1 626 403-7600. Located in the heart of Old Pasadena with 314 rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. 
• 🌍 Sheraton Pasadena, 303 Cordova St, ☏ +1 626 449-4000. Features 311 rooms. Across from the shops and restaurants of Paseo Colorado. Free shuttle within 3 mi (4.8 km) of hotel. 
• 🌍 The Westin Pasadena, 191 N. Los Robles Ave, ☏ +1 626 792-2727. Features 350 rooms, outdoor pool, state-of-the-art workout facility, and Heavenly Beds. 

Motels

• 🌍 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasadena-Colorado Blvd., 3500 E. Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 626 792-1363. Features 81 rooms, Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and free hot Express Start Breakfast. 
• 🌍 Howard Johnson Pasadena, 1599 E. Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 626 304-9678. Features 60 rooms, free Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast. 
• 🌍 Greentree Pasadena Inn, 400 S. Arroyo Parkway, ☏ +1 626 795-8401. Free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. 
• 🌍 Travelodge by Wyndham Pasadena Central, 2131 E. Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 626 796-3121. On Rose Parade route. Free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. In-room refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. 
• 🌍 Ramada by Wyndham Pasadena, 2156 E. Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 626 793-9339. Features 75 rooms, elevator, pool, iPod docks, refrigerators, and Wi-Fi. Complimentary continental breakfast. On Rose Parade route. 
• 🌍 Rodeway Inn & Suites, 2860 E. Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 626 792-3700. Free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. 
• 🌍 Saga Motor Hotel, 1663 E. Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 626 795-0431. On Rose Parade route. Complimentary continental breakfast and parking, Wi-Fi and heated pool. 
• 🌍 Super 8 Motel, 2863 E. Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 626 449-3020. Free parking, deluxe breakfast, pool, cable TV, and refrigerator. 
• 🌍 Vagabond Inn Executive Pasadena, 1203 E. Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 626 449-3170, fax: +1 626 577-8873. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 

Much of the city of Pasadena is inhabited by students, professors, scientists, and many other kinds of professionals, and is generally very safe. During your visit, you will probably need to take only basic safety precautions. Most amenities for visitors can be found in and around the hotels and shopping districts, including Old Pasadena, Playhouse District and South Lake Avenue. These areas are all located south of the 210 Freeway. As with much of the Los Angeles area, however, there are areas that a visitor should be cautious about entering. In large measure, Northwest Pasadena should be approached with caution, as this is the heart of Pasadena's longstanding, and frequently violent, gang-related activity. Police and emergency services can be reached by calling 911. Pasadena also borders the 660,000 acres (270,000 hectares) Angeles National Forest, a wonderful place to explore if you are prepared. There are many hazards in the forest, however, including rattlesnakes. Also, summer heat can reach into the triple digits Fahrenheit (well above 38 degrees Celsius), so it is *critically* important to take plenty of water with you should you plan to hike in the forest. Stay on established trails and let others know where you are going.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where the Mars rovers are built, is also just a 10-minute drive north in La Cañada Flintridge and is sometimes open for tours.

Most visitors to the area will not want to miss the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, located in neighboring San Marino, which features a large art collection but is more famous for its 150 acres (61 hectares) of botanical gardens that have been used as a backdrop for many Hollywood films.

Drive to the northern end of Lake Avenue for a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Valley.

During Christmas time, see amazing light displays at: 1) the Balian House at about 2000 N. Allen and 2) Hastings Ranch (go north on Michillinda, about 1 mi (1.6 km) past Sierra Madre Blvd. and make a left; about a 1 sq mi (2.6 km²) of residents in the area decorate their properties!).

Enter the Eaton Canyon Nature Preserve just north of the intersection of Altadena and New York. Great hiking, and during the spring, a pretty good river to hike next to (though with the current years-long drought, assume nothing and inquire before hiking). Go far enough up and you will get to a waterfall that is well known to locals. Do not, however, attempt to climb to the "second waterfall." Believe the posted signs that there is *no* safe trail beyond the first waterfall.

Take the Metro A Line south to Downtown Los Angeles.

Nearby Alhambra, San Gabriel, and Monterey Park are home to some of the largest Chinese-speaking populations outside China and Taiwan. There you will find authentic restaurants specializing in dim sum, dumplings, roasted duck, and many other specialties of regional Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. A visit to any large Chinese supermarket in the area might be a treat (or shock) for the uninitiated.