Pasadena

Housing one of the most remarkable private art collections, the Norton Simon Museum has artwork and artifacts collected by industrialist Norton Simon from the early 1900s onward. There are over 12,000 objects in the permanent collection at the museum, and visitors are privy to view over 1,000 of them on display in the galleries or the sculpture garden.

The museum hosts many classes, programs, and lectures, meaning visitors can take up a drawing class or an art-making workshop. Some of the more celebrated works include the Branchini Madonna by Giovanni di Paolo, Portrait of a Boy by Rembrandt van Rijn, and Mulberry Tree by Vincent van Gogh.

411 West Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105-1825, 626-449-6840

Founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington, The Huntington Library and Gardens is an ode to the three things Henry loved: books, art, and gardens.

The art collection is scattered throughout three galleries on the Huntington grounds, and it is one of the most comprehensive collections with 18th to 19th century British, French, and American art.

After viewing the marvelous pieces on display, visitors can then wander into the 120-acre botanical gardens that have an ever-changing exhibition of color – Henry H. started the garden with an array of plants from around the world, and visitors can now see them in the Desert Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, or the Chinese Garden.

1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108, 626-405-2100

The Gamble House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978, and rightfully so. The house takes visitors on a journey to 1908, when architects Charles and Henry Greene furnished and designed the house for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company.

Architecture aficionados will appreciate the outstanding model of American arts-and-crafts style architecture that the house displays. Visitors can enjoy one-hour docent-led tours on Thursday to Sunday from noon onwards, and there are also specialty tours available for those who want a more focused tour of the house, its furnishings, and architecture.

4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, CA 91103, 626-793-3334

If you are looking for an authentic historic downtown experience, Old Pasadena will not disappoint. The diverse city is ten miles from downtown LA and is filled with numerous activities for adults and kids; museums, galleries, movies, restaurants, and shopping are abundant in the area.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the many scheduled musical and outdoor events that occur throughout the year such as the Old Pasadena Food Tasting Tour or one of the many street exhibitions. Combining old world charm and modern convenience, visitors can shop in a combination of over 200 specialty boutiques or national retailers.

23 E. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91105, 626-356-9725

Managed by Caltech for NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for the construction of robotic spacecraft, astronomy missions, and many deep space projects. Some of these include the famed Mars Science Laboratory, the Curiosity rover, and the NuSTAR X-ray telescope.

Visitors are invited to tour the facilities, but reservations must be made in advance. Live demonstrations of JPL science and technology, a multimedia presentation, the von Karman Visitor Center, and a tour of the Space Flight Operations facility and Spacecraft Assembly Facility are all part of the two and a half hour tour.

4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA 91109, 818-354-4321

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is the only surviving example of Japanese landscape design by the legendary Kinzuchi Fujii, who created many Japanese gardens across California in the early 20th century. Carefully positioned on 2 acres of land, the garden is the epitome of beauty and serenity. There are several ponds and a 15 foot waterfall to admire as you stroll through the garden to visit the formal Tea House. These days the gardens are mostly used as a wedding or event venue but they do host open days and are open to the public on weekends provided that you register online.

270 Arlington Drive, Pasadena, CA 91105, 626 399 1721

Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, the a class="ref1" href="https://parks.lacounty.gov/eaton-canyon-natural-area-and-nature-center/" target="_blank">Eaton Canyon Nature Center is a great place to spend the day immersed in nature; visitors of all ages can come explore the 7,600 square-foot building and the surrounding 190 acres of zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve that it sits on.

Explore the streams, rocks and minerals, native plants, habitats, and the wildlife in the surrounding area. The center itself is filled with fascinating exhibits and displays, as well as live animals. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and equestrian trails, and there is a staging area and picnic area available for use. Tours and scheduled walks are also available.

1750 N. Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107, 626-398-5420

Launched in 1979 at Caltech, the Kidspace Children's Museum is a place for children to be inspired and release their creativity through an informal, hands-on educational approach. With over 200,000 guests annually, the museum is filled with exhibits and hosts events and programs, allowing visitors to unleash their imagination.

Some of the exhibits include the Arroyo Adventure garden, the Stone Hollow Amphitheater, and the Galvin Physics Forest. Art, nature, science – everything is a go at the Kidspace Children’s Museum. Some of their more popular features include the Kidspace Critters area, which houses a live collection of reptiles and bugs, and the Imagination Workshop, where kids can discover the inner workings of everyday objects.

4 80 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103, 626-449-9144