• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Norton Simon Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Norton Simon Museum
© Norton Simon Museum

2. Huntington Library and Gardens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
Huntington Library and Gardens
© Courtesy of wolterke - Fotolia.com

3. The Gamble House

The Gamble House
© The Gamble House

4. Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena
© Courtesy of angeldibilio - Fotolia.com

5. Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
© Courtesy of atgc_01 - Fotolia.com

6. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Category: Activities
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
© Natalia/stock.adobe.com

7. Eaton Canyon Nature Center

Category: Activities
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
© Courtesy of Kit Leong - Fotolia.com

8. Kidspace Children's Museum

Category: Kids & Family
Kidspace Children's Museum
© Kidspace Children's Museum

9. USC Pacific Asia Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
USC Pacific Asia Museum
© USC Pacific Asia Museum

10. Rose Bowl Stadium

Category: Entertainment
Rose Bowl Stadium
© Rose Bowl Stadium

11. City Hall

City Hall
© Courtesy of Kit Leong - Fotolia.com

12. Pasadena Symphony and POPS

Category: Entertainment
Pasadena Symphony and POPS
© Pasadena Symphony and POPS

13. Pasadena Museum of History

Category: Museums & Culture
Pasadena Museum of History
© Pasadena Museum of History

14. Playhouse District

Category: Entertainment
Playhouse District
© Courtesy of Earl Robbins - Fotolia.com

15. Celestino Ristorante and Bar

Category: Food & Drink
Celestino Ristorante and Bar
© Celestino Ristorante and Bar

16. Carmela Ice Cream

Category: Kids & Family
Carmela Ice Cream
© Carmela Ice Cream

17. Carnegie Observatories, Pasadena, CA

Carnegie Observatories, Pasadena, CA
© Carnegie Observatories

18. Armory Center for the Arts

Category: Attractions
Armory Center for the Arts
© Armory Center for the Arts

19. Pasadena Ice Skating Center

Category: Attractions
Pasadena Ice Skating Center
© Pasadena Ice Skating Center

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

The 9th largest city in Los Angeles County, Pasadena is a haven for visitors who enjoy sports, the arts, or the sciences. The city is known for many things; from the annual Rose Bowl football game to the California Institute of Technology, there are numerous landmarks that make Pasadena a great vacation spot for the entire family. The Southern Californian city is also known for the Tournament of Roses Parade, an annual event held since 1890 to showcase creative floats made with flowers and greenery.

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