We are all looking for ways to enjoy our leisure time without having to break the bank.
As many residents in and around Pasadena know Old Pasadena is great place to visit and enjoy both the everyday mellow and the hip and edgy types of lifestyles that living in Los Angeles has to offer.
As you stroll down Colorado Boulevard, you will be amazed at the sites you can take in with its historic architecture and brilliant designs. It is home to great shopping, ranging from a wide variety of both big name and specialty, boutique stores. Your nose will guide you in every direction following the sweet aromas of the numerous restaurants and sweet shops along the boulevard, there will be something for every palette and pocket book!
You never know what you may encounter. Throughout the year, there are numerous exhibits and shows of art, music, children activities, classic cars, and holiday events that take place. Located just minutes from the Rose Bowl Stadium, Old Town allows for a delightful day or evening waiting to unfold before you. Come down, take a walk and experience what the Old Pasadena Boulevard has in store for you.
UPDATE: Check out 365 Things To Do In Pasadena Facebook Fan Page that we started. Every day, a new activity is listed or a restaurant, business is featured. We hope that you will find it useful!
Here are some activities to engage in while you are in Pasadena:
Behold! The Wrigley Mansion Tournament House. This is where the annual rose parade planning takes place!
Does the name Wrigley sound familiar? It should, this house was once owned by chewing gum pioneer William Wrigley Jr. The home was built between 1906 and 1914, this home is fascinating reminder of Pasadena’s early years when it was one of the the many grand estates along South Orange Grove Boulevard.
After the passing of Mrs. Wrigley in 1958, the home along with the surrounding land was donated by the Wrigley family to the city of Pasadena with the stipulation that it would be used as the Tournament of Roses permanent headquarters.
The interior of the home features exotic wood paneling, marble staircases and fireplaces and crystal light fixtures. Highlights of the home include a one-of-a-kind Waterford rose bowl commissioned for the centennial of the Tournament of Roses; and the formal portrait of the reigning Rose Queen. Also exhibited are crowns and tiaras worn by former Rose Queens and Princesses along with Rose Bowl related trophies and memorabilia. These dynamic features provide a truly majestic setting for the activities of the Tournament of Roses Association.
Outside of the home the Centennial Rose Garden features roses developed especially for the Tournament’s Centennial. Surrounding the home are the Wrigley Gardens, which display a 41/2 acre floral spectacular of more than 1,500 varieties of roses, camellias and annuals.
The house closes to the public in September, as it gets busy with the staff and volunteers gearing up for New Year’s Day.
Public tours of the Tournament House are offered between the months of February and August every Thursday 2-4 p.m. For additional information please call 626.449.4100
How about a Farmer’s Market?
Searching for the perfect ingredients to fill your crock pot? The Victory Park Farmers Market offers a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables straight from California Farmers directly to you!
There is also a variety of plants that are sold there as well. The Farmers market takes place every Saturday morning from 8:30a.m. – 12:30 p.m. rain or shine! (The only time the Farmers Market does not take place is when the Tournament of Roses Floats are on display).
Location address: 2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, 91107
For additional information please call 626.449.0179.
Pasadena Ice Skating
Whether it’s time to start thinking about Hot Chocolate and Caroling or we are experiencing a scorching heat wave, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center can be your perfect pit stop. Head down and enjoy a couple of passes on the ice. This is a great way to get out and try something new, it is sure to be fun for you and anyone you decide to bring along!
It is centrally located between Old Pasadena and Paseo Colorado (right behind the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center) so your fun doesn’t have to end when you leave the ice.
Location address: 310 E. Green St. Pasadena, 91101
General Admission $7.00 Skate rental $3.00
For additional information, please call 626.578.0800.
Paseo Colorado – for your outdoors shopping and entertainment:
Escape the world of your day-to-day and explore the land of Paseo Colorado. This out door pavilion is home to Luxury living, exotic dining, wine tasting with an accompaniment of soothing sounds and an assortment of shops for you to peer into. Don’t forget to stop by the sweet factories and a theater for any of the live action or romantic comedies you’ve wanted to take in.
Often times in the grand pavilion there is live entertainment. During the summer it is home to outdoor concerts that feature jazz, swing and salsa music. The chalk festival takes place annually and is totally amazing.
During the holiday seasons there is usually an array of festive activities hosted there. You won’t know what you will encounter until you take a trip out to Paseo for yourself!
The Playhouse District
Hear ye, Hear ye… The Pasadena Playhouse District will get you out of your routine and into a life of Comedy and Drama.
The Playhouse District is home to The Pasadena Play House, the Theatre@Boston Court, The Pasadena Museum of California Art and much more!
The Ice House and our unique Laemmle Theatres
Looking for a different form of entertainment? Head on over to the Ice House where you will be sure to laugh your socks off! If you are wanting to just head out and catch a movie the Laemmle Playhouse 7 Theatre offers an eccentric choice of movies to choose from.
Along with the delightful dining and an eclectic array of boutiques and bookstores along the boulevard you shall be pleased to have embarked on this journey in Pasadena!
Additional Fun Activities Around Pasadena:
The Bowers Kidseum – offers various programs and activities for kids.
California Science Center – offers various education and family programs including IMAX and fun lab activities.
Discovery Science Center – check out their calendar of events especially for Halloween!
Kidspace Children’s Museum – Pasadena’s very own children’s museum. I love their mini grocery store where kids can play the cashier and check out items that their friends purchase. A cool place to go and a great place for birthday parties!
Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific – Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.
Los Angeles Zoo – always fun to visit with the animals. And, don’t forget to take the kids on the mini train ride in Griffith Park next, right next to the zoo.
Medieval Times – where else can you find Knights and dinner all at the same place?
The La Brea Tar Pits – very cool place… get to experience the real tar pits, smells and all.
Santa Monica Pier – always fun for a day’s getaway!
Our goal is that we have unlocked new adventures for you to take so that you may enjoy the simple pleasures that surround you. We hope that you will share with us what you find on your little trips of discovery…we are anxious to learn what you have gained from the lovely Pasadena city in which our lives and business thrive.
READ MORE: 365 Things To Do In Pasadena California
