The 32 best things to do with kids in Pasadena

My kids love going here. We have a family membership and love going any chance we get. Any time we go, there’s always something fun to do. It never gets old. Most of the time we stay till closing. I love that the theme changes every so often. Halloween and Christmas are really fun themes there. The water creek is also very fun in the summer and those perfect sunny Cali days. There’s plenty of things to do. There’s an inside area for play, creativity, and exploration. The outside area is for play, imagination, and exploring. My kids’ favorite area is the bike area. They get to ride on tricycles. There’s a smaller play and bike area for the little 4 and under next to it. They can play in water, ride on smaller tricycles, go on a small slide, and play with hands on activities.

I grew up going here , so now I take my daughter, nieces and nephews. Staff is always so kind. I went on a really hot day, but rest assured you can buy cold drinks/food at fair prices ( cheaper than most museums/amusement parks). They also have water fountains throughout the museum and a little pond where kids can get wet. Just make sure to pack extra clothes. I was also pleasantly surprised when my nephew lost his iPhone and it was turned in to the lost and found. For people like myself who are parents and get social anxiety, the crowds tend to be smaller than fairs or amusement parks which is a plus. My daughter loves the craft room and all the interactive exhibits.

This was our first time going and it was so much fun. There is so much to do! It’s definitely an all day event. The children loved it. We will be back. There is a splash water spot towards the back of the property. So bring a change of clothes. In that area there is no bathrooms close by. It is a walk back towards the front to use the bathroom. We stopped in an area where the kids can play real life gardening and kitchen and grocery store. So the kids can farm their own food and they can pay for their items. There is a spot where the kids can ride bikes on a real race track! It was so much fun. There are a few indoor activities where the kids and be an archeologist. The kids can walk down the stairs and climb up a real tunnel. There is a craft area for the kids. There is a climbing area, I recommend the kids going up. It gets kinda tight going to the top as an adult. There is a restaurant or cafe on the property but we didn’t stay to eat. So I’m not sure what they offer.

Great place to take your kids! Although it is catered more towards older toddlers and above. I would say kids 3 and up would have more fun exploring but you can still take the younger ones so they can look around and interact with some stuff 🙂 There’s a little water area that kids can go in during the hot weather so I would recommend taking some swimwear for them! So much to do here!

It was alright. I went on a cooler day, there was a lot of kids so it just felt really crowded and hard to keep track of mine in the crowds. A couple of their exhibits didn’t work or were too busy with kids to actually do anything in them. The whole water area smelled like raw sewage so we ended up leaving it extremely early on. Favorite part was the man & woman at the sing along. I’d rather go to a place that has more than 1 station per exhibit.

Taking your kids to this place for couple hours, everyday if you want, could very well be a better alternative than going all day to hectic, stressful and expensive Disneyland for just one day. You could choose to pay for a yearly membership to avoid paying per visit. This place is loaded with many fun activities, including tricycle rides. The tricycle rides wait time could be long on weekends. Well organized and attentive staff. Kids will have beautiful and lasting memories.

A beautiful friendly environment. I can spend all day there with my daughter. There's a ton of stuff to do for adults and children to stay entertained. This is my one of my favorite places to take my daughter for the whole day.

I’ve been here several times. Although it’s called a library, it actually feels more like a botanical garden — the area is huge. If you really enjoy wandering slowly and taking your time, you can easily spend the whole day here. I recommend reserving their afternoon tea; the atmosphere of sitting by the rose garden, sipping tea, and chatting is perfect for family gatherings, friends, or bringing kids along. My favorite part is the Chinese Garden — it’s incredibly similar to those in Suzhou, and it also reminds me a lot of Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai. Currently, the ticket price is about $29 on weekdays and $34 on weekends, which is a bit pricey, but they do offer one free admission day every month.

It never gets boring. No matter which time of the year, the garden has a priceless beauty. I personally like the wilder areas more than the highly architectural ones. Alltogether, this is always a nice showcase to take out-of-town guests, who typically as a little plus indulge in the store at the end of the day. PREVIOUS REVIEW 2 Such a beautiful place, particularly now in the spring when everything starts to blossom. Since my last visit (before Covid), several sections have been expanded, eg the Chinese Garden, and others are under construction. The Huntington remains a super fav! PREVIOUS REVIEW 1 What do the Huntington Library, the beach, and High Sierra (e.g. Mammoth) have in common? The incredible display of nature that make each one of them an irreplaceable ingredient for L.A. quality of life. No matter how full it is, there is always the inevitable peace to rebalance from the day-to-day stress. The richness of conjoined plants with their wilderness, beauty, danger, independence, and durability that spans decades and centuries but observes subtle human-made changes puts many things into perspective. And its beauty is simply relaxing… P.S. … never regretted the membership … (Originally posted by me on yelp)

Absolutely amazing experience. We went for our wedding anniversary and it was worth the money. We did the free tour around the grounds, plus we went through two of the museums and lots of the gardens. Our favorite was probably the rose gardens and the subtropical area but all of it was really pretty in it's own way. We will be back with our mother's soon. 😁

Absolutely brilliant visit today. The weather was perfect — warm but not too sunny — and there is plenty of shade throughout the gardens, which makes wandering the trails comfortable and relaxing. Accessibility was great as well. The pathways are wheelchair-friendly, and it’s easy to navigate between most of the major garden areas without feeling limited. One important note: buy tickets ahead of time. They can sell out for the day, especially on weekends or during special events, so planning ahead will save you the trouble. If it’s your first time, the must-see highlights are: • The Chinese Garden – peaceful water views, beautiful architecture • The Japanese Garden – serene paths, koi ponds, and iconic landscaping • The Rose Garden – colorful, fragrant, and perfect for photos It’s the kind of place you can spend hours exploring without even realizing it. A stunning and well-maintained escape in the middle of the city — highly recommend for locals and visitors alike.

I have been wanting to come here for a long time! Had to buy tickets online as it was a holiday and guess they are needed for Friday's, Saturday's and Sundays. Went right away in the morning and spent over 4.5 hours here! At over 100 plus acres and 16 themed gardens there is a lot of walking involved. Galleries to enjoy, gift shop ,tea house, cafés and more. Gardens included desert, Japanese, Australian, jungle, roses and many more. There was a cute water play area for children. I saw tram shuttle for people that wanted a ride back as some places are far away from the entrance and it got very warm. Definitely worth the price to see this beautiful place!

I can not wait to visit the museum and gardens again. I attended later in the day so I did not have enough time to spend in every garden but the taste I got on my first visit was a dream. There is nature everywhere. So many beautiful varieties of plants and flowers. Some of which I have never seen before. I spent most of my time in the gift shop and really had to hold back not spending too much money. It is well organized and caters to all lifestyles. The passionfruit vegan chocolate bar is thee best chocolate I have had. The Huntington is an amazing place to go alone, on a date or with family and friends. Perfect place for writing or people watching as well. They have free first Thursdays and if you own an EBT Calfresh card you will receive a discount. I was not too impressed with the food in the cafeteria area. There were tons of people getting food, tea and coffee. I was able to put a vegan meal together at the bowl place but the food was cold. The hot water spout for tea was not working so the guy on the other side had to give us hot water from the bar which was scolding hot. I thought to myself how dangerous that could be if I did not double my cup sleeve. The grab and go section was good. Fruit was super fresh and there was an area with desserts also. After I nibbled I walked until closing basically. After some time the people at the table are gone and you can just walk through to whatever garden you want but really it's only about 30 minutes before closing. Please visit. It a dream place to be.

This place is magical. The grounds are breathtaking. The cafe food is delicious and reasonable. The galleries have some amazing works of art, including The Blue boy. They had a live performance of traditional Chinese music in the Chinese gardens on the day I visited. It was lovely, surrounded by a body of water with plants, flowers, and rockery. We were there for about 2.5 hours and barely saw 10% of what’s available. Will definitely return.

big museum with lots of unique art; paintings and sculptures. i enjoyed especially van gogh’s art and all the catholic art with Mother Mary or the Saints. also it was free admission for students! and they had a little cafe where i got a soda. i would recommend a visit here.

This museum may be small in size, but the sheer amount of art is staggering. Degas, Renoir, Picasso, Rembrandt, are just a few of the big names here. I came to see one specific painting, but made sure to visit every single part of the building. The outdoor sculpture garden is under construction but the interior alone was worth the visit. Tickets were only $20! I wish I had more time - there are lots of benches and the artwork is hung in a way that really lends to stepping back and contemplating. I’ve spent hundreds of hours in huge museums, but this museum, with its smaller footprint was so much more impactful. Cannot recommend the Norton Simon Museum enough!

Amazing experience! Prob one the best Los Angeles county area museums we have been too. The layout works very well, and even though the parking lot is full, you do not feel crowded or rushed inside. There are essentially four long corridors of European centric art/sculptures on the entry floor; two more modern works/eras (Van Gough, Picasso, Monet, etc.), and the other two corridors filled with earlier period artist and works. On the lower floor a pretty amazing SE Asian exhibit. Also below is the outdoor cafe! Sculpture garden is amazing, but was closed when we were there for renovations. Despite the construction work, no real issue or impact on our time there. Parking lot is free, and even when busy seems to do the trick well! Highly recommend this spot! It is very close to the Pasadena Colorado hub (great food, shopping, etc.).

I am a member and enjoy visiting regularly. As an artist, it’s quite inspiring to view the master’s works to improve my art. Such amazing inspiration in the most beautiful setting!

The Norton Simon Museum is such a gem, it’s intimate, and incredibly well curated. The collection is fabulous, with an impressive range that includes European masterpieces, modern works, and stunning South and Southeast Asian art. Each gallery is thoughtfully arranged, allowing the art to really shine without feeling overwhelming. The sculpture garden is also a highlight—lush, serene, and the perfect place to pause and reflect. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a serious art lover, this museum offers a truly enriching experience. A must-visit in Pasadena!

It is not a small museum at all. There’s so much to enjoy and especially if you like the arts from Impressionism they have great arts from that era. Should definitely check out.

totally in love with the art museum… art pieces of Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, Edgar, Monet, Manet and more can be found here! such an amazing experience and we will definitely visit again when we pass by the area :) recommended 🌟🌟🌟

This place is due for renovation. They also need to figure out a better way in and out of the GA field. Those tiny tunnels need to be wider. Have a plan to get in and out of the stadium itself as parking on golf course is stacked and shuttle can take forever due to long lines.

I saw Oasis Live '25 here. The concert was amazing. The acoustics were good and there are a lot of food and drink options at the venue. The negatives - like others have said, the seating is very close together and not the most comfortable. I mean, it's stadium seating, so sitting and even standing isn't great. The line to get into the concert was very long and I got there pretty early. My biggest gripe however is the outrageous charge for parking, $75.

My grandson really wanted to see Oasis. Now, they don't tour often so I was stuck getting the only show in town, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I knew it would sell out and I knew the seats would not be very good, but for what I paid they should have been much better. The prices were outrageous. Many venues have upped their food game, but not here. It was the same junk you might find at a circus. It was very pricey and none of it was good. We were very disappointed. Parking is a bear and if you are disabled, well that is too bad. They have very few spots. You have to get there at least 3 hours early just to get in, get food and get merch. They don't have enough places to get merch so be ready to wait in line an hour just to do that. Then there is the fun of finding your seats with staff who have no idea where you are to go and just point. It took us 20 minutes to find our super expensive seats which were really bad. We had a fight break out in front of us and no security was to be found. We had to make them stop ourselves. The place is old, not kept up and it is sad. It used to be nice. I will go back if forced by my grandson because what he says goes and he has plans. I would be happy to never see the place again. The sound is terrible, you can't see and it is too loud. It is just bad.

I had a good time at the music concert I went to at the Rose Bowl. It is a classic, historic stadium. The sound was great. The negatives of this as a venue are 1) there aren’t enough bathrooms - the lines were VERY LONG for both men and women and 2) the seats are very close to each other - there is very little elbow room to move around.

Taking the Private tour Given to our school was incredible! The Rose bowl is historic in so many levels. Its over 100yrs old and the traditions stay the same. Our Wonderful and Insightful Tour Guide Joe Fehrenbach did an outstanding Job of telling us the stories and history of such a historic site. He took us to the Press booth, the Private Club House, the Locker Rooms, the Memorabilia rooms. Wow!! And the tour ended ended with an excellent video that summed up all the nostalgia of the Rose Bowl! This place is is California Gold! Dont miss it! Book your tour, you'll love it. Thanks Again Joe! Cheers and GOD Bless!

My wife and I attended the Oasis Live 25 Reunion Concert on Saturday the 6th of September and we weren't unhappy with any aspect of the concert experience: parking was excellent, people were friendly, staff was helpful, and the venue, historic. They know how to take care of 90,000 + during any event. Go. 🥰🤩❤️

I had a great time with my husband and we had amazing seats. What a great place the employees were wonderful. My husband had a scooter because he has a broken foot and they were so help and accommodating. I just wanted to give everyone who was so kind a shout-out. Thank you!

Such a beautiful house as a museum, been there 20 years ago. It's nice to revisit after these years. The house is well kept over the years. I joined as a member since I am a local, will revisit regularly. Remember to RSVP for private tours.

A bucket list of mine to finally get to see. The guides are very knowledgeable and the history of the house and inhabitants’s is fascinating. I like how they stagger the tours so you don’t feel rushed. Limited parking out front.

Very, very impressive home, very well preserved. Tour guide was excellent, very well trained and passionate about this Art & Crafts gem. It is rather dark in certain areas, but the guide uses a flash light. The gardens are really special as well. The garage has special design elements as well, and currently used as offices, public rest rooms & staff offices. If you love fine wood working, it’s a must-see! Buy tickets ahead of time.

An absolute gem in Pasadena! The Gamble House isn’t just an architectural masterpiece it’s also Doc Brown’s house from Back to the Future. Come for the movie nostalgia, and stay for the stunning Craftsman architecture and gorgeous, peaceful grounds. Every detail of the home is a tribute to fine craftsmanship and design. Whether you’re a film buff or a fan of historic architecture, this place is a must-visit!

I was excited to go here and disappointed by the austerity of it. Not much in terms of history, the docents had trouble answering questions, and while it was interesting, I thought for the wealth and influence the Ganbles had in 1800s and 1900s and even today, the decrease and design were uninspiring. Though the premises were outstanding.

If nothing else, go for the architecture. A beautifully built home showing the arts & crafts style of the early 20th century...

Unbelievably stunning! A beautiful time capsule of art deco architecture and furnishings. Tour was very thorough with ample time for questions.

Bobby & Curtis of NASA were so helpful, educated, inspiring on the JPL visit. They explained the science history and details of JPL relative to other NASA hubs. I really appreciate walk to the mars rover, rocket lab and more! Brandon of Emerging LA & Sunset Ventures was my host - thanks for coordinating the group! I used to live at NASA Moffett in Mountain View, near Google in 2016 when I was a Google Scholar for AI research on self driving cars / machine vision via Dr. Ray Kurzweil’s collab with NASA So messed to be inspired by Science again —- #ScienceIsReal I post mostly on @LunaOfLA my STEM adventures

If NASA is the cool kid who goes to space parties, JPL is the nerdy friend who actually gets them there on time and does their math homework for fun. Walking around JPL feels like being in a sci-fi movie where the budget went into brains instead of costumes. Everyone’s casually working on “side projects” like landing a robot on Mars or figuring out how to fly helicopters in thin atmospheres, while I can barely get my Wi-Fi router to connect. Their gift shop? Unreal. Where else can you buy socks with Mars rovers on them and feel like you’re supporting interplanetary exploration instead of your sock drawer? The only downside: zero chance of getting recruited as an astronaut. JPL doesn’t send people into space…they send machines. So unless you can download yourself into a rover, best you can do is admire from Earth while Perseverance lives your dream. Overall, 10/10 would trust them to babysit my child, my dog, and definitely my satellite.

I’ve been to JPL twice—once was to get a tour from a friend who worked there, another to attend one of the “official” JPL tours with a guide employed by JPL (event pictured). Our tour guide was FANTASTIC and such great charisma and attitude the entire 2.5-hour tour. He was great, and as someone who works in the guiding industry, I really appreciated his performance. The tour begins with a movie about JPL—its mission and flagship satellites and science, a tour of the visitor’s center, and some great photo opps with scale models of Explorer-1, Voyager, and Cassini. There’s also a little aerogel cube which I thought was super cool. Next, we headed over to the high bay to see the clean room where they assemble spacecraft. ASTHROS is pictured in my review. The final stop on the tour was the Mission Control room where the Deep Space Network is monitored. There are three sites to monitor data from missions beyond the orbit of our moon (e.g., JWST, Juno, Voyager 1,2, etc.) at Goldstone, Madrid, and Canberra. We got the story of the “lucky peanuts” and could even see the mission command center which is broadcast LIVE during rover missions (the scenes of all the scientists high-fiving come from that room!) My only point of constructive feedback is that it would have been nice to spend more time at the clean room view and look at some of the exhibits/displays there. I think because our group was so large (30+), we had to rush a bit between stopping points. Otherwise, this was a 10/10 experience. It’s such a privilege to get to see the amazing work and science being done at JPL!

If you can score a tour here it's amazing! Exceeded expectations. Operations center was really modern, they have spacecraft models everywhere and there's always active work going on

The Public Services Office at JPL offers free public tours where visitors will get up close to scale models of Voyager, Cassini, Galileo, Opportunity, Perseverance, and many others. The tour also stops at the Space Flight Operations Facility where visitors get a great view of the Charles Elachi Mission Control Center where data is received from and commands are transmitted to the active missions across our solar system. At the last stop of the tour, visitors will get a glimpse of the Spacecraft Assembly Facility where robotic spacecraft are assembled.

"To gain authorization to visit JPL Pasadena is a dream come true, a touch to the past, and a road map into the future. It is both an honor and an energy transfer of motivation for more potential energy. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida is amazing and chalk full of information that's ideal for your average tourist but Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Pasadena is the real deal, the 0,0 coordinate for all things epic in our culture, our technology, and our species. I hope to return again, to contribute to this amazing future of ours, to build with giants. Everyone needs to see this, to see our future unfold and feel the gravity of contributions that can propel us to great new heights."

I’ve had the pleasure to visit JPL a few times over the years. It’s amazing that such engineering feats and scientific discoveries have been made so close to home. As an outsider to engineering and tech, this campus goes out of its way to welcome guests and employees alike with captivating exhibits and thorough, easy to read signage and explanations. The employees are thoughtful and interesting characters to say the least…if you know one, try having them host you for a private tour. I need to come back for one of their regularly hosted outreach talks and other public events. As they say in the space community, Ad Astra!

This is an amazing museum. The main exhibit was closed when I went but they said it would be back up in the fall. However, they have a very nice outdoor exhibit and kids area aswell.

Most of it is under renovation so I only got to enjoy the central courtyard and Silk Road exhibit. The tranquil garden is free with two lovely ponds. It even as storms from lake Tai, makong me nostalgic for the bike rides and trail runs near that lake. The building itself is reminiscent of courtyards with stone stairwells in eastern China. The Silk Road exhibit is excellent and any child can spend an entire afternoon with interactive activities and real artifacts. It’s always a bit of a misnomer though as the horse is what drew sellers and buyers in Europe and Asia together through trading routes. I look forward to visiting when everything is done in the fall.

Quaint Museum in the heart of Pasadena!!! Very accessible and they have a good sized parking lot north of the building and the entrance is on Los Robles. Now to the exhibits; although limited, they are beautifully curated. Think about a smaller version of the big museums although they’re featuring only the “bigger” countries in Asia. Currently, there is a special exhibit about “Dismantling Orientalism” which about presenting the Orient not from the stereotypical eyes of the West which I believe presents a fresher and more accurate take on the subject. I’d like to affirm and thank Grace Nicholson for her vision in making this place available to all. Plan to spend an hour before hitting the dining spots in the area. I also recommend spending a few minutes in their garden and appreciate the architecture.

Only one exhibit at this time. Garden area with Bonsai and Koi pond is beautiful and relaxing.

Terrific selection of art and divided up by regions for the permanent collection. I really appreciate the hands on and interactive exhibits as well. Beautiful courtyard area and plenty of parking. Very pleasantly surprised by the quality of art in the newer collections. Attaching some of my favorite pieces of art I saw there. There is a free entry day each month. I think it's the second Sunday. Their gift shop had a really nice selection of goods.

I wasn't happy because I had planned to go to this museum for a long time and had often looked at the website. I even emailed at one point to ask if I needed to get tickets in advance. They responded promptly, but never mentioned that the galleries would be closed in August. I didn't discover the closure until I'd driven all the way to Pasadena. When I complained that the closure wasn't on the website, they pointed out that it was there if you click all the way through to "visit" and read the description. Anyway, the building and the courtyard are cool.

Parking: free (at least on Sunday), they have the lot on the corner. Plenty of space then. Entry: check online. Free once a month on Sunday. Beautiful building, tiny koi pond, great for pictures. One section is contemporary art that is only tangentially Asian (usually they have Asian heritage). The permanent exhibits are amazing, some very old, and well crafted.

Really cool ice skating rink. It gets a little crowded but it's still very much enjoyable. Prices are pretty good $10 for 2 hours. There are snack machines, but not actual food. It's a relatively clean place. After about an hour the ice gets pretty choppy, so it gets a little harder to skate on. Overall it's very fun.

Great ice rink with tons of classes and clubs. It’s real busy on the weekends, especially after the classes get out, but hours are flexible enough that you can go weekdays and evenings for a less crowded experience. I took adult skating classes there and hope to take adult hockey classes, but haven’t been able to because they’re only offered one night a week on a weekday. PLEASE offer adult hockey on the weekend!!!

I think this was my first time ice skating. It was fun! Sometimes people are in the way, but it wasn't bad. I would go back again.

Highly recommend you take the family for your skating activities. Friendly and helpful staff. You can even have someone teach you. Overall we enjoyed our visit and recommend you give them a try when you’re in the neighborhood.

Hollywood Curling club was awesome. Who knew it took so much time and work to prepare the ice rink for a curling match. Cameron, is an excellent instructor. My class had a mixed group from “date night” to “better than bowling” or “Game of Thrones is over need a new hobby”. My team scored closest to button, not bad for a two hour lesson. Highly recommend for under $30.00.

Went to the Pasadena rink for a curling class at 10pm with musicians from the Pasadena Community Orchestra and its conductor. Good instructor and lots of fun on the ice, with a few falls too. Fun group outing!!

Awesome place all across from Staff, Cleanliness, Atmosphere etc... Go ahead and treat yourself to a fulfilled time, You won't be disappointed

Great bookstore! There are two levels with all of your typical book sections. There is also a wine bar inside and a coffee shop attached. There is a fun game section divided up into different ages for younger kids or family fun. There is also a great stationary area with all kinds of different calligraphy, inks and pens. Upstairs, there is an area with greeting cards as well. There are a lot of cool gifts scattered throughout the stacks of books. If you are in the area, it is definitely a fun bookshop to check out.

This is an excellent bookstore with a historical marker, time capsule inside. I like the way it flows around and upstairs it is a great place to look around and shop. There is an elevator for those who need it, or just want to avoid stairs. Stickers, hats, clothing and gift cards if you just can't find the right gift. Parking excellent. Clean bathrooms. Simple food options for snacking.

Good library right on Colorado. Reminds me a lot of a bigger Barnes & Noble. Workers weren't too friendly, but to be fair, I did come here before going to the gym, and my attire showed it, lol. There's no Spanish books section like in most Barnes & Noble (or at least I wasn't able to find it). There is also a kiosk with magazines right on the right side entrance of it.

It's easy to see why Vroman's is a Pasadena institution - they have a great selection of books and stationary. The whole place feels classy and elevated just like you would expect from a 130 year old bookstore and all of the employees were very friendly and knowledgeable. They also had most of the authors I went looking for and several nice special editions. A bit expensive overall but a really lovely place to peruse and discover new stories.

Vroman’s is pure soul food for anyone who still believes in real bookstores. This place isn’t just about buying a book — it’s about getting lost in aisles that actually feel like they care about what they’re selling. Staff is sharp, passionate, and actually loves books — you can feel it. The selection is deep: everything from hard-to-find poetry collections to new releases to badass little journals and weird gifts you didn’t know you needed. Upstairs café vibe is chill too — perfect for flipping through a fresh find over a coffee. Easily one of the last great independent bookstores standing tall. Five stars without even thinking twice.

The best bookstore in my opinion. They have such a great selection and if you can't find what you are looking for they order it for you and it arrives promptly. Also the books related shopping is great. Love the assortment of stationery, totes, pushies, cards, crystals, decor. I literally can spend hours there.

Huge book store with dedicated parking for patrons. It was crowded but that's a good thing. There's also a very well appointed pen shop inside with a huge selection of fountain pens and inks, which was a nice surprise

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pasadena City Hall Pasadena City Hall is a masterpiece. With its grand architecture, soaring arches, and elegant details, it feels cinematic — like something out of a classic film. Weddings and engagement sessions here are always timeless, and the light that pours into the courtyard makes portraits feel luminous and refined. It’s an iconic backdrop that gives couples a gallery full of sophistication and style. ✨ If Pasadena City Hall is your dream wedding location, I’d love to create timeless, elegant photographs to match its beauty.

This is an ICONIC building here in our city, so I'll try to do it justice with an AI-slop-free review. I have lived here in Pasadena since mid 2022 and I've had the pleasure of driving by and even occasionally visit this monument to good Mediterranean Revival architecture (I did have to look that up, I admit, lol). This famed City Hall has been in Parks And Recreation (unpopular opinion: both The Office and Parks & Rec were made by the same team, but Parks & Rec is the superior sitcom), Big Bang Theory, and Parenthood. There's a large water fountain once to go in. There are towers you can go up through, to be able to get a better view of the city. Nice touristy spot, even for us local that live 3 minutes away from it, lol.

I recently photographed an engagement session at Pasadena City Hall, and it’s truly one of the most elegant and diverse photo locations in Los Angeles. The European-style architecture, open courtyard and gardens, and warm natural light create a timeless backdrop for engagement and wedding photography. Every corner offers a unique composition — from grand arches to quiet garden paths. It’s a place that feels both romantic and cinematic. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a photo permit to shoot here, but it’s absolutely worth it for such a stunning location.

It’s one of the best place to visit in Pasadena. Beautifully representing the historic architecture. Amazing architectural views . So many photo shots are happening here . Best views to take pictures . Peaceful place for evening walk and enjoy architectural work.1927 built

My favorite spot!!! Gorgous location for portraits! Sooo many areas to walk around inside and outside of city hall.

The Pasadena City Hall is a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

Breathtaking city hall, whenever I walk in Pasadena or drive through it to get food or anything else, I always see this. It’s so cool, and the view of it is honestly quite stunning—it’s so big! If they allow you inside, I need to see!

Went here to watch a play and live the beautiful play house right there by the Main Street/ downtown area. The courtyard is welcoming and has a concessions stand outside. Once you enter you could be seated on the lower or upper floor. This is an older historic venue so seats can be smaller and closer set. Lots of friendly volunteers to guide you around.

Beautiful historic playhouse with the highest quality performances. I saw, “One of the Good Ones” which I HIGHLY recommend. A brilliant and poignant comedy in the storytelling style of Norman Lear - covering sensitive cultural and family dynamics in a meaningful and comedic way. The playhouse is gorgeous, the seats are comfortable. There is limited concessions offered outside, and limited lobby space for gathering before the show. I didn’t see a gift shop. Parking is easy and right across the street. There was a special “Event Parking” price of $5 for the matinee performance I attended. Overall, a stellar experience and I highly recommend this beautiful theater. The only downside is that I’m short, and the seating is almost level, so I had to try to see around the head in front of me for most of the performance. But I would definitely return and bring a cushion to sit on.

The Pasadena Playhouse is a wonderful old theater. It's a historical building. Easy, free parking or park across the street in the parking structure for only $5.00. Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops are close, within walking distance. One of my favorite places.

Beautiful, historic theater! We enjoyed the play too….Eureka Day! To over vax our kids or not!?! To question 70+ kids vaccines or not?!? It was fun seeing this thought provoking play with a theater full of ultra pro-vaccination California liberals! 🤣🤣

Great venue with plenty of parking lots nearby. There are also many good restaurants nearby. The venue has well organized and very friendly staff. The plays are usually good, but sometimes very deep for my taste.

My husband and I walk by here ALL the time. I won a pair of tickets to watch Sunday In The Park With George…but I got sick that week and was DEVASTATED we couldn’t use them and I had to give it up so other Yelp elites could use them (wouldn’t want it to go to waste). My husband surprised me by purchasing orchestra seats and to the same play so we could watch it before the end of the month! We walked here so I can’t comment on the parking. The theatre itself is super cute and beautiful. The all-gender bathrooms upstairs were useful because I saw later there was a long line to the women’s restroom. I know the theatre is aged but I have to say, my back hurt from sitting in those chairs. Aside from that, we enjoyed the play and the talent of the performers and musicians!! Also, the sheer screen to cover the live orchestra while it reflected amazing images, was so cool!! Would definitely come back!

We had the opportunity to watch Kate Berlant perform at the playhouse, and we had an amazing time. It's a really cool piece of history. The theater is nice and small, there didn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. The employees were all nice and accommodating. We had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We are looking forward to attending future shows at this theater.

There are lots of great businesses here, but it’s also lovely to walk around and admire the architecture of the repurposed buildings. Very clean and walkable.

cute block of restaurants and shops with parks nearby and close to a few museums. a lot of upscale/name brand shops and some that aren’t as well. i only wish it had a little more personality, like sculptures and murals.

My favorite urban outdoor shopping district in the LA region! I love the restored historic buildings and wide variety of shops and restaurants. Also, very easy to walk to Norton Simon Museum.

The charms of a historical city remain. Very walkable and plenty of eateries. I would recommend using the public parking garage as street parking can be difficult to find

Old Pasadena stands as a hidden treasure among tourists. The area combines historical charm with contemporary elements which led me to discover multiple hidden shops and cafes throughout my exploration of the neighborhood. The area provides an ideal location for a relaxing afternoon exploration.

Nice old architecture with a nearby sculpture of Jackie and Mack Robinson.

very nice place to enjoy historical view of Pasadena,walk around grab something to eat

This 3 acre little n cozy garden. Many different flowers. Chairs n tables around the garden for visitors to sit n relax and enjoy the tranquility n fresh flowers. There is no up n down hills, so it is an easy walk around. Park is easy and it is free entry.

This is the most beautiful community garden in the world (to me!). It's getting better and better every year as more plants are added over time. Spring is definitely magnificent with the colorful blooming flowers. Going here is so calming and peaceful and I love that it's volunteer run, just shows you how much people in Pasadena come together to create something so beautiful.

The loveliest surprise in Pasadena. Beautifully planted with California, native plants. Wonderful outdoor furniture, tables chairs, benches, columns, to sit & contemplate, in an inspirational environment! Peaceful, quiet hidden spots to relax, look at butterflies, listen to birds. Just CHILL

Beautiful flowers and a few other things that caught my eye. Lovely quiet morning walk through the garden to get your day going. Nice place to visit if you’re in town. Thank you to everyone that does the upkeep for it!

Arlington Garden is a hidden gem for the quiet flower garden in south Pasadena. There are many benches and chairs to relax while reading books with bird's sound and variable flowers.

A beautiful and sustainable little park/garden, ideal for a nice walk, reading, writing, and contemplation! There were also some families with children.

Very cool park! Tons of little spaces throughout the larger park to enjoy. Gently maintained, and native plants throughout. Tons of seating areas (chairs, tables, and benches). Highly recommend! There is plenty of street parking out front. Multiple entrances, and many paths. There is a guide/map and it is worth checking out prior to exploring. Dog friendly, and kid friendly. But not all parts of the park paths are completely Ada accessible (there are parts too narrow for wheelchairs or strollers).

★★★★★ Brookside Park is a great spot for a family picnic or a relaxing hike. There are a few short trails along the hillside that are perfect for an easy walk, and the playground next to the pool is a hit with the kids—especially on a hot summer day. It’s also really close to the Rose Bowl, which makes it convenient if you're in the area. Parking is plentiful, so getting in and out is easy. A peaceful, well-kept park that's perfect for a casual outdoor day.

A great park in Pasadena near the Rose Bowl. It is clean, huge, and not overly crowded. Not to mention, it has a pirate ship in the playground for kiddos to play. Love that it has a lot of shade and picnic tables/benches throughout the entire park. There is also tennis courts, a kidspace children’s museum, and a fitness trail. So much to do, I just adore this park!! #bb5

Love walking through this park in the early morning. The trails above the park are a quick cardio workout. The views are very serene.

As it is with The Rose Bowl Stadium, this park is also down in the same beautiful valley! I’ve enjoyed good times here having picnics and hanging out just prior to the games. Folks gather round for tailgate parties and make it a good time fun place to be. There’s lots of shade trees, open space, ball fields, public restrooms, hiking trails, scenery, parking and playgrounds, including the Pirate Park for kids! Parking is free except for stadium event days that come at a price, as parking attendants may charge for event parking. Otherwise park goers may need to arrive early and park outside the stadium lot.

Pasadena's civic planning is thoughtful and enduring. A themed park instead of a jungle of galvanized steel and plastic. There's actually treasure to be found and a route to take to explore the unique features. The restrooms struggle to keep up.

Good place to utilize the green lawn to learn how to ride a bike. Not too crowded (just make sure there isn't any event, very popular location for the open space), lots of parking sharing facilities with the Rose Bowl. Can be stinky on the fringe where tens of big metal garage bins tried to hide. Good working(not new) semi exercise equipments (no resistance beyond gravity, just movements) all around. People tend to wheel un their own large BBQ rig to the park. If you need to do that, great. If not then just watch out for the aftermath of goo on the ground around it. Dogs everywhere. Kids playgrounds spread out. Wonderful place to be on a cool morning. It will get hot. A few water fountains available. Didn't see if it's clean enough to drink. At least one permanent bathroom out leaving temporary porta-potties your only option. Constant grooming means dealing with equipments on weekdays. If concerts or bowl games adjacent then forget about it. Parking will be gone or paid parking. Check that before approaching.

Beautiful, serene, peaceful, awesome place to visit and pass the time of day in a relaxing environment, hard to believe it is in the center of town loved the experience.

Pretty cool little retro arcade and pinball spot where you pay $15/per person/per hour. All of the machines were in working order but one. The only thing missing was an air hockey table.

This spot was amazing! 15$ for an hour which felt like just enough time to get through a lot of the games however they also do 25$ for all-day. It was quite empty aside from another couple that was there but we were there close to an hour before closing so maybe that’s why. Overall great spot, tons of fun games, great prices! Definitely would love to come again soon!

Awesome place to try out some old games! Just spend an hour there playing around you wont regret it!

I liked this place because it was small and a good value. I couldn’t give it 5 stars because of how many arcade games they had. I took plenty of pics so if you find a game you love this is well worth the $15 dollars to enter and play for an hour. They give you a wristband. NO Game card or quarters needed.

I really wish they would put Marvel vs Capcom 2 in a bigger cabinet up front like the street fighter 3 cabinet. Cause when there are two people playing on one cab and two people playing on the cabinet next to it it gets really cramp and shoulder to shoulder elbow bumping. Not ideal for fighting games. Not just that the control panel wasn't bolted shut so it would wiggle around significantly when playing. Overall the section of games was great. The atmosphere was clean and cool but it still felt like a daycare with the amount of kids. Here's a tour of the game selection as of 4/7/24

Neon Retro Arcade is a small yet comforting place for anyone who wants to take a step back in time with authentic video game cabinets. It’s family-friendly and capable for groups. Facility was clean and the cabinets throughout the years of inevitable wear-and-tear, were all functional. Pricing is reasonable. If you’re a casual gamer, 15 dollars for one hour of endless entertainment is fair. They’re very lax about the all-day pass of 25 dollars. You can play for an hour, leave and come back for more. However, don’t expect an easy means of parking your car there. They don’t have a dedicated parking lot, so you’ll either have to pay at a meter or self-park at a garage. The variety available has something for everyone. While they do have a small selection of “modern” games, expect Ms. Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, or Dragon’s Lair. In the back, they have multiple TVs with Nintendo Switch consoles with various video games of now. Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. set up and ready.

What fun! I got a Groupon for 2 to play 2 hours. Great retro games and pinball. We had a blast

This is such a beautiful place. My friends had a gorgeous wedding here about 27 years ago or so. I've been back a few times with friends and family. They have a large footprint and if I lived nearby, I would buy the annual membership and go walking here every day. The flowers are spectacular, but they also have big trees. It's so nice to get out of the city and come here. They have an area with a bunch of model trains. The gardens are very beautiful and romantic. You can take a tour of the historical home up on the hill and then climb behind it into the hills. There's another train big enough to take rides on. The shopping is pretty great at the gift store and we haven't begun to cover how beautiful it is here at Christmas. Highly recommend this place.

One of my favorite places to visit for a serene outing with a friend or with family. If you plan on visiting multiple times a year, consider getting a membership! I love the dual membership. Tried their new Farmhouse restaurant last time; the pizza of the day was delicious, as were the libations :) Lovely atmosphere to boot! The Japanese garden and the Oak Forest are my favorite spots for a stroll. They have a lovely live music series in the summer as well.

Had the opportunity to go to carved during the Halloween event going on at descanso gardens. Place was very vibrant. It had a very fall Halloween feel to it. Family friendly. Not too crowded. Definitely lots to look at and experience. Very impressed. Will definitely go next year.

It's summertime so there's a lot of wildflowers. Still very beautiful had a wonderful time. .. we spent around 3 hours. We went on a very warm day but there was a very nice breeze and quite a few places to sit they have comfortable lounge chairs by a dry riverbed. Where you can get a very wonderful breeze. I really enjoyed the garden and. The train display.

🌿 A peaceful escape into nature’s artistry Descanso Gardens is an absolute gem tucked just outside the bustle of LA. From the moment you step in, you’re surrounded by lush oak woodlands, vibrant camellias, and winding trails that feel like a gentle hug from Mother Earth. The Japanese Garden is especially serene, perfect for quiet reflection or snapping a photo that looks straight out of a fairytale. I visited on a sunny afternoon and was greeted by chirping birds, turtles sunbathing by the pond, and the scent of blooming roses. It’s not just a garden. it’s a sensory experience. Whether you’re a plant lover, a photographer, or just someone needing a moment of calm, Descanso delivers. Bonus: Free parking, friendly staff, and seasonal events that make each visit feel fresh. Highly recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and a curious spirit. 🌸 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Would absolutely return.

Have heard about this place for years. Finally came to check it out on Sunday. Overall an 8 out of 10 since it’s during the day and I am sure it’s a full 10 after the sun sets, when the lights are sparkling! Beautiful, huge trees like Jurassic Park… Look forward to come back during the holidays and plan to stay through early evenings…

Peaceful garden, reasonably priced. Free parking. You could walk the perimeter in half an hour, but to wind through the middle paths and see it all, moving slowly, would take more like an hour. There's a little train ride for kids, which is usually very busy. If you stop at the Boddy House to see the art display or attend another special event, you could be in the park for 2 hours. They recently reopened the restaurant (Summer 2025), which begins serving at lunchtime. The restaurant is very nice quality food, but is in high demand. I have had to wait for seating every time, even when I have a reservation and I'm one of the first in line. A faster alternative is the self-serve food court that has drinks, alcohol, snacks, salads, and sandwiches. You cannot take food or drink inside the gardens. Weekends are busy. This garden is best known for their tulips in March and massive rose garden in May. Also known for their nighttime light events around Halloween and Christmas.

Went to the Club World Cup game, PSG Vs ATM, it was HOT, sucks that the Rose Bowl doesn't have some sort of cover but it's alright. Nice stadium, feels a little tight but I like it.

Is your dad missing a wrench 🔧 from his Craftsman toolkit? Is there a six-foot handcrafted wood-painted giraffe 🦒 you can't live without? Or, how about a metal sign from USP Alcatraz 🏝 ? Everything we as humans have ever created, crafted, or collected is here! Warning: this flea market is much, much larger than it looks on paper. Remember, whatever you buy, you carry! Bring a wagon!

This is an amazing flea market and there is definitely something for everybody here! I used to go frequently but haven't been for a while so wasnt sure what to expect. But when my husband and I went this past weekend, it was just as much fun as I remembered. There's a great mix of vintage items, clothes, furniture, and art. It also now hosts more artists showcasing their work. Even if you don't find anything, its a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning!

There are so many cool vendors, from antiques to handmade crafts. I'm on the hunt for some unique treasures. Hopefully, I can find something special for my apartment 🏠. It's always an adventure digging through all the goodies. #marketfinds #DIY #antiques

Wide array of merchandise- vintage to modern, fashion accessories to apparel to furniture and equipment. Prices ranged from 10dollars per pound of clothings to art pieces of much higher value. It was interesting to note that visitors young and less young were coming in throngs, in spite of the 14 dollars per pax entry fee. Hence this is more than your regular "flea market" and so makes it a popular destination every second Sun of the month.

The Rose Bowl is one of my favorite spots to go for antiques and it reminds me of the Redskins won the Super Bowl! Cheered to the Redskins! ‼️💯

Cute furniture and rugs for decent prices, but clothing was way overpriced for almost all sellers. Got a cute rug from the vender below who was open to negotiating and friendly.

Free admission, but you have to make a reservation online. Masks and proof of vaccination are required. The confirmation email says to arrive 15 minutes early, but if you have a reservation for when they open, they don’t open the door early. There’s free parking for 90 minutes in the parking garage just north of the gallery.

Came here on the Pasadena Art Night and it was packed! Amazing collection of art, particularly water color paintings and ceramics

stopped by while waiting for a lunch reservation and i’m so glad we did! go see the “how we are in time and space” exhibit while it’s still there! didn’t have any expectations and hadn’t heard of the artists before so it was really neat learning about their work as individuals and collaborators. free admission and friendly staff

Summer 2016 has been the second occasion my boys have taken sets of art classes. Summer 2015 was the first and we plan to return. I choose the classes based on the topics my kids like or what l think they may like, and they love them. Sometimes, they like them more than expected. The staff is friendly and organized with time management. If you want your child to develop their creativity, sign them up for a class they may like. With the age-appropriate adult-to-student ratio, space to work, range of materials to use and the qualified teaching staff, it's definitely worth trying. Your kids might ask for more.

an overall cool museum with an upstairs and downstairs area with exhibits you can explore through. they have a display in the floor right when you walk in which i thought was cool.

Definitely worth visiting. At the moment, they have Birth, death, and breath exhibition of the singing inflatable Christmas decorations. It's really cool.

Really cool spot with interesting art.

Great hike, mostly easy but also some moderate difficulty including rocky steep terrain and river crossings making it a worthwhile adventure! Took us about 1.5 hours in and out, but you could take your time to enjoy the river or possibly even have a picnic along the way. Plenty of parking since there is an overflow lot.

Loved this local place. It took me and my mom to get to the fall about one hour in a half, we took our time to enjoy the scenery and will take a few dips in the water before getting to the fall. The water was cold, just perfect. Recommend good hiking shoes, non-slip shoes (since some rocks are slippery) or water shoes, definitely you will soak your shoes, light clothing if you are going in the summer, lots of water and maybe a light snack, and enjoy the sun. (If you take a snack or lunch, please take your trash with you, and let's keep the place clean. Took me 40 yrs to discover this nice local place to recharge.

Great hike. I went to the camp grounds above the mountain top and to the valley where the water fall was located. Great medium -high difficulty climbing to the top Easy-medium difficult hike towards the valley ~ waterway

My second time in this incredible place! The best part of it is the waterfall. The start from the parking is a little bit difficult nit from the time you getting close to the water it becomes easy. Almost all the time we were walking throw the water. Even during summer there is enough water to swim a little bit. The difficulty is 4 of 10. PS Please don’t leave your trash on the way. It is so beautiful place to destroy it. Photo attached

Take plenty of water, as the start is very dry and hot. (+ wear sunscreen) The later half is along the creek, with more shade. There's are some creek crossings as well; wear appropriate shoes (something you would be okay getting wet + enough grip to not slip) and be careful. It leads to a larger waterfall, which was a little crowded when we visited midday on a Sunday. Try to use restrooms before hand, we didn't encounter any along the trail + the porta potties (located at the start of the trail) were not well maintained. Overlooking the bit of graffiti on some of the rocks and dog poop along parts of the trails, it was overall a fun experience.

Good workout not too crazy. Okay for beginners and if you're out of shape. Very little climbing / pulling yourself (2 areas) and only if you need help other wise you can manage easily... Shade when you get near the waterfall. Plenty of areas where you can stop to rest if need be. Some inclines like a 4 if you're comparing it to a treadmill.

Great hiking trail! Easy to do casually if you can spare about 2 hours. The mini waterfall at the end of the trail and the water spots are a nice touch especially when it gets hot — they’re very shallow so stepping in it or walking through it is not a problem. Also, there are two vendors at the end that sell fruit and drinks which was a nice surprise.

Built in 1914, the mansion is a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture. The surrounding gardens are well maintained and feature a stunning array of roses and other plants. Kamaliya is in bloom in March. Rose bushes are not blooming yet. 🕰️ Open daily sunrise to sunset 🎟️ Gardens are free to enter 🅿️ Free street parking 📆 Reservations required for the house tour Please forward this review to anyone who might be interested in visiting this place.

Open for tours again. You do need to reserve online. Free parking along the streets nearby. The tour starts on time with a video presentation of the history of the house and the Tournament of roses Parade. Then you tour all the rooms on the first and second floor. There is a basement and attic which are not open to tour as they are just storage at this time. Our guide was great and the entire tour lasted 2 hours. You learn about the region from the early 1800's to present . Great furniture, architectural elements, trophies, jewelry, etc. The rose garden outside is fantastic and is always open to view without going on a tour.

The Wrigley Mansion is now the headquarters for the Tournament of Rose's on Pasenda. The house has tours during the summer...but the rest of the year it serves as a meeting place for the hundreds of volunteers that helps support the parade. You can wander the Wrigley Gardens and there is Rose Parade Memoriblia to buy.

Wrigley Mansion's Rose Garden in Pasadena, Los Angeles, is a true hidden gem. The beautifully maintained garden boasts a stunning array of roses in various colors and varieties, creating a picturesque and tranquil environment. The meticulous care given to the garden is evident in the lush, vibrant blooms that are a delight to both the eyes and the senses. The setting of the rose garden, adjacent to the historic Wrigley Mansion, adds to the charm and elegance of the experience. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a peaceful moment of reflection, or even a romantic outing. The garden's design, with its well-laid paths and thoughtfully arranged rose beds, allows visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and fragrance of each rose. Additionally, the garden's location in Pasadena offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists seeking a moment of tranquility amidst natural beauty. Whether you're a rose enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind, Wrigley Mansion's Rose Garden is a must-visit.

The Mansion itself was not open. The grounds & garden are open & are a must see. The perfume of the flowers with many colors of Roses & varieties truly a sight to see. Lots of shade, bunnies & squirrels. No public bathroom.

Nothing to see here but a small rise garden and a lawn. Cannot go inside mansion. Waste of a trip. Better attractions in the area.

Visited the gorgeous rose garden and walked the grounds. Mansion was a winter home of the Wrigley family of chewing gum fame. It is owned by Pasadena and home of Tournament of Roses. So naturally they had beautiful roses. Also camellias, other flowers and a fabulous tree. Tours of home are free but one day/week and reserved ahead. It's a great place to walk around and enjoy some beautiful flowers.

First time here. Impressions: Cute looking little cafe, with too much going on. Merchandise is cool and interesting. Coffee is okay. Pastries are sweet, presentation needs improvement, it didn’t taste fresh to me. The brownie is technically good, but it needs more body. The chocolate sea salt cookie wasn’t crunchy or chewy, a NO for me. The chocolate cake with coffee buttercream felt like it was made out of a cake mix from the store, and the buttercream did not taste good. It needs work, buy it has potential. Less items and more precision its needed. Quality over quantity. More creativity would help as well.

A great staple cafe with fresh food and baked goods. Also a go to spot for knick knacks and quick gifts. They are known for their candies and marshmallows but it holds an eclectic collection of items. The place is small with limited seating but it is a cute place to get away to.

While the cleanliness of the shop and the convenience of the little store inside for ordering are positives, my experience at this brunch spot was somewhat underwhelming. The setup, where you order first and then find a table, can be a bit chaotic, especially during busy weekends when tables are hard to come by. Although the food was decent, it didn't quite meet my expectations, and the service left something to be desired. Overall, while it's an okay option for brunch, the mediocre service and hassle of finding a table mean that I won't be returning in the future.

I came for caramels and left with a full breakfast. Their breakfast burrito is simple and perfect—eggs, bacon, and the right amount of salsa. The house marshmallows are dangerously soft. You can watch them package candy behind the counter sometimes. It feels like a neighborhood kitchen that also happens to make incredible sweets

We adore this place. It’s more than just a bakery and a café. It’s a great pitstop at the top of Eagle Rock just off 134/210 on the edge of Pasadena, for any time of day or reason. It’s also throwback to better times, when unique gift shops would have seasonal displays and gift ideas for the holidays or any occasion. We pop in for fresh baked goods, lattes, and tea. We also stock up on their homemade sea salt caramels. They are about to decorate for Halloween this week and I can’t wait to see all the goodies! One surprise little treat I just enjoyed: a baked apple cider doughnut with chunks of apple. It was delicious! Their brownies and cookies are also great.

A small café with handmade caramels and a breakfast burrito that’s sneakily excellent. The patio is compact but sunny in the morning. Street parking can be tight; I usually find a spot on San Pascual. Coffee is solid and the pastry case is dangerous. Staff are kind even during rush. Great stop after a Lower Arroyo walk

So, so disappointing... My husband and I came here for several early dates and have such fond memories of going here. We loved this place and really wanted to continue to cherish it (it's just so darn cute!). However, recently we've only had disappointing experiences. The quality of food has really gone down, flavor isn't anything to write home about, prices have gone up, and worst of all: the staff seems to have such an apathetic attitude at best and are outright rude at worst. We came here for the nostalgia on an anniversary, and left feeling so disappointed and with a sad flavor in our mouths, literally and otherwise. I think it's time to retire coming to Little Flower after all. :(

This is a must if you have kids or adults that are like kids. Fantastic place. They have no food but do have water and give you ice cream cups at the end. They have a great gift shop

I didnt know what to expect coming here with my 9 month old for our first time. We were totally blown away! The performances, the puppets, the theater inside. All were fabulous and even my.husband really liked it and he likes very little things. We will definitely highly recommend and we will be back soon!!

Wow!!!! What an amazing theatre. The organ player and the ice cream put this place over the top amazing! So beyond charming. The world needs more places like this. I would like to see more shows with a more clear story line and more speaking. I was confused about what was happening in the show but still absolutely loved it. Very high quality place.

The most important home for the arts in LA. Long family tradition of seeing nearly all shows at Bob Baker ever since the 1990s. This place completely changed our lives. Forever grateful for this place. Highly recommend to all ages!

I attended the Super Yaki × MISE EN SCÈNT Candle making class hosted here, and not only was the class wonderful, they performed a short show for us! The staff for both the event itself and the theater were absolutely wonderful! It was my Fiance's birthday celebration and they brought out a puppet just to celebrate him. I 100% recommend going. One of the most immersive and delightful theaters in Los Angeles.

The last time I visited the Bob Baker Marionette Theater was when my dad brought me years ago at their old Echo Park location, this place is so cool and nostalgic. I was so happy and pleased to see their new location because it's so cute and nicely decorated. The staff was very friendly, the gift shop is adorable and the marionette's who did the Halloween Spooktacular show were amazing!!! This is such a unique experience and highly recommend taking a loved one with you to share this experience. I'm excited to go back to see their Winter Wonderland show!!! :)

A Magical Experience for Kids and Adults Alike! The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a gem! It was a truly delightful experience for both my kids and me. The crew is incredibly talented, and the show was amazing. The cozy atmosphere added to the charm, and the ice cream at the end was a perfect treat. Parking can be a bit tricky, but it wasn't too bad. Highly recommended for a fun and memorable outing!

A small museum for young children. You can also rent it for parties. The only downside is that if your guests arrive two minutes before closing time, they'll charge you for their stay, and for every minute you go over your reserved time, they'll also charge you.

August 2025. Small indoor playground, reasonable price. Also participating in museum for all program for reduced ticket pricing. Has private and street parking. Entrance will be in the back private lot. Clean bathrooms. Air conditioning which is a plus in summer and hot days. Nursing room/lounge with diaper changing stations. Upper floors are off limits for staff only. They have a classroom and also offer private parties. Great for kids under 5. We enjoyed the space for our 3 yrs old to run around and go wild without the stress of getting lost or damaging things. Very safe space to explore and we spent a good 2hrs here. My toddlers favorite station was the ice cream cart. Other kids favorite stations were the vet office and campground/tent. The cushion playground and slide is a great addition to watch babies/toddlers go up/down independently without having to chase them up the playground. Based on previous reviews and past visits, this location rotates play areas and features in their space. So it is an every changing space with old and new play features for guest to interact and be surprised on their next visit. Would recommend on those hot days and/or if you are in the area. Wouldn’t drive out here just for this but it’s a great addition to Pasadena and what it offers to littles under 5

Great place to take the littles. It gets a little rowdy when the older kids start running around. But staff is friendly and plenty of space to run around and explore.

Love this museum for kids! They have so many activities and events around the year. The staff is really sweet. I was invited to present Indian dance here recently and would definitely come back with my students. Highly recommend checking this out with your little ones.

Great place fun for kids loved it

This is a wonderful place. My son loved all the sensory options here such as snow, slime at the messy play station, the red impression wall. There is a huge bounce house, excavating table, down hill race track, agility castle, slide, costumes, a charming little reading room, and a really nice nursing and diaper changing room. The cost is affordable and great for all the different experiences. You can also bring a lunch or they sell organic snack options also.

Incredible spot right near downtown Pasadena. The play areas are adorable and remind me of a mini version of the Bay Area Discovery Museum in NorCal. Perfect for toddlers and early elementary kids. Lots of imaginary play areas that really engage kids and a very reasonable admission fee of $8. Great covid awareness and nearly every adult wore masks. Couldn’t ask for anything more!

A great variety of concerts during summer. They also have many local and less known performers usually. Dogs allowed. Food usually available (food trucks) but expect long lines. Best to bring your own food and seats and just enjoy.

What a beautiful place! Love the free summer concerts. Take your picnic gear with a date, family or friends and enjoy the open air evening filled with music. The decorated tree with lights were eye catching and set the nice atmosphere of the place

Because of the summer concerts, and the metro gold line has a stop in the memorial park. So much fun.

Great venue for free summer concerts.

It’s a bit abandoned

Great venue and very clean. Convenient restrooms, parking and Gold Line Access

It is a calm atmosphere. The concerts are generally fun. People are allowed to bring outside gear for a outside concert. No Alcohol Beverages! Great outside entertainment.

A Hidden Gem for Deviled Eggs While The Luggage Room is known for its delicious pizza and other offerings, their deviled eggs are the real show-stopper. Perfectly cooked, creamy, and packed with flavor, these little bites are a must-try. The friendly staff and excellent service add to the overall experience. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and indulge in their culinary masterpiece.

Delicious GF pizza. Sooo many gf options for other food. Cocktails are half off on HH which is awesome! Will definitely be back! Everything shown is GF with the exception of the English muffin they make there.

The Del Mar Salada at The Luggage Room Pizzeria was fresh and full of flavor. The seafood was incredibly tasty, and the dish had an authentic, well-balanced taste that made every bite enjoyable. If you love fresh seafood, this is definitely a must-try. I highly recommend it!

The ambience of this place is nice and the guy who was our server was great HOWEVER the food was not worth it at all. It was bland. Not tasty. I never say this in reviews but it really did suck. Great presentation but no flavor. I have no clue what the hype of this place is except maybe the architecture but other than that do not waste your money on the food. We ordered the Margherita pizza, mac n cheese kids meal, guac and chips, deviled eggs, tuna appetizer, and the salmon plate. The pizza was not bad but not great. Needed more seasoning. The mac n cheese lacked salt. It was so bland, I had to put salt in it. Even the boxed mac n cheese is better than this. The salmon plate my boyfriend had was extra fishy in his opinion and was not spectacular. The tuna appetizer was okay. The guac and chips were decent. So beware and do not eat here unless you like bland food and a bill of $100+ to go along with it. The server was the best thing from this restaurant though.

First time here, heard nothing but good things. Parking can be tricky, it is connected to a parking structure as there really is no street parking, they just combined with the restaurant next door so the entrance was a little tricky to find initially, but worth it. Not a long wait for a Friday night which was great, family friendly with kids there, someone even had a dog on the patio. Full bar. Tons of history for the building, amazing staff, friendly and helpful. Good size menu, portions were a little small, but tons of flavor and great recommendations from the staff. Would recommend and return.

Great group of restaurants with a fantastic happy hour and weekend mimosas! The pizzas are very original with fresh and delicious combinations. Cocktails are well done, well served and refreshing.

There is an underground parking lot that the restaurant can validate the parking. I have been coming to Luggage Room, and just realized that the Luggage Room is combining with the restaurant and the bar next door. There were complimentary sea salt chocolate chip cookies at the waiting area. They also share the same menu. I was seated at the bar, and ordered a gladiator pizza, and side of fries. The cookies were soft and tasty, but it could be a little more towards the salty side. The pizza is a thin crust, but the dough was a little tough to chew. The fries was flavorful. Server was friendly and services were fast! I came here for pizza, but the pizza was not too impressive, so 3 stars.

Great hike to the waterfall. I expect to see more water. However, it was still beautiful. It's not a long distance to the waterfall, but we continued up the hill. Completing 9.5 miles out and back. The weather was great. This would definitely be more challenging during the summer because of the heat, but you will see more leaves by then. The water was cold, and although there were rocks and logs to assist with crossing the creeks, waterproof shoes/ boots are recommended.

Great hiking place ever! It takes some effort to get to see the water falls at the end of the trail. There are a lot of water crossings. Make sure to wear professional hiking shoes, otherwise it would be easy to wet ur feet or fall off the rocks. Friendly to doggies, my bestie Maggie did a good job, proud of her and myself.

Wonderful place for easy hikes or walking! Definitely worth to explore around. There is lot of water in this week and you need to cross it couple of times. Be prepared as it’s cold and to get a little wet up to the knees. The parking usually gets full quickly but there’s extra space in the ground.

Was in the Pasadena area and wanted to try a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. Came on Sunday mid-morning, so the parking was pretty full, but people were constantly coming and going. I wasn't quite sure which trail to take to get to the waterfall, so followed others to the left and stayed on the main trail. There's several small trails that veer off the main path, but I stayed on the main path. After about 30 minutes, you'll get to a small sign that says Eaton Canyon Falls 1/2 mile ahead. I followed that sign to the right, but the trail quickly disappeared. It's hard to tell where the trail continues, but basically follow the water upstream. Since there's not an obvious path, you'll have to cut back and forth across the water carefully picking your own path. I'd rate this a moderate hike as some parts require some balancing, small jumps, some climbs, and some descents. After about 45-60 minutes, you finally reach the end of the hike where the waterfall is located. It rained a few days before my hike so the water was flowing at a decent rate. I was told by locals it can only be a trickle during the dry periods. The hike fun with plenty of shade after the first 15 minutes of open trails. The trails and paths were plenty wide and free of debris. Nice hike with plenty of scenery and wildlife. Will definitely come back and try some of the smaller trails, but still concluding at the waterfall.

It's a good place for hiking. You can feel nature and the depth of your soul.If you go to the park, plastic bags are okay for dog poop. But when you come to Eaton Canyon, please use paper bags to dispose of dog poop. Plastic bags will really pollute the land here. Do you want this land to be as polluted as China? I don't think so.

You have to make a reservation before hiking here. I picked the 2-5 time slot and it was a good time because it wasn't very crowded at all. It's a beautiful hike. Not too hard; good for all ages and for pets. The falls are amazingly beautiful! Not as big as Bonita Falls (where you dont need a reservation), but still gorgeous! A pool at the bottom of the falls, but it was too chilly to get wet. The scenery on the way to the falls is beautiful. You cross the stream back and forth several times. There was plenty of parking when we went. I wondered if there was another way in without making a reservation but after visiting, you have to go through a gate where they ask to see your ID and reservation #. You're at the Nature Center and they have bathrooms inside. So the only way is to make a reservation in advance. Well worth it though and I'm so glad I checked it out before heading there.

Nice easy hike. When you see the bridge the trail will go to the left so that you continue UNDER the bridge. Lots of stream crossing that can be done without getting in the water if you're careful. I did see a lady slip and fall in so if you have poles they definitely will help you with your balance while crossing but it can be done without them. As long as you are following the water any way you take will get you there, can't really get lost so don't sweat going the wrong way. Make sure to bring a snack to enjoy once you get to the falls. 😁

Really enjoyed our first time visiting this park. We went as park of the LA River Fest and had a great time. Park is beautiful, clean and great for pictures.

Started coming here to fly kites not too long ago. The winds here are very sporadic. But when they are good. Its good. Great open space to fly. Very spacious. The park closes when the sun sets. Also you have to pay for parking if you're in the lot.

I attended martin garrix and derek's first headline show this weekend. It was. Full of ice agents and sheriff's. Keeping us safe. Be aware. Be careful. The good and bad and ugly ane beautiful!!!

My joy moving to the apartment across the street from this park was destroyed on the very first night I got here. The massive stage light wasn’t turned off even during midnight, and it lighted up our bedroom crazy even with curtains closed, like there is a police car right outside of the window. Can they be considerate and at least turn off the lights during the night?????!!!

Beautiful open space in the heart of LA — perfect for networking, creative shoots, and outdoor inspiration. I’ve used this park for team meetups and concept planning sessions for Collaboration Empire. The skyline view, energy, and diversity of people here remind me why LA is the creative capital. Clean restrooms, plenty of room for dogs and picnics, and an amazing vibe for artists, families, and entrepreneurs alike. Definitely a 5-star community spot. — Richard Glass (Collaboration Empire) ⸻ ✅ Tags to Select • 🐶 Dog-friendliness • 🧺 Picnic area • 🚻 Restrooms “Playground” if you’ve seen the new installations by the north side.

Came for a Martin garrix concert. Beautiful venue, get there crazy early for parking. crazy early!!

Great park; didn’t see much homeless, great view of the city, and great place to eat

This is one of those small, well-kept neighborhood parks that locals adore. Shaded playground, rose garden, and a clean restroom—simple but everything works. Street parking’s usually a breeze. I like sitting under the massive trees with a to-go tea from nearby. You’ll see lots of dogs and toddlers sharing space politely. Perfect reset in the middle of town

This is a very nice park. Parking is easy all around the park. Free Street parking. Sand, swings, bathrooms, and lots of shade created by some very beautiful, very big trees. Little Free Library at the entrance.

Super cute park. Full of life and activity. On a weekend you’ll find it filled with children playing, people walking their dogs, some doing group activities, while others engage in fitness workouts. The restrooms were clean for a public park and easy to access.

Wonderful neighborhood park that is always clean, safe, and well kept. There are always families with young children running around after school or on the weekends. It’s also a great place to walk or play with your dog since they have many trash bins all over the park and doggy poop bags. There’s a freelibrary at the entrance of the park and tennis courts on the opposite end. There are bathrooms that are cleaned regularly and plenty of water fountains around the park. Honestly, such a lovely park.

Wonderful park that has many activities for both kids and adults. Lots of trees that provide shade during those hot days. Well kept bathrooms near the kids playground. Pavilion area next to the kids playground has plenty of tables and also a two barbecues along with a water fountain and water bottle fill station. Plenty of benches along the wall path and tennis courts on the North end of the park. Quite a few grassy open spaces.

Cute park, very clean and great for parties. Smaller playground with sand, a few more structures and rubber matting would make it perfect. Lots of open green space but not flat.

A small shaded neighborhood park with tennis courts and a basketball half-court. I brought my sketchbook and sat by a quiet corner bench. Kids from the community soccer league practiced nearby. Restrooms were clean, and there’s a water fountain. Not flashy, but a mellow green space in the city

A cute spot for a quick Instagram photo if you’re already in the area, but not really worth going out of your way for. Most of the shops close early, and there are quite a few vacant spaces, which makes it feel a bit underwhelming. Nice for a brief stroll, but not a must-see destination.

It was late, so it was not crowded at all, a nice stroll, very enjoyable

A hidden gem! This well designed corridor has high ceilings and quaint shops inside with seating down the middle. A variety of boutique stores ranging from a barbershop, 2 coffee spots, a hairdresser which is also a kimono store (very cool!), a tailor, a traditional Chinese dress maker, antique store, and the cutest plant store called “MonsteraDuet”. We just went to the Mandarin( one of the coffee shops) and sat down for a little. Definitely an aesthetic spot for photos or to casually meet with a friend. Will definitely come back !

This is a lovely shopping arcade in South Lake District of Pasadena. It is reminiscent of old shopping malls in England. Some shops have closed; I especially miss the Contessa Italian store. There are multiple beauty, grooming and spa related shops now. They also house Float Cafe, Mandarin Cafe and Oink Moo tea and boba. The plant store is a new addition. It’s a nice place to sit and admire the architecture.

This is a cute little corridor tucked away in Pasadena that’s pretty easy to miss. There’s about 10 little shops that share this cute space, ranging from cafes, flower shops, nail salons, to clothing stores! Theres a row of small tables in the middle for seating, since most of the stores are pretty small. I saw some people bring their dogs, and others bring their laptops, and others just chatting away. My friend and I came to get coffee from Mandarin Coffee, and it was a cute spot to hang out and catch up! Definitely would recommend bringing someone here if they like cute, aesthetic places!

Burlington Arcade,on historical Lake Avenue in Pasadena California, is an architecturally beautiful arched walkway that resonates of vintage shopping arcades from the past. It's a nice side journey off your 'gramable walk on Lake Avenue. There are interesting shops and services throught he arcade such as salons,tailors,barbershop,wine shop espresso,sandwich,ice cream shop and kimono store. Plenty of parking,family friendly and a neat one stop location. . . . #burlingtonarcade #lakeavenue #floatshop #blokesmensstore #blokes #pasadena #espresso #icecream #icecreamfloats #californiadreaming #californiadreamin #instaworthy #instapasadena

Nice place with small coffee shops, hair salon, clothing store, nail salon, children's clothing store. You can relax and unwind from the bustle of the city.

cute BIG park with lots of field space and a medium sized playground. better for a picnic or playing catch than playing.

For being a Pasadena park this place is a disappointment. Restrooms look like something out of south La. All dirty and full of graffiti. Homeless people in large groups almost starting a mini encampment. Grass looks dead and dry most of the park. This place needs an over haul. I get it homeless people have no where to go. But they should at least leave during the day at least try to get a job or offer to volunteer on the park upkeep to earn your stay.

Cute little park a few blocks away from the main strip of old town. Nearby garage parking, lots of metered spots on adjacent streets (quarters or parking app) Playground and small sports field, some picnic tables and trash cans. A few homeless people around during the day. Clean bathrooms. Overall welcoming and well maintained, nice to take a walk through.

It's a good park. Only a few homeless camping in the day. They are away from the playground. They playground equipment is well-maintained. If your kid plays aggressively, the wood chip ground means there is a non-zero change for splinters.

Big green space near old town Pasadena and it's next to the Del Mar light rail station. There aren't a lot of activities here except for a small playground at a corner. I don't see a lot of homeless people in Central park, which seems better than the Memorial Park. Restrooms are open with ok cleanness.

Really enjoy this park, not just because of the size (quite large) but the cleanliness of it as well! I will continue to visit.

Lovely small park. The park is well-lit and always feel safe with close proximity to a police station and a fire station. You might find a few homeless people here and there in the afternoon but they are rare and do not bother anyone. Playground is very clean.