Old Pasadena and Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden, California USA

Old Pasadena and Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden, California USA (9/25-28/2024)

Downtown Pasadena Map

Old Pasadena is the enjoyable downtown historic business district of Pasadena, a lively and diverse city located just ten miles from downtown Los Angeles. Old Pasadena features many one-of-a-kind specialty boutiques and exclusive retailers. Visitors can find upscale shopping, premier dining, entertainment and activities for all ages, plentiful convenient parking, beautifully preserved historic attractions, and pedestrian-friendly streets and historic alleys perfect for strolling. 

iPic Theatre – Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena is clean, safe, and walkable to restaurants, shops, and entertainment opportunities. Along tree-lined side streets and charming alleyways, you can explore the many restaurants, cozy bis
tros, and outdoor cafes and have fun discovering unique shopping, museums, galleries, live music, relaxing parks, and nightly fun.

Los Angeles Metro Map

Downtown Los Angeles is close to Old Pasadena with easy access to Hollywood, Disneyland, the beaches, and other Southern California attractions. The LA Metro has two stops in Old Pasadena (blue line) taking you to many places all around the greater Los Angeles area (see LA Metro map). As a city, Pasadena also has light-rail and public transportation options.

Green Street – Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena, or “Old Pas” as locals call it, centers around its main street Colorado Boulevard. After exploring the larger shops and restaurants along Colorado Blvd, take time to get off Colorado Blvd and stroll the side streets and quaint shops on and around quaint tree-lined Green Street (see photo) that is romantically lit at night. 

Alleys of Old Pasadena

Look down some of the alleys that have unique restaurants and stores (see photo). Wearing bright yellow shirts, the Old Pasadena Ambassador Guides will assist you giving directions and answering questions.

Central Park – Old Pasadena

The intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard became known as “The Corners” becoming the main streets in the early development of Old Pasadena with Fair Oaks Avenue being the main route between Los Angeles and Pasadena. Colorado Boulevard is the route of the renowned Tournament of Roses Parade.

Loads of parking is available throughout Old Pasadena. The three Park and Walk ‘P&W’ parking lots (DeLacey, Schoolhouse, and One Colorado) have good prices ($1 first hour and $2 for each hour after with a $12/day maximum).

For More Information Visit Their Website

It is nice to support Old Pasadena’s many independent businesses offering distinctive merchandise, dining, and other services designated by “Only in Old Pas.” Discover the not-large-chain business feeling and look for the #OnlyinOldPas window decals. We enjoyed breakfast at the Union Street French Cafe on Union Street and dinner at Agnes on Green Street.

Chinese Garden – Huntington

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden (Huntington) is a must when visiting Old Pasadena. It is a wonderful way to spend a day exploring this amazing place. From a Gutenberg Bible to The Blue Boy to beautifully designed Chinese and Japanese gardens to a Roaring Twenties tea room, the gardens and collections are remarkable.

Japanese Garden – Huntington

One of the best gardens in Southern California, the Huntington has 130 acres consisting of over a dozen fabulous distinctly themed gardens featuring over 14,000 different species of plants. Three art galleries and a library showcase outstanding collections of paintings, sculptures, rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts. The wonderful Huntington is best enjoyed by taking your time leisurely strolling through the gardens and museums.

Rare Plants – Rose Hills Conservatory

The following is a nice self-guided walking tour of the Huntington to follow: After entering the Huntington, start by going right and visit the very interesting Rose Hills Conservatory featuring rare plants. Continue on to the beautiful Chinese Garden and consult the map to fully explore this beautiful Garden of Flowing Fragrance (see photo). 

Rose Garden – Huntington

Next enjoy the delightful Japanese Garden (see photo) – my favorite! Walk up the stairs and enjoy the extensive Rose Garden followed by the Herb Garden. Walk pass the Rose Garden Tea Room and visit the European Art Museum. Then walk through the Shakespeare Garden to visit the American Art Museum followed by a visit the Library Exhibit Hall.

A visit to Huntington’s gift shop before leaving is fun. If you have more energy or visit again you may want to walk through the other gardens: Palm Garden, Jungle Garden, Desert Garden, Subtropical Garden, and Australian Garden.

Tea at Huntington

We enjoyed the Huntington’s Rose Garden Tea Room offering an elegant tea service with a nice selection of teas, seasonal house-made scones, and a variety of savory and sweet offerings (see photo). A higher-end option includes champagne and a poached Maine lobster roll. Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s menus are also available along with wine and cocktails by the glass.

 

Old Pasadena Home

Pasadena is home to several outstanding museums that offer visitors a chance to explore a variety of topics. One of the most popular destinations is the Norton Simon Museum, which houses a prestigious collection of art from around the world, including works by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, and a beautiful sculpture garden. 

Kidspace Museum

The Kidspace Children’s Museum is for families with young children offering interactive exhibits and programs that encourage learning and exploration. The museum features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a water play area and climbing wall.

 

Pasadena Playhouse

As one of the great institutions of the American theater since 1917, the Pasadena Playhouse (see photo) features Tony and Pulitzer award-winning plays, as well as outreach and artistic programs.

Pool Area – Hotel Dena

We enjoyed our stay at the boutique Hotel Dena, just 10-minute walk to Old Pasadena. The rooms are comfortable, Internet good, and there is a fitness center and small but nice hotel pool with comfortable lounge chairs (see photo). Restaurants and a fun bar area are on-site although you may want to try the many good local restaurants within walking distance. The friendly front desk staff are very helpful with ideas to better enjoy your stay. 

We enjoyed spending a couple of days enjoying Old Pasadena!

Source: http://unhooknow.blogspot.com/2023/02/old-pasadena-and-huntington-library-art.html