About Pasadena
Pasadena is an independent city northeast of Los Angeles with its own downtown (Old Town Pasadena) on Colorado Blvd. It has a higher walkability score than most of the LA region, excellent restaurants, boutique shopping, and the Huntington Library and Gardens (one of the best cultural attractions in Southern California).
For the 2028 Olympics, Pasadena is the logical base if you are attending Rose Bowl soccer matches or Santa Anita equestrian events. It is also close to the start of the Metro Gold Line, making DTLA easily accessible.
Highlights
- Old Town Pasadena — walkable strip, Colorado Blvd, restaurants, shops
- Rose Bowl Stadium — 90,888-seat venue hosting Olympic football/soccer
- Santa Anita Park — 8 miles east, equestrian events
- Huntington Library & Gardens — botanical gardens, art museum, excellent afternoon activity
- Cal Tech campus — architecture and history
Getting There
Metro A Line (Gold) runs through Pasadena with stops at Memorial Park, Lake, and Sierra Madre Villa stations. From Union Station (DTLA): 35–45 min. On Rose Bowl event days, the event shuttle runs from Memorial Park station to the stadium.
Where to Eat in Old Town Pasadena
- Pie 'n Burger — Pasadena institution since 1963, burgers and pie
- Bone Kettle — Filipino-inspired, James Beard-recognized, Arroyo Pkwy
- Union Restaurant — upscale Southern fare, Raymond Ave
- Trattoria Neapolis — wood-fired pizza, Colorado Blvd
- All India Cafe — long-standing Indian restaurant, affordable