Pasadena is distinctly not Los Angeles, and that’s why we love her. The strollable quiet neighborhoods under the San Gabriel Mountains are a favorite respite to the lively hustle of LA County’s younger and trendier communities. You will inevitably pass through the many historic and landmark districts in Pasadena, but here are a few of our favorite places to stretch our legs.

Explore the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. It is a must-see for every Pasadena visit, particularly the Chinese, Japanese and Desert gardens. 

Take a lap around Lacy Park, or explore the quiet winding roads between it, The Langham, Cal Tech and Lake Avenue. If you have a little one with you, the Lacy Park playground will do the trick. 

In west Pasadena, walk under the age-old oaks lining the Arroyo Seco’s neighborhoods and end up at the Colorado Street Bridge, the Norton Simon Museum, Gamble House or Rose Bowl. Lucky enough, the Rose Bowl Flea Market gathers the second Sunday of every month, so consider some vintage treasure hunting after breakfast on June 8th.

Further east of our wedding venue, find some peace and quiet at the LA County Arboretum or take in the Santa Anita Racetrack if you cried during Seabiscuit, or if you just want a good view of the mountains.

Speaking of which, bring some trail-runners if there is room in your suitcase. There are countless trails of the Angeles National Forest in the nearby mountains, and if you want a specific recommendation, feel free to ask us! 

Now that you’ve built up an appetite…

Mandarin Coffee Stand, The Boy & The Bear, Rosebud Coffee. & if the croissant is more important than the coffee? Artisanal Goods by CAR.

Break your fast with a pricey but pleasing WAKE AND LATE breakfast burrito, a salt of the earth plate from Russell’s, or a very San Gabriel Valley (SGV) brunch at Yang’s Kitchen.

SGV’s Asian restaurants are incredible, particularly Chinese and Vietnamese, and we’ve only scratched the surface. Some favorites include Bistro Na’s, Sea Harbour, Lunasia, Nem Nuong Khanh Hoa, Ipoh Kopitiam and, even though it’s now in the mall, the original Din Tai Fung. And sushi? Kisen, Osawa, Enya.

Be old school at Pie ‘N Burger and The Hat. Grab a sandwich from Porta Via, Little Flower, Roma Market, Perry’s, Vince’s, Pasadena Sandwich Co. Find a trendy bistro seat at Bar Chelou. Have a market-driven meal at UNION or Agnes. Or simply give in to the biggest and bougiest Erewhon (Lake Ave) and have your LA dreams fulfilled.

Find a book at Vroman’s or Octavia, music at Healing Force Records (nightly live music) and Poo-Bah (hip-hop especially).

We love it here and we hope you do too. Here for any and all questions and bespoke recommendations.

P.S.

Farmer’s Market @ Victory Park
2900 block of North Sierra Madre Blvd
Saturdays
 8:30 am. - 12:30 pm