Summertime in Pasadena

MUSIC, BLUE SKIES, AND GOOD TIMES

Old Pasadena

“Old Pas” is a vibrant stop along Route 66 and is home to historic gems like Castle Green. Savor the global dining scene as talented chefs make everything from handcrafted pastas and bone marrow to dim sum and vegan sushi burritos. Grab a coffee or boba and explore the one-ofa-kind stores and petfriendly retailers. Live up the nightlife at local bars and speakeasies offering aperitifs, craft beers, and late-night snacks. oldpasadena.org

Civic Center

Influenced by the BeauxArts and City Beautiful movements of the early 20th century, Pasadena City Hall, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, and Pasadena Central Library are the historic district’s breathtaking architectural centerpieces. The venues attract a busy calendar of conventions and live events, such as America’s Got Talent - Live. auditions. Here, you’ll find bronze sculptures honoring Jackie and

Mack Robinson, The Paseo shopping center, and a selection of fine steakhouses, restaurant bars, and delightful eateries.

Playhouse Village

Pasadena’s center of art and entertainment is home to theaters, museums, dining, and nightlife. The Pasadena Playhouse is a piece of Hollywood history, The Ice House is the nation’s oldest comedy club and revered among comics, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum is housed in a historic landmark influenced by Chinese Imperial architecture. Shop L.A.’s oldest record store at Canterbury Records and sip on coffees or wines at The 1894 within Vroman’s Bookstore playhousevillage.org

South Lake Avenue

This 12-block shopping district features purveyors of beauty and wellness alongside specialty boutiques and fine restaurants. The Burlington Arcade is a picturesque spot with boba and coffee shops, located near The Commons, an bucolic hideaway of shops and modern eateries. Across the way is The Shops on

Lake Avenue. Dine inside a Craftsman masterpiece at Magnolia House and experience a coffee shop with a wine wall at Republik Coffee Lounge. southlakeavenue.org

East Washington

This hidden neighborhood is home to family-owned artisanal coffee houses, ice cream shops, and eclectic retail shops surrounded by Federal-style architecture. Octavia’s Bookshelf features BIPOC authors, TacTile Mountain curates minimal style home goods and snacks, and Lavender & Honey is a popular espresso bar next to Millie’s Café, which serves fresh eggs, real butter, and Alta Dena dairy products.

Treat yourself to artisanal ice cream at Carmela Ice Cream and enjoy spending time with the locals.