One of the greatest things about working in Pasadena as a real estate agent is that it is also my home! Whether I am working with prospective buyers who are familiar with the area, or those relocating, I love being able to add color to the businesses that might enhance their lives. Pasadena is a wonderful enclave with an authentic community feel.
It really has a great balance of an urban and suburban feel, with tons of great shops, restaurants, museums, outdoor adventures, and the arts. And let’s not forget the nearly year-round gorgeous weather that makes getting outside a breeze!
While there are too many highlights to mention, these are some of my favorite ways to spend time in and around Pasadena!
Hike in Eaton Canyon Natural Area:
There is a robust trail system in Eaton Canyon Natural Area that makes for the perfect place to stretch your legs and get outdoors! The 190-acre zoological, botanical and geological nature preserve has hiking trails, equestrian trails, picnic areas, and more. Right now, you do need to make a timed reservation to enter the park, but these are free and must be made the day before you plan to visit. For more information, please visit https://www.ecnca.org/.
Huntington Library and Grounds:
Spending the day at the Huntington Library is an excellent option in Pasadena! It’s a library, art museum, and botanical garden all rolled into one. There are often special exhibitions on hand that can help visitors immerse themselves in the collection of rare books, paintings, photographs, sculptures, manuscripts, maps, and more. To help plan your visit, head to https://www.huntington.org/.
Old Pasadena:
In my mind, the Old Pasadena area is the best place for shopping, dining, and just walking around. This part of town has been bustling since the late 19th Century, and the historic charm of the architecture proves it. It’s a perfect mix of open-air restaurants, small boutiques, art galleries, theatres, and much more. To learn more, visit https://www.oldpasadena.org/.
Vroman’s Bookstore:
For my bookworms reading this blog post, no visit to Pasadena is complete without a stop at Vroman’s Bookstore. It’s Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore, and for many years, it was the largest bookstore west of the Mississippi! Be on the lookout for author book-signing events and the free community events they hold throughout the year. You can find more information on the Events section of their website here: https://www.vromansbookstore.com/upcoming-events.
El Portal Restaurant:
Southern California is all but famous for its delicious Mexican food, and Pasadena is no different. For me, I would never pass up the chance to eat at El Portal Restaurant. They have both indoor and patio dining and a robust menu of Mexican favorites, including weekly specials. For margarita lovers, their tequila bar is notable, with a long list of options to help you craft your perfect drink. For reservations and to view the menu, visit https://www.elportalrestaurant.com/.
If you’re looking for any other ideas of how to spend your time in this fabulous city, please contact me. I’m a local real estate professional who has decades of experience in the Pasadena area, and I would love to assist you in buying or selling a home. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a time to discuss your needs.