Guidebook for Pasadena
Food Scene
This is by far my favorite coffee house in Pasadena. They specialize in cold brew, but the hot coffee is great. Try a hot chocolate and strawberry coffee or their cold Earl Grey milk tea. Yuuuuum!!
Home Brewed Bar
101 N Arroyo PkwyThis is by far my favorite coffee house in Pasadena. They specialize in cold brew, but the hot coffee is great. Try a hot chocolate and strawberry coffee or their cold Earl Grey milk tea. Yuuuuum!!
I love Salmon - and that's what I always get here. This spot is maybe a little pricey, but it will not disappoint!
Cafe Bizou
91 North Raymond AvenueI love Salmon - and that's what I always get here. This spot is maybe a little pricey, but it will not disappoint!
The location of this restaurant is divine. Located in the adorable area of One Colorado, be sure to ask to sit outside if weather permits. You'll love the wine and location!
28 locals recommend
Cafe Santorini
64 W Union StThe location of this restaurant is divine. Located in the adorable area of One Colorado, be sure to ask to sit outside if weather permits. You'll love the wine and location!
Located right next to Vroman's bookstore, this pizza place is unique and delicious! Make your own pizza like a subway! Kids and adults love this place. Plus, it's between 5-8 dollars. YES!
84 locals recommend
Blaze Pizza
667 E Colorado BlvdLocated right next to Vroman's bookstore, this pizza place is unique and delicious! Make your own pizza like a subway! Kids and adults love this place. Plus, it's between 5-8 dollars. YES!
If you want variety and cheap - this is a great choice. Also located right next door to Vroman's Bookstore, you will like the under $15 Thai style. PS - it's a little on the spicy side.
14 locals recommend
Nine & Nine Thai Kitchen
738 E Colorado BlvdIf you want variety and cheap - this is a great choice. Also located right next door to Vroman's Bookstore, you will like the under $15 Thai style. PS - it's a little on the spicy side.
I think every local in Pasadena knows and loves this spot. Not too expensive, delicious food, and a little quirky. It's Thai style.
29 locals recommend
Daisy Mint
1218 E Colorado BlvdI think every local in Pasadena knows and loves this spot. Not too expensive, delicious food, and a little quirky. It's Thai style.
Another great coffee shop. Try the Lavender and Honey Breve with one of their specialty toasts. :)
40 locals recommend
Lavender & Honey® Espresso Bar
1383 E Washington BlvdAnother great coffee shop. Try the Lavender and Honey Breve with one of their specialty toasts. :)
Saigon Noodle Restaurant
28 N Raymond AveYummy Pho - need I say more?
This unique bakery sells fresh pastries, pancakes, and breakfast dishes. It is more geared toward breakfast and brunch and is a good spot for more of that L.A. vibe.
36 locals recommend
Lincoln
1992 Lincoln AveThis unique bakery sells fresh pastries, pancakes, and breakfast dishes. It is more geared toward breakfast and brunch and is a good spot for more of that L.A. vibe.
Entertainment & Activities
We come here as a family to let the kids play while we shop the kids section books. Great selection, quaint bookshop, and unique gift ideas! I never leave empty handed.
65 locals recommend
Vroman's Bookstore
695 E Colorado BlvdWe come here as a family to let the kids play while we shop the kids section books. Great selection, quaint bookshop, and unique gift ideas! I never leave empty handed.
This ice cream spot is local and funky and scrumptious. Just walk in and take a look at their 21 choices - they always change. It's sorta like Cold Stone only better.
6 locals recommend
21 Choices
85 W Colorado BlvdThis ice cream spot is local and funky and scrumptious. Just walk in and take a look at their 21 choices - they always change. It's sorta like Cold Stone only better.
Need a place to let your kids play while you eat? Chick-fil-a isn't too far away. And this location has a play place.
98 locals recommend
Chick-fil-A
6750 Sunset BlvdNeed a place to let your kids play while you eat? Chick-fil-a isn't too far away. And this location has a play place.
Universal City is a shopping/eating area located right outside of the Hollywood Studios. It's a great place to walk around at night with plenty to do and see. Plus, you can get there on the Metro.
111 locals recommend
Universal City
Universal City is a shopping/eating area located right outside of the Hollywood Studios. It's a great place to walk around at night with plenty to do and see. Plus, you can get there on the Metro.
Everything Else
My favorite bakery in ALL of LA. No joke. Just check it out and you'll know why.
35 locals recommend
85°C Bakery Cafe
61 S Fair Oaks AveMy favorite bakery in ALL of LA. No joke. Just check it out and you'll know why.
BEST Hollywood sign views! Park in the 2nd lot on the left side. Walk across street to white bar gate. Take path for 10 minutes to famous batman caves. Sign is through the caves to the left.
118 locals recommend
Bronson Canyon Playground
3200 Canyon DrBEST Hollywood sign views! Park in the 2nd lot on the left side. Walk across street to white bar gate. Take path for 10 minutes to famous batman caves. Sign is through the caves to the left.
Sightseeing
Take the Gold Line to Union Station and get off. It's that easy. Ask the guides to direct you to Olvera Street and then enjoy the Mexican town and tacos. Be sure to find the old Firestation there.
412 locals recommend
Olvera Street
Olvera StreetTake the Gold Line to Union Station and get off. It's that easy. Ask the guides to direct you to Olvera Street and then enjoy the Mexican town and tacos. Be sure to find the old Firestation there.
You can eat here - but it's also just fun to see. You want to get the LA vibe, check this place out.
968 locals recommend
Grand Central Market
317 S BroadwayYou can eat here - but it's also just fun to see. You want to get the LA vibe, check this place out.
I come here every month. It's amazing. It will cost you 1$ to walk around, and it closes at noon - but it's an amazing feeling to walk around thousands of flowers for sale - all for super cheap.
44 locals recommend
Los Angeles Flower Market
754 Wall StI come here every month. It's amazing. It will cost you 1$ to walk around, and it closes at noon - but it's an amazing feeling to walk around thousands of flowers for sale - all for super cheap.
Want more of that LA vibe? Don't miss this spot. Again, it's easy to get there on the metro. Just walk around and enjoy the weird.
324 locals recommend
The Last Bookstore
453 South Spring StreetWant more of that LA vibe? Don't miss this spot. Again, it's easy to get there on the metro. Just walk around and enjoy the weird.
The view of the LA area is amazing here -- and it has an amazing view of the Hollywood sign. Much much better than the sign view near the Dolby Theatre. You will love it. And the observatory is really cool, too. Especially for elementary aged children. Take a picnic! :) :)
4367 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdThe view of the LA area is amazing here -- and it has an amazing view of the Hollywood sign. Much much better than the sign view near the Dolby Theatre. You will love it. And the observatory is really cool, too. Especially for elementary aged children. Take a picnic! :) :)
Drinks & Nightlife
This rooftop bar is right off of Pershing Square and has amazing views of the city. The French style bar is relaxed, trendy, and delicious food. Dinner is $$$, at least come for drinks and dessert.
786 locals recommend
Perch
448 S Hill StThis rooftop bar is right off of Pershing Square and has amazing views of the city. The French style bar is relaxed, trendy, and delicious food. Dinner is $$$, at least come for drinks and dessert.
Vertical Wine Bistro
70 N Raymond AveI've never been here actually - but it looks awesome. :)