Northeast of Downtown Los Angeles lies Pasadena, the crown jewel of the San Gabriel Valley. This charming city, incorporated in 1886, is celebrated for its lush landscaping, historical landmarks and a blend of premier accommodations, upscale shopping and enriching activities. Whether you’re planning a chic night out or a luxurious staycation, here are the must-visit spots in the City of Roses.
Take a dip in the Royce Pool at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LANGHAM, PASADENA
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles
Set on 23 acres, The Langham offers a serene retreat of timeless elegance and unmatched amenities. Enjoy afternoon tea, jazz nights at The Tap Room, sunbathing at the Royce Pool and traditional Chinese medicine treatments at Chuan Spa. Tip: Reserve a table at The Royce Steakhouse upon check-in—the Australian wagyu is a must!
This 1926-built establishment recently received a chic upgrade, incorporating Southern Californian essentials such as a rooftop pool and a lobby bar that pours coffee and cocktails. When booking one of the 161 guest rooms, expect stellar valley views and an immediate vicinity to South Lake Ave.’s bustling businesses.
If B&Bs are more of your thing, this Victorian boutique inn dating back to 1887 is worth the stay. Each of the seven bedrooms boasts its own personality, complete with era-appropriate furniture and decor. Don’t forget to head downstairs in the morning for complimentary breakfast every day at 9 a.m.
Hotel Dena, Pasadena Los Angeles, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
For more modern digs, Hotel Dena is an all-encompassing spot for the savvy traveler. Pop into the fitness center, dip into the private pool and spend each evening grabbing happy hour small bites and house cocktails from the trendy Agents Only lounge.
From the Hillstone Restaurant Group comes the always-happening Houston’s, best visited with a reservation. Indulge in elevated American favorites, from grilled Castroville heirloom artichokes to a juicy ground-chuck cheeseburger, paired with classic cocktails and wine.
At this comfort food destination in Old Pasadena, indulge in brunch or dinner with iconic dishes such as the chicken liver mousse eclair, sticky toffee pancakes and a handcrafted cheeseboard for the table. Or swing by the cheese shop for quick grab-and-go options.
Chicken liver mousse eclairs from Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery; PHOTO BY JAKOB LAYMAN
Pasta and wine? Say no more! At Union, Californian cuisine meets Northern Italian roots, resulting in dishes such as Niman Ranch pork chops, Weiser Farms sunchokes and pistachio bucatini, plus plenty of premier wine pours.
Transport date night to the City of Lights at this family-owned and operated establishment, crafting French-inspired fare. Using local and sustainable ingredients, Perle serves favorites from black truffle rigatoni to red wine-braised coq au vin.
Maestro gives traditional Mexican fare a stylish upgrade, dishing up delicacies such as braised bone-in lamb shank, grilled octopus with Chile de Arbol aioli, and indulgent tres leches carrot cake.
The Tjahyadi brothers and their father keep this Southeast Asian-inspired eatery in the family. Expect attentive service, modernized interiors and artful plates from oxtail dumplings to fried shallot beef ribs, both of which made the restaurant’s Top 10 Favorites list.
Bone Kettle serves Southeast Asian fare in an artful setting; PHOTO BY ANTHONY LU
As Pasadena’s first neo-bistro, French-influenced Bar Chelou is revolutionizing nights out with friends. Here, dish-passing is strongly encouraged, and the curated list of natural wines will have everyone pouring a second—or third glass!
Since 2011, the woman-owned Star Leaf has plated Southeast Asian fare with a modern twist, thanks to restaurateur Ruth Lin and her dedicated team. Each dish is a photo-worthy combination of color, texture and flavor, making for dinner and show.
American cuisine and Japanese influence unite at this Pasadena goto. Whether you prefer a sizeable Kansas City Strip or a refined three-ounce olive-fed wagyu, Alexander’s Steakhouse has you covered.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
Get lost for the day at The Huntington, where visitors can peruse 12 million literary items, more than 45,000 artistic pieces from around the globe and 130 acres of breathtaking gardens encapsulating 83,000 living plants.
Enjoy an evening of theater at the Tony Award-winning Pasadena Playhouse, showcasing original productions since 1917. Beginning Feb. 26, catch a showing of Suzan-Lori Park’s Topdog/Underdog about two brothers and their dark yet comedic fate.
Pasadena Playhouse features unique productions, like the forthcoming Topdog/ Underdog this February; PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH
From spirited UCLA football games to the once-a-month curated flea market, The Rose Bowl has long been the entertainment center of Pasadena. This 2025, stay tuned for performances from Oasis, Rufus Du Sol and Goldenvoice’s Cruel World Festival.
Rooted in storied history, this iconic museum follows the idea from its founder that the best way to understand art is to see it for yourself. Stop by now to get a closer look at Mariana: Velázquez’s Portrait of a Queen from the Museo Nacional del Prado.
This historic craftsman home built for David and Mary Gamble welcomes guests to experience its iconic architecture firsthand while enjoying community-centric events such as tours, sound baths and book clubs.
Just a few minutes away in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso boasts 150 acres of botanical gardens, picturesque vistas and the Farmhouse restaurant, opening this year. Drop in this month to catch Japanese camellias, peach blossoms and more in beautiful bloom.
Stop by Facile Skincare for a specialty facial in a chic space on South Lake Ave. Afterward, shop the on-site boutique for dermatologist-tested skincare, from hydrating lip jellies to “Dew You” hyaluronic acid serum.
Discover well-rounded healing inside this holistic salt sanctuary, offering natural treatments such as halotherapy, mud wraps, reiki and revitalizing massage therapy.
Well Studio’s Icoone Machine technology is revolutionizing body-focused spa treatments; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Glow from head to toe with self-healing guru Colette Connor’s whole-body wellness menu, including powerful Icoone technology for body contouring, detox and circulation.
Shine a bit brighter with Single Stone’s selection of contemporary fine jewelry, utilizing vintage stones in chic new settings. You may even catch one of your favorite celebs touting the brand!
When in Pasadena, peruse this trendy boutique, carrying an enviable variety of women’s lifestyle brands, including Citizens of Humanity, Scarlette Ateliers, Simkhai and Lemiz.
With her recently opened flagship store in Pasadena, fashion designer Rebecca Crews, wife of Terry Crews, is drawing a crowd for her famed tuxedo suits, dazzling accessories and sleek beauty line housed inside the stylish shop.
Another Man’s Treasure Vintage
This eclectic, Jersey-born boutique by Meika Franz pulls from established vendors to curate a vintage shopping experience unlike any other. Discover unique finds, from luxury brand handbags to funky fur coats.
Discover chic finds across multiple time periods at Meika Franz’s Another Man’s Treasure Vintage; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Whether searching for one-of-a-kind gifts or a little something for yourself, Homage is your one-stop shop in Pasadena for all things indie and crafted with intention. We currently have our eye on the Elizabeth Stone earrings!
Photography by: COURTESY OF THE LANGHAM, PASADENA
