Pasadena, California: Sunshine, Science, and a Whole Lotta Roses
Ah, Pasadena. Land of citrus groves (well, once upon a time), the annual Rose Parade that makes your grandma weep with nostalgia, and enough scientific institutions to make your brain hurt in the best way possible. But Pasadena's got more going on than just fancy floats and rocket scientists (although those are pretty darn cool). Buckle up, because we're taking a whirlwind tour of this delightful Southern California city.
So, what exactly is in Pasadena?
Culture vultures, rejoice! Pasadena boasts a thriving arts scene. From the Norton Simon Museum, overflowing with European and Asian masterpieces, to the Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California with a history as dramatic as the plays it stages, there's something for every artistic fancy.
Calling all history buffs! Old Pasadena is a charming district bursting with Victorian-era architecture and art deco gems. Get your shopping on amidst the beautiful buildings, or just grab a latte and pretend you're a movie star (because hey, Pasadena's been in tons of films).
Calling all outdoorsy types! Pasadena isn't all museums and shopping (though those are pretty great too). Take a hike in the nearby Eaton Canyon, or have a picnic in the picturesque Arlington Garden. And if you're feeling energetic, you can even climb Mount Wilson for some epic city views (though maybe bring a sweater, it gets chilly up there).
Calling all football fanatics! Pasadena's the proud home of the Rose Bowl, a stadium that's seen its fair share of legendary gridiron battles. Even if you're not a die-hard fan, the atmosphere during a game is electric (and who doesn't love a good halftime snack?).
But wait, there's more!
Pasadena's also a hub for science and technology. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is there, churning out brainiacs who've probably invented things you can't even pronounce. And if you're into space stuff (because who isn't?), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), home to NASA missions, is also located in Pasadena. Basically, Pasadena is where the future is being built, one rocket launch at a time.
FAQ
How to get to Pasadena? Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest major airport. From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or hop on the Metro Gold Line.
How to get around Pasadena? Pasadena is fairly walkable, especially in Old Pasadena. There's also a public bus system and rideshare options available.
How to score tickets to the Rose Parade? Tickets for the parade go on sale way in advance (think like, the year before). But don't despair! You can always snag a spot along the parade route and catch the floats for free.
How to (respectfully) peek at Caltech? The campus is open to the public, so feel free to wander around and admire the beautiful buildings. Just be mindful that it's a working university, so keep the noise down and don't bother the students (unless they're offering free pizza, then go nuts).
How to avoid getting abducted by aliens (from JPL)? Relax, they're probably too busy exploring Mars to be interested in you. But seriously, JPL offers tours and public events, so you can learn all about their fascinating work without any risk of intergalactic relocation.
