Pasadena, CA Travel, Photos Information and News

Shown is the Gamble House, one of the most beautifully maintained homes in Southern California. Tourists can tour the house known for its unique architecture and use of rare woods.

Location: The City of Pasadena is located just nine miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Pasadena is unique in that it is home to 16 historically designated districts, such as Bungalow Heaven and Garfield Heights. Today, at least 10 percent of the city's 22.5 square-mile area is historically designated. See Map of Pasadena

Climate: Mild, year-round Mediterranean climate
* Average daytime temperature: 76 Fahrenheit, 24 Celsius
* Average nighttime temperature: 54 Fahrenheit, 12 Celsius

Once in Pasadena, visitors find so much to do. The city is invitingly walkable. Additionally, Pasadena ARTS (Area Rapid Transit System) provides safe and convenient links to the area's centers of commerce and attractions.

Pasadena's museums are world class and attract millions of visitors from around the globe. Be sure to take time to explore some of the best museums highlighted here.

Convention Center: Today, the fully operational Pasadena Convention Center features the 28,000-square-foot East Pavilion and the 3,000-seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium. As a result of a $150 million expansion, more than 85,000 additional square feet of exhibit space will become available in the spring of 2009, introducing 28 new breakout rooms and a 25,000-square-foot ballroom.

Dining: Pasadena offers endless dining options. With more than 500 restaurants, there is a broad range of cuisines served in a variety of environments ranging from outdoor cafes and quaint cottages to elegant trattorias and fine dining rooms. Pasadena gains a solid reputation for its cuisine and partially credits its culinary success to California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena.

Where to eat:

Le Pain Quotidien 88 W. Colorado Boulevard, #102
Los Angeles, CA 91105
In Old Town Pasadena

The Cheesecake Factory 364 North Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Pasadena is also known for its nightlife scene where pub crawlers haunt places like Ice House Comedy Club, Bar Celona, Bodega Wine Bar, Red White + Blues, and a variety of cinemas, bars, jazz and dance clubs.

The Districts: Reminiscent of a refined collection of European villages with modern conveniences and an urban sophistication, Pasadena offers three distinct districts:

* Old Pasadena is nationally recognized for its vibrant main street revitalization. Spanning 22 blocks of historic streets and alleyways, Old Pasadena reflects the traditions of early California blending more than 130 retail stores, art galleries, trendy boutiques, vintage clothing stores, theaters and restaurants.

* European ambiance is most evident along the 10, tree-lined blocks of South Lake Avenue, which is home to upscale boutiques, designer stores and eateries. This active business community and bustling retail center features Macy's, Anthropology and Orvis alongside diverse eateries such as Smitty's and Pie & Burger, a Pasadena institution since 1963.

* Architecture
View Pasadena's rich architectural heritage on a walking tour. Detailed maps are available with 10 tours of Lower Linda Vista, Arroyo Craftsman, Arroyo View, Oak Knoll, Governor Markham Victorian District, Civic Center & Playhouse District, Old Pasadena, Madison Heights, Bungalow Heaven, and Lombardy Road.

Sports -- The variety of sports activities will keep you on your toes. Check out the list of ideas of sports you can participate in while visiting Pasadena.

ABOUT PASADENA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit marketing organization dedicated to promoting Pasadena as a desirable meeting, convention and leisure travel destination. For more information and assistance in planning meetings and special events in Pasadena, contact the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 307-7977 or log on to www.visitpasadena.com.