Historic Pasadena meets modern luxury

Old Town Pasadena is defined by 22 historic blocks, where many rustic brick buildings still stand. The very heart of Old Pas is at the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.

Browse and indulge at vintage, independent and luxury brand shops. To name just a few: Roche Bobois, Tiffany & Co.,  Vroman's Bookstore, Gold Bug jewelry, Sephora, The Soap Kitchen, Cisco Home sustainable high-end furniture, Pottery Barn, Homage artisanal gifts… There’s even a dog bakery!

You’ll find some of the best Los Angeles-area dining experiences at Old Town Pasadena restaurants. At last count, there were 100 eateries, with many of them offering takeout and patio dining during COVID. Fine favorites include Mi Pace, Il Fornaio, Cafe Santorini, Union and Sushi Roku. Casual scenes include Dog Haus Biergarten for handmade hotdogs and burgers. Save room for dessert at one of several bakeries. 

There are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in art and culture. Visit the Norton Simon Museum, Huntington Library, Pasadena Museum of History, the historic Gamble House, Jet Propulsion Laboratory visitor center, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Kidspace Children's Museum, and Wrigley Mansion, the official home to the Tournament of Roses Association.

Terraces’ leafy nextdoor neighbor is the 34-acre Ambassador Gardens, historic home to giant cedars, native oaks, fragrant jasmine, thick grassy lawns, a reflecting pool, koi ponds, streams and Merritt Mansion. Other nearby urban retreats include Huntington Library botanical gardens, Arlington Garden, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (Pasadena POPS traditionally played summer concerts there), internationally renowned Descanso Gardens and Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens.  

Pasadena is served by premier medical facilities in and near the city. They include Huntington Memorial Hospital, Keck Medical Center of USC, City of Hope, Kaiser Permanente’s southern California headquarters and Shriners for Children Medical Center.