Old Pasadena
The Californian city of Pasadena is barely ten miles from the downtown heart of Los Angeles. Don’t ignore Pasadena when you are traveling in California. There is much to see and do in the city.
The commercial hub of Pasadena is the downtown area, often referred to as the Old Town Pasadena or simply Old Town. Like the downtown areas of many American cities, Old Town in Pasadena endured a period of slow decline between the 1930s and the 1980s. Since 1980 this historic area has enjoyed a resurgence and has been gradually restored to its former glory. The Old Town area was chartered as a historic district of Pasadena in 1980 and this enabled work to start on renovation and restoration. 
Old Town today
The work to bring life back to the Old Town has resulted in the area being one of the most popular shopping destinations in Southern California. Visitors will find a huge range of shops, restaurants, cafes, clubs, and a movie theater. There are also some well-known comedy clubs and dynamic nightlife.
One reason that Old Town is thriving is that people live in the area. Most of the businesses have apartments on their upper floors, and where there are residents, so the area will be full of vigor.
What is there to do in Old Town?
Explore Pasadena Walking Tour
For a guided tour that includes Old Town as well as other parts of Pasadena, sign up for this fascinating walking tour. The tour begins at the Pasadena City Hall but only takes place in good weather. It is necessary to check availability before booking a place on the tour. The cost is $30 per person.
The tour does not end at the starting point. Walkers will be dropped at the Del Mar Gold Line Station which is one Metro Line stop from the City Hall.
Haunted Pasadena Walking Tour
If you love scary stories and mysterious happenings, then this walkthrough Pasadena and it’s Old Town will be ideal for you. This 2 hours guided tour will lead you through the scariest parts of the city. The tour starts on S El Molina Avenue and ends on S Raymond Avenue. The cost is $30 per person but entry into two of the locations will be charged extra.
Check availability before booking as factors like the weather will affect the tour going ahead.
The Norton Simon Museum
One of the jewels of the Old Town in Pasadena is the Norton Simon Museum. Formerly the Pasadena Art Museum it holds a superb collection of art from all over the world and through the ages.
The Museum holds a world-famous collection of Asian art and artifacts including items from India, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Indonesia. European art is represented by works by Botticelli, El Greco, Raphael and later artists like Monet, Degas, Manet, Cezanne and Gaugin. Modern art exhibits include works by Picasso, Matisse, and Braque. Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, and Helen Frankenthaler bring the displays right up to date.
The Museum is open, subject to Covid 19 regulations. Entry costs $15 for an adult and $12 for a senior citizen. The Museum is normally open from 12 noon to 5.00 pm each day but is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Shopping
Old Town is proud of its range of shops of various sizes. There is a great range of stores and spending money on them helps to keep the area vibrant and alive.
Eating Out in Old Pasadena
Many of the eateries in Old Town currently offer outdoor dining but will be able to invite customers inside once Cov-19 regulations allow.
Here are a few of the wonderful eating places in Old Town:
- Buca di Beppo, Italian Restaurant, 80 W. Green Street. Offers outdoor dining plus takeout and delivery services.
- Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery, 40 W. Green Street. Serves gourmet food for outdoor dining or patio dining.
- Amara Chocolate and Coffee, 55 S. Raymond Avenue. Specializes in Latin American and Venezuelan coffees, desserts, teas and juices. Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining available.
- Aux Delices Bakery and Café. 16 W. Colorado Boulevard. Baked goods for delivery or for functions. Takeout also available as is outdoor dining.
- Barney’s Beanery, 99 E. Colorado Boulevard. American food, bar and gastropub. Outdoor dining with a happy hour. Delivery and takeout service.
- Beer & Claw, 61 Fair Oaks Avenue. Cajun food, seafood, bar and gastropub. Offers outdoor dining along with a happy hour. Takeout and delivery are available.
