Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Pasadena?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Pasadena?

Many visitors spend one to three days in Pasadena during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, the nightlife, and shopping.

Pasadena is a city that's not far from Los Angeles. At its heart is Old Pasadena, which is where most tourists visit. The area is filled with restaurants and shops, as well as some interesting architecture. It makes a pleasant place to spend a few hours or a few days.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Pasadena? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Pasadena?

With three days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Pasadena has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Pasadena as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for . We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 3 days in Pasadena

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Pasadena, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

The public transit in Pasadena is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Shopping in Pasadena is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Pasadena is the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Pasadena.

Is 4 days enough time in Pasadena?

Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Pasadena, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, the nightlife, and shopping on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Pasadena as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.

Pasadena, CA

How to spend 4 days in Pasadena

With 4 days in Pasadena, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Pasadena, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Pasadena?

Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Pasadena has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, the nightlife, and shopping at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 5 days in Pasadena

If you have more than 5 days in Pasadena, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Pasadena. Plenty of amazing options are available.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Pasadena, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.