Explore Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Beyond
Pasadena, Los Angeles and Beyond offer a wide range of distractions, through family events, amusement parks, zoos and aquariums, gardens, museums, entertainments and outdoor activities.
For more information about what is going on this week, visit Pasadena Weekly, LA Weekly and LA Parent Magazine.
General Information about Los Angeles and Pasadena
Lonely Planet offers an overview of Los Angeles as a starting point to exploring the L.A. area.
The Visit Pasadena Blog, the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Visitors Center provide comprehensive information about the everyday life in Pasadena
The Rose Parade. Pasadena's most famous, annual event is the New Year's Day Rose Parade, which can be viewed along Colorado Boulevard or on television.
Libraries. There are libraries on the Caltech campus and in Pasadena.
Caltech libraries are available to Caltech and JPL students and scholars, including family members. There is a large choice of sciences books, also movies and fiction books.
Local libraries allow you to borrow books, eBooks, DVDs, and audio CD's at no cost. Libraries offer free, weekly story times for children ages 6 months and older.
Altadena Library
Pasadena Central Library
Pasadena Hill Avenue Branch Library
Crowell Library
South Pasadena Library
Children's activities and family events in and around Pasadena
Lakeshore
Michael's
Vroman's Bookstore
Local libraries
Kidspace Children's Museum
Zimmer Children's Museum
Amusement Parks
Disneyland
Knott's Berry Farm
Universal Studios
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Pacific Park
Legoland
Raging Waters
Zoos and Aquariums
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Aquarium of the Pacific
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
San Diego Sea World
San Diego Wild Animal Park
San Diego Zoo
Gardens
The Arboretum
The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
Descanso Gardens
Museums. Most museums charge an admission fee or require a donation. An annual membership may be a cheaper option (and tax deductible).
In Pasadena. There are many art museums. Below are some very famous.
Gamble House
The Huntington Library
Norton Simon
Pacific Asia Museum
In Los Angeles. For a complete list of museums per category: click here. Below are the famous ones.
Miracle Mile, on Wilshire Boulevard, is home to many institutions worth visiting.
Art Museums
African American Museum,
Autry National Center
The Broad
Getty Center and Getty Villa
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Museum of Latin American Art
American Culture and Heritage
Grammy Museum
Heritage Square Museum
Hollywood Wax Museum
Queen Mary
Science, Natural History and History Museums
California Science Center
Griffith Observatory
Museum of Tolerance
Natural History Museum
Page Museum/La Brea Tar Pits
Skirball Cultural Center
Entertainment and Shows
Caltech Public Events
Experience LA.com
Goldstar Discounted Tickets to Local Events
LA.com
Los Angeles Times Calendar
LA Weekly
Not For Tourists
Pasadena CultureNet
Pasadena Weekly
Movie Studios
Adventures by Disney Backstage.
Shows and Opera
Usually, if you buy tickets in advance (1-2 months), you can go for example to the opera and have a good seat for $20/person
Outdoor Activities
Pasadena and around offer a comprehensive range of outdoor activities, for everyone tastes and all ages.
Beaches and Surfing are all along the Pacific coast, from San Diego up to San Francisco and above.
Hiking trails in the Angeles National Forest, California State Parks and the National Park Service. Each park system has its own reservation process and some have entrance fees. An annual membership is usually beneficial if you are going to visit multiple national parks in one year. The National Park Reservations is usually booked far in advance.
Camping. There are campgrounds located in county parks, state parks and national parks and forests. The Caltech Y rents camping equipment at a nominal fee to the Caltech community.
Skiing and other snow sports are also possible at nearby locations such as Mount Baldy, Big Bear Lake, Mountain High, and Mammoth. For Best Ski resorts, click here.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general information only. Caltech does not endorse or recommend any of the organizations listed.