Explore Pasadena
Pasadena is a community rich in diversity, historic architecture, arts, entertainment, dining, and shopping. If your visit to Caltech allows time to explore, we hope that you will visit some of the places suggested below. The Admissions staff has also selected their favorite dining options close to campus.

36 Hours in Pasadena, CA (from the New York Times)
The expansive outdoors, mountain views and fine climate make Pasadena, the famed City of Roses, a shining jewel of Southern California and an enduring object of jealousy.

Museums and Places of Interest:

Norton Simon Museum of Art (411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-449-6840) Enjoy one of the world’s finest collections of European, American, and Asian art, and relax in the picturesque gardens on site.Pacific Asia Museum

Pacific Asia Museum (46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626-449-2742) This quaint museum is a lovely place to enjoy thousands of rare artwork and artifacts from Asia.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)(4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, 818-354-4321) The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which Caltech manages for NASA, offers tours that last approximately two hours and include visits to the Space Flight Facility and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility. Reservations are required, so call 818-354-9314 to make arrangements. For details, check out the JPL Public Tours website.


Huntington Gardens and Library
Parks and Green Spaces:

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens (1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, 626-405-2100) In addition to 150 acres of breathtaking gardens, visitors can enjoy world-class rare-book libraries, art galleries, and more.

Memorial Park (corner of Walnut St. and Raymond Ave.) This beautiful park offers free evening concerts in the summer.

Brookside Pavillion at the Rose Bowl (1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, 626-577-3106) The historic and architecturally magnificent Rose Bowl is surrounded by lush green fields, perfect for an afternoon of relaxation.

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626-821-3222) Stroll around the 127 acres of gardens with peacocks, ducks, and other beautiful birds.
Shopping:

Shops on Lake Avenue (on Lake Ave. between California Blvd. and Cordova Blvd.) Within walking distance of campus, the shops here range from Macy’s to Border’s Books, and everything in between!

Paseo Colorado (340 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena) This open-air shopping mall has lovely fountains in between its many stores and occasionally features live entertainment.

Vroman’s Bookstore (695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-449-5320) A local, privately-owned book shop with an amazing selection and frequent readings by renowned authors.

Old Town Pasadena (on Colorado Blvd. and side streets between Raymond Ave. and Pasadena Ave.) The main shopping thoroughfare in Pasadena is this open-air walking district with national chain stores and unique local shops. Urban Outfitters and Pure Beauty are two staff favorites!

Santa Anita Fashion Park (400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626-574-2983) This traditional enclosed shopping mall has many department stores and shops, and is adjacent to the Santa Anita Race Track.

The Gamble House