| As with the great cities of Europe, Pasadena is a
wonderful patchwork of districts, each with its own distinctive character. The vast array
of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities found in these districts is within
walking distance of many Pasadena hotels. Pasadena is truly a walking city, but if
riding is preferred, Pasadena ARTS Buses shuttle visitors between the shopping and
entertainment areas of Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District, South Lake
Avenue and Paseo Colorado. |
Shopping:
Old Pasadena is a
22-block
historic area known worldwide as the trendy getaway for shoppers and diners visiting
Southern California. Stroll down quaint alleyways or duck into one of the airy
European-style piazzas. The area is filled with turn-of-the century buildings and
warehouses that have been renovated to offer more than 200 dazzling retail stores, art
galleries, boutiques, antique shops, elegant restaurants, bistros and more.Beautiful
tree-lined South Lake Avenue provides one of Southern California's finest
shopping experiences. Located in the city's upscale financial district, the 10-block area
features many of the nation's top retailers and scores of one-of-a-kind shops and
boutiques nestled in with fine European-style restaurants. Retailers include
Talbot's, Macy's, Williams-Sonoma and more.
The Pasadena Playhouse District is one of the city's most engaging
centers for art, literature and entertainment. The area features bookstores, antique
stores, specialty shops, one of Southern California's top floral shops, and restaurants.
The district is anchored by the famed Pasadena Playhouse.
For collectors, the nearby Pasadena Antique Center features 130 antique
merchants in one convenient location. Built in 1903, the Pasadena Antique Center was
originally home to the Pasadena Transfer Company.
Paseo Colorado
is a three-block, open-air urban village filled with premium shopping and
dining options. With its craftsman-inspired design, Paseo Colorado features
65 street-front retail shops, Macy's department store, five restaurants, a
14-screen movie complex, Gelson's gourmet market, and Equinox Fitness
Club.
Dining:
With more than 500 renowned restaurants, Pasadena is a dining mecca.
The city has attracted acclaimed chefs from around the world serving
an eclectic mix of cuisine in an array of settings.
Lunch alfresco at a small cafe or trendy bistro, enjoy afternoon tea
in a traditional English cottage, or have dinner at an elegant five-star
restaurant. From California cuisine to Thai, Pasadena serves it all with
style.
Entertainment:
Pasadena is home to some of the most exciting nightlife and
entertainment opportunities in Southern California.
From "hot" jazz hideaways to "cool" comedy clubs, Pasadena
has it all. Theatergoers can
enjoy a live performance at the Pasadena Playhouse, California's official State Theater.
The playhouse's cutting-edge performances have helped launch the
careers of Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman and others.
Boston Court Theatre offers
performances of timeless classics and world premieres.
Visitors can also choose from a variety of
entertainment options at the historic Pasadena
Civic Auditorium. Built in
1931, the Civic is home to the Pasadena
Symphony. Reserve tickets
for a musical performance, ballet, or lecture with such notables as Colin
Powell, Mikhail Gorbachev and Tom Wolfe.
###
|
