5 Places In Pasadena To Visit While In Town For The Rose Bowl And Rose Parade

The annual Rose Bowl and Rose Parade draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Pasadena on New Year's Day. There are many great places to visit during your stay in the Crown City.

1. Norton Simon Museum

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The Norton Simon Museum is home to a world renowned collection of European and Asian art. This is the building you see in the background on most television broadcasts of the Rose Parade. Due to it's proximity to the parade route, you should check their website for hours of operation.

2. Old Town Pasadena

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Just a few blocks from the Norton Simon Museum, Old Town was the original business district in Pasadena. Most of it's buildings, some dating as far back as the late 1800s, have been restored. They contain some of the cities trendiest shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. The Rose Parade route cuts right through Old Town via Colorado Blvd.

3. Kidspace Children's Museum

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Kidspace is designed to educate children aged two to ten years old. This is done through interactive exhibits, events, and programs. The impressive exhibits were created by NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute Of Technology, and Art Center College Of Design. Since it's next to the Rose Bowl, it's closed on game days.

4. Huntington Library

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Located a short drive from Pasadena in San Marino, the Huntington Library is a true gem. It contains a library, vast art collection, and beautiful botanical gardens. It is also recognizable from its role as a popular filming location for Hollywood productions.

5. Gamble House

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Literally a textbook example of the Arts and Crafts Movement, the Gamble House was designed in the Craftsman style by noted architects Greene and Greene. It is best known to movie buffs as Dr. Emmett Brown's home in the Back To The Future films. It is located very close to the Rose Bowl. Tours are given Tuesday through Sunday.