Welcome to Pasadena
A charming small town tucked along the outskirts of Los Angeles
South Pasadena is a quaint, adorable town located just 10 minutes outside of Los Angeles. Featuring scenic views, historic architecture, and diverse restaurants, this neighborhood provides residents with the perfect suburban lifestyle. Local business and restaurant owners know their residents by name, neighbors are polite and dependable, and the schools are high-achieving and award-winning. Calling South Pasadena home is almost like living in a classic Hollywood movie!
Known as the “City of Trees,” South Pasadena’s streets are lined with dozens of California native species offering idyllic neighborhood views. It’s no wonder Hollywood continues to choose South Pasadena as a popular filming location due to its picture-perfect, tree-lined streets and “Mom and Pop” shops. South Pasadena is an iconic gem tucked along the outskirts of Los Angeles and one of the best places to live in Southern California.
What to Love
- Famous filming locations throughout the neighborhood (Halloween, Back to the Future, Beethoven, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Terminator)
- The weekly farmers market at the intersections of Mission Street and Meridian Avenue
- Strong sense of community spirit and pride
Local Lifestyle
With just over 25,000 residents, those that have made South Pasadena their home enjoy a blend of urban and suburban living. With plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping options, there is no shortage of things to do and see. With the neighborhood’s proximity to Los Padres National Forest, there is always an abundance of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and opportunities to get involved in community events. South Pasadena is home to mostly young families looking for the ideal spot to raise their children in an excellent school district and young professionals seeking a slower lifestyle outside of downtown Los Angeles.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Gus’s Barbeque is the ideal place to gather with friends for great food and great drinks in a welcoming atmosphere featuring true Southern hospitality. Located on the historic Route 66, the restaurant’s mission is to bring the flavors and friendliness of the South to the neighborhood of South Pasadena and provide the best barbeque in town. Their meats are seasoned overnight and smoked low and slow, and their sauces are made from scratch daily.
According to Pasadena Weekly, Parkway Grill is Pasadena’s “#1 Restaurant.” Offering innovative American cuisine, Parkway Grill provides Pasadena residents with specialized dishes created in an exhibition kitchen complete with a wood-fired oven and crafted with French techniques. Their dining room is the “perfect balance of elegance and rustic approachability,” and their award-winning wine cellar holds over 3,000 bottles. The Tiki salad and brick-oven baked Cambozola pear flatbread are favorite dishes, along with their lobster crêpes and whole ginger fried catfish.
Opened in 2007, Mike and Anne’s Restaurant was originally a dinner-only spot. After rave reviews and an overwhelming clientele, the restaurant expanded its hours to include breakfast and lunch options. Loyal customers and tourists alike flock to Mike and Anne’s for delicious brunch options, fresh salads and tuna melts for lunch, and Scottish salmon and steaks for dinner. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine and hand-crafted cocktail list.
Old Focals is a unique, funky, and famous eyewear shop. Known as the entertainment industry’s top destination for prop eyewear, Old Focals focuses on vintage frames for the trendy individual. Their glasses have been used in hundreds of films and are considered the “go-to” brand for celebrities. Their unique NOS frames (“New Old Stock”) are collected from the ’50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s and have never been worn. NOS frames and retro-inspired frames from designer Russ Campbell are available for purchase and are prescription-ready.
Things to Do
The South Pasadena Farmers Market brings the community together every Thursday afternoon to celebrate fresh, local food, handmade goods, and the beauty of the California neighborhood. The market is an official California Certified Farmers Market and features dozens of diverse vendors each week. The market is the place to go to catch up with friends, grab your weekly groceries, and unwind with a delicious meal.
The Arroyo Seco Campground sits within Los Padres National Forest and boasts 74-acres of excellent outdoor activities. Residents can visit the campground for horseback riding, a round of golf, hiking, biking, and camping. There’s also a batting cage and tennis courts for sports enthusiasts and a clubhouse with a grill if you’re looking for the perfect picnic spot. The individual campsites offer primitive options (no water or electric hookups) or modern options (public bathrooms and water) and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The South Pasadena Community is committed to celebrating the arts. The Civic Center Art Gallery provides residents with several art exhibitions throughout the year and hosts wonderful educational opportunities for all ages. The goal is to create a more inclusive space to bring the arts to everyone, and the center features dynamic displays and visual experiences for all residents.