While I’ve made several visits to Los Angeles in recent years, a work trip to the Art Center got me up to Pasadena this past week. I was really impressed with this small city and had a wonderful time exploring. Thought I’d share a few quick photos and tips in case anyone else is headed that way.

EXPERIENCE

Before making it up to Pasadena I made my usual stops to shop and dine on Abbot Kinney. This trip added a stop to visit the new art museum downtown, called The Broad. This place is full of awesome pop art and is an easy museum for just about anyone to appreciate.

While in Pasadena, I’d highly recommend checking out the Huntington Library and Garden. These gardens have been around for over 100 years and are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The Desert section was my favorite full of exotic cacti and succulents of all varieties and sizes. The gardens is also home to an orchard, Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden.

STAY

While here I stayed at the Westin Pasadena which I was very happy with. The hotel had free doughnuts in the morning, an outdoor pool (which I did not get the opportunity to use) and even a complimentary shuttle service to take guests to attractions around Pasadena.

EAT

While in L.A. I stopped at Gjelina, The Buther’s Daughtersand Salt Air, two of my favorite stops on Abbott Kinney then hit Sushi Enya a few times while in Pasadena.

Should I return to Pasdena, I’d like to check out some of their other unique cusines and stop at Tibet Nepal House Restaurant, Colette and Lunasia Dim Sum House.