Old Town Pasadena is a 22-block historic district in Pasadena, California, with shops, restaurants, and late-19th- and early-20th-century architecture. Its pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore on foot, with Colorado Boulevard at the heart of its shopping and dining corridor.
- District: 22 blocks, with more than 300 businesses.
- Key streets: Colorado Boulevard and Green Street.
- By car: Old Town is about a 9-minute drive from El Rancho.
- Transit: Two Metro rail stops serve the district.
Getting oriented in Old Town Pasadena
Old Town Pasadena is a compact historic district where Colorado Boulevard and Green Street help orient your walk. Visit Pasadena describes its 22 blocks as part of the National Register of Historic Places, with architecture dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The district organization counts more than 300 businesses and describes the neighborhood’s streets and historic alleys as pedestrian-friendly. Central Park, a 9.2-acre park, is another point of reference within Old Town.
For a neighborhood visit that fits into a fuller day, the one-day Pasadena itinerary includes Old Town among the city’s stops.
Streets, shops and places to pause
Colorado Boulevard is Old Pasadena’s main shopping and restaurant corridor, while Green Street also has shops and retailers. You can follow the district’s sidewalks and historic alleys between these streets, then take a break in Central Park.
For a recognizable outdoor landmark, the Greetings from Pasadena mural is at Arroyo Parkway and Colorado Boulevard. Castle Green, at 99 South Raymond Avenue, is an 1898 historic landmark. Its interior is open to the public for tours twice a year, so check current tour details before planning around a visit.
Old Pasadena is walkable, but historic buildings may have narrow doorways, uneven grounds, or other accessibility limitations. Some local shops have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms; accessibility can vary by business.
Visitor information and current business hours
Business hours vary, so check the individual shop or restaurant before setting out. Old Pasadena’s official site provides a business directory, parking information, and a walking map; check the official site before you go for current details.
The district has public and private garages, surface lots, on-street spaces, and valet parking. Park & Walk garages are at De Lacey, 45 S. De Lacey Avenue; Marriott, 171 N. Raymond Avenue; and Schoolhouse, 33 E. Green Street. Their listed rate is $1 for the first two hours, then $2 per hour, up to a $12 daily maximum.
On-street meter hours and rates differ by location and day, and overnight parking is prohibited from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Confirm current parking rules and rates before leaving your car.
How do you get to Old Town Pasadena?
Old Town Pasadena is about a 9-minute drive from a Pasadena motel. The neighborhood is also served by two Metro rail stops: Memorial Park and Del Mar. Pasadena Transit Route 10 runs through Old Town and connects it with the Civic Center, Playhouse Village, South Lake Avenue, Caltech, and Allen Station.
Route 20 links Old Town with South Lake Avenue and connects to four of Pasadena’s six A Line stations. Printed Pasadena Transit route schedules and maps are available at the Pasadena Visitor Center, 300 E. Green Street.
For more on moving around the city, the Pasadena getting-around guide covers local connections.
Combining Old Town with nearby cultural stops
Old Town can serve as one part of a Pasadena outing that includes cultural stops elsewhere in the city. The USC Pacific Asia Museum is one such destination.
Castle Green adds a historic landmark within the neighborhood itself, while the mural at Arroyo Parkway and Colorado Boulevard offers an outdoor stop along the district’s main corridor. If the museum is on your itinerary, the USC Pacific Asia Museum visiting guide covers that stop.
FAQs
What is Old Town Pasadena known for?
Old Town Pasadena is a 22-block historic district with late-19th- and early-20th-century architecture, more than 300 businesses, and shops and restaurants along Colorado Boulevard and Green Street.
Is Old Town Pasadena walkable?
Yes. The district is described as walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets and historic alleys. Some historic buildings may have narrow doorways, uneven grounds, or other accessibility limitations.
Which Metro stations serve Old Town Pasadena?
Memorial Park and Del Mar stations serve the district.
Where can you find parking in Old Town Pasadena?
Options include the De Lacey, Marriott, and Schoolhouse Park & Walk garages, along with other public and private parking. Check current rates and rules before your visit.