Need advice for pretty Pasadena neighborhoods to explore

Question

I'll be in Pasadena Saturday. I love to explore pretty neighborhoods. Can you tell me the neighborhoods I should drive through (or possibly walk through if I have enough time) that have pretty or architecturally interesting homes? Also what landmarks should I put in my navigation to find them? Thanks.

Answer

Pasadena is full of charming neighborhoods with historic and architecturally interesting homes. Since you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can enjoy both driving and walking through some of the prettiest areas.

Here are some top neighborhoods and streets to explore:

Bungalow Heaven: This neighborhood is famous for its collection of early 20th-century Craftsman-style homes. Walking or driving here, you’ll see beautiful porches, landscaped yards, and historic details. Landmark streets include Orange Grove Boulevard, S. El Molino Avenue, and California Boulevard.
Annandale & Hastings Ranch: Known for its mid-century and traditional homes, this area is quieter but offers scenic streets lined with trees and rolling hills. Hastings Ranch Drive and San Rafael Avenue are notable roads to navigate.
Old Pasadena & Civic Center area: While more commercial, some side streets reveal charming historic residences. Nearby, the Pasadena City Hall is a stunning landmark worth stopping to admire.
South Arroyo: Close to the Colorado Street Bridge and the Rose Bowl area, this area has large, stately homes and winding streets with views of the Arroyo Seco. Streets like Orange Grove Boulevard (north section) feature grand historic estates.
Huntington Drive & Pasadena Playhouse area: This area has a mix of historic craftsman and revival-style homes, perfect for a slower, scenic drive or a short walk.

Additional tips for navigation and landmarks:

Stop by the Colorado Street Bridge for classic views and photo opportunities.
Check out Pasadena City Hall, not just for architecture but also for the surrounding streets with charming homes.
The Rose Bowl area and Arroyo Seco Parkway corridor also provide scenic drives with historic homes on either side.
If time allows, park briefly in Bungalow Heaven and take a walking tour to really appreciate the detailed architecture.

Overall, Bungalow Heaven is the must-see for detailed, historic architecture, while the South Arroyo and Annandale areas offer scenic drives and larger estates. Combining these neighborhoods with key landmarks will make for a delightful Pasadena exploration day.