Pasadena Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Pasadena

Pasadena City Hall, an architectural gem completed in 1927, stands as a prime example of the City Beautiful movement which aimed to introduce beautification and monumental grandeur in urban planning. The movement reached Pasadena in the early 1920s, culminating in the approval of a $3.5 million bond in 1923 by residents for the creation of a civic center, with the City Hall as its cornerstone.

Designed by the San Francisco-based firm Bakewell and Brown, Pasadena City Hall embodies a blend of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. This architectural masterpiece was completed on December 27, 1927. It occupies a grand footprint of 361 feet by 242 feet and rises to six stories. The structure is noted for its over 235 rooms and passageways that span more than 170,000 square feet. A significant feature is its majestic dome, measuring 26 feet tall and 54 feet in diameter, positioned above the west entrance.

Beyond its administrative function, Pasadena City Hall has also gained acclaim as a picturesque location for film and television productions. It has portrayed various settings in films and series, including a Napa Valley town square in "A Walk in the Clouds" (1995), an embassy in the "Mission: Impossible" series, and a villa in Charlie Chaplin’s "The Great Dictator" (1940). Additionally, it represents the fictional city hall of Pawnee, Indiana, in the popular TV show "Parks and Recreation." This iconic building not only serves as a hub of government but also as a cultural landmark, celebrated both for its historical significance and its role in the arts.

This memorial, in honor of Jackie and Mack Robinson, pays homage to two of Pasadena's most famous residents, Jackie, a native of Cairo, Georgia, and his brother, Mack. Jackie attended John Muir High School, as well as Pasadena Junior College. He is most famous for making history by playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956, eventually earning a place in the baseball Hall of Fame. The sculpture featuring Jackie's face looks east towards Brooklyn.

Mack, Jackie's older brother, earned a Silver Medal in the 1936 Olympics for the 200-meter sprint. Even though he made history by coming in second place after Jesse Owens, Mack received less local acclaim than his younger brother when returning to his hometown. When he and other black residents of Pasadena fought the city in court to end segregation at the city's pool, he lost a city job, creating a somewhat complicated relationship with the city. His sculpture faces towards Pasadena City Hall.

All Saints Episcopal Church, located in Pasadena, is a prominent member of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Established in November 1882, the church began when eleven individuals congregated in the home of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Brown for services led by the Reverend Trew. By Easter Day of 1885, the congregation dedicated its first church building at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Garfield Avenue. The church experienced rapid growth, necessitating a move to a new site on North Euclid Avenue, where a 600-seat church was constructed and first used on Easter Day, 1889.

The congregation continued to expand, leading to the construction of the current church building in 1923, which opened its doors in 1924. This building, designed in the English Gothic style, has served the community since then. Along with the main church, the parish hall and rectory were added in 1926-1927, creating an integrated courtyard that enhances the site's architectural harmony. In 1980, the National Park Service recognized All Saints Church as a Contributing Structure to the Pasadena Civic Center District by listing it on the National Register of Historic Places.

All Saints Church is renowned for its liberal stance within the Southern California religious community and is one of the largest Episcopal churches in the United States. The church has a long-standing tradition of political activism, which, according to former Rector Ed Bacon, is deeply embedded in its DNA. This activism is a hallmark of the church’s identity, influencing its mission and outreach programs.

Set in an Asian-style building on the University of Southern California campus, the Pacific Asia Museum covers the Asian-Pacific region's art, culture, and history. The exhibitions bring a greater awareness of similarities and differences between Asian and non-Asian cultures, along with educational opportunities and special programs.

Some examples of exhibitions that have been popular include contemporary art in Los Angeles, Kabuki prints, and ceramics. The permanent exhibit includes over 800 Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian pieces. Materials used include jade, stone, ivory, and wood sculptures from the Neolithic Era onward.

The classes and workshops held during the year allow visitors to experience the full breadth of culture found in Asian art. Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting is a popular type of class for visitors to take. Even if you're spending most of your time on the grounds outside the museum, you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the unique architecture and get a few photos.

The Pasadena Playhouse is California's state theater and has welcomed audiences with top-notch entertainment for over 100 years. This theater's auditorium seats 686 in a building constructed in Spanish Colonial Revival-style. Many of the plays by top playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Tennessee Williams premiered at this theater.

This theater stands out because of its superior acoustics and stage design that helped it become an early pioneer in community theater. Taking a tour of the theater is a perfect way to learn valuable insights about its history and the actors who helped make it famous. Visiting the green room provides an exciting look into all the preparation required for actors to get ready when appearing on-stage.

Another exciting part of the tour is a visit to a Craftsman-style library that offers all kinds of exciting information. The decor inside the auditorium area reflects the building's 1920s origins. This theater also boasts modern lighting and other effects that bring the sets to life.

Colorado Boulevard, also known as Colorado Street, is one of Pasadena's major east-west streets and used as the route for the Rose Bowl Parade. The street has always been a major center for the shopping, banking, and hotel sectors. Many of the buildings that still stand in this area date back to the late 1800s and are always worth photographing.

There are plenty of exciting things to do when you're walking down this street. Stop by the Neon Retro Arcade and play some vintage video games. Take some pictures of landmarks like the First Baptist Church of Pasadena or City Hall. If you're interested in buying some exciting items, check out Distant Lands, Gold Bug, The Pasadena Antique Mall, and Mignon Chocolate.

Restaurant options to consider include Avanti Italian Bistro & Bar, La Grande Orange Cafe, Malbec, and Ramen Tatsunoya. If you decide to grab a drink while on your walking tour, consider Bodega Wine Bar Pasadena, The Rose, or Salt Lounge.

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, host of America's Got Talent, the Daytime Emmy Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards is one of the top performance halls in the United States. In addition to these star-studded events, the auditorium is host to cultural performances, film and TV events, graduation ceremonies, and theatrical performances.

This auditorium dates back to 1932 and still features many of the decorative elements unique to that time. One of the theater's most noteworthy features is a Moller organ, which is one of the world's largest instruments. In front of the auditorium, the plaza has become a popular place for tribute bands to play, with musical selections including 80s tributes, Elton John, and Journey.

Although the auditorium is not open for public tours, stopping for a moment to take a picture of the building is worth your time. The architecture is some of the finest in Pasadena, and you will be glad you stopped to take a look.

Castle Green dates back to 1898 and is one of Pasadena's most beloved historic locations. This Victorian-era gem has its origins as an annex to Hotel Green, a popular resort of the time. During the 1920s, the hotel became private residences that have attracted artists, collectors, designers, and musicians.

This building features a Mediterranean Revival style invoking elements from southwestern Europe and North Africa into its designs. The hotel has been a famous filming location for its Victorian interiors and beautiful grounds.

Arched walkways and verandas crafted of lovely stone add to the unique beauty of the grounds. There is a lily pond that adds a sense of tranquility to the grounds, despite the hotel being in one of Pasadena's most popular neighborhoods.

Expansive lawn areas and beautiful trees help add to the grounds' inviting nature. Many guests enjoy this area because of how peaceful the grounds are and the number of photo opportunities available.

One Colorado Market Place is a premier Pasadena shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. The brick buildings date back to the Victorian era, evoking another time. An open-air courtyard provides the perfect spot for socializing, people-watching, or soaking up the sun.

This open-air is host to fun activities that are often perfect for the whole family. DJs and musical acts are regular fixtures at this mall. You might even see dance acts here.

Some of the most popular upscale retailers include Anthropologie, J. Crew, Nike, and Sephora. Being able to shop for so many designer brands in one location is worth the visit.

Dining choices that you'll enjoy taking advantage of include Main Chick, Russell's Famous Hamburgers, and Sushi Roku. If you're on the hunt for a quick snack, consider 21 Choices Frozen Yogurt and Il Fornaio Bakery.

One Colorado Market Place also has an IPIC movie theater. Watching movies in this setting is worth the time because of the quality of the sound and picture.

Memorial Park stands out in Pasadena for its memorials, kid-friendly fun, and free summer concerts at its pavilion. Sculptures and artwork are found throughout the park, offering some exciting selfie opportunities for visitors. One of the structures includes remnants from the first public library building.

The pavilion area is one of the most iconic parts of the park. There is plenty of seating to comfortably accommodate everyone during a concert. When artists perform here, visitors are assured of being able to hear everything clearly.

This park has a mulched playground area for children that is well-maintained. Kids are sure to enjoy the playground equipment that has a fun forest motif.

There are several benches that are ideal for watching everything going on, reading, or enjoying a cup of coffee. The park has sufficient space to enjoy picnics, leisurely walks, or pick-me-up sports.