The Mandalorian and Grogu was a fun afternoon matinee for my husband and me today. Action, drama,…read morecomedy, the triumph of good over evil, great special effects--it's got it all. Because I joined the Lamdmark membership, I got a $15 discount for my birthday last month and it came to $4.23 for the online tickets. Great savings! Which we of course immediately spent on a cocktail and popcorn at the theater: a watermelon bourbon smash and a Oaxacan Fashion. Highly recommend this theater!

So Landmark is one of our favorite theaters. They have great movies and often obscure ones which…read morewe love. I write this more as a teaching experience than anything else. I'm a loyalty member and one of the perks is a voucher on your birthday to be used for refreshments. We went to the "secret movie" last night which was terrific. Because the voucher was only good for 30 days I wanted to use it before it expired which is 30 days after your birthday. My birthday is April 12 so we were well within that time frame. The bar code wouldn't scan. Odd because our tickets scanned as they always do with zero issues. The wait became uncomfortable after two employees were unable to scan it and called a manager who still couldn't scan it. The voucher was for $15 and I wish that they had decided early on to just go ahead and process it rather than making us stand there and wait which they eventually did. C'mon guys, don't make this birthday perk uncomfortable for the guest, fix your system.

Updated review: I've been to Inspiration Point twice now, most recently after the great Los Angeles…read more"blizzard" of early 2023. And how super intense and cool (figuratively and literally) it was! Total about 10mi from the top of Lake - Echo Mountain - Castle Canyon trail - Inspiration Point - Sam Merrill trail - Echo Mountain and back down to Lake. DEFINITELY a strenuous hike and would highly recommend hiking poles, sunscreen, water, and snacks! The view is incredible, especially with tons of fresh snow everywhere. Hiked this early March 2023 and the Castle Canyon trail leading off from Echo Mountain (a decent hike in its own right) is pretty challenging, if not a bit brutal in some areas: slippery snow, downed trees and bushes blocking the path, and a heavy incline. Again, highly recommend poles. Once at Inspiration Point the view is phenomenal. The Pacific Ocean, Palos Verdes, Catalina Island, and even Anaheim and Irvine are all visible from the top, and downtown LA too of course. Lots of picnic benches and photo-op-worthy view finders for major Southern California sites. Gorgeous San Gabriel mountains in the background. The Sam Merrill trail leading down the backside of the mountain (and then curving back around to the south/west) is much more tame (but still a bit precarious with 2+ feet of snow) and very sun-exposed all the way back to Echo Mountain. All in all probably one of the more butt-kicking Los Angeles hike. Takes about 4-5hrs round trip depending on your pace.

Long and difficult hike but worth the view! About 10 miles…read moreround trip from Cobb Estate. Bring a hat, lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and BUG SPRAY. Me and my husband started around 7:30am and finished the whole hike around 1pm at a steady pace with about an hour break when we got to Inspiration Point. The hike from Cobb Estate to Echo Mountain was a breeze for us, but the hike from there to Inspiration was a whole other story. I recommend wearing long pants as the second half of the hiking path isn't as clear and pretty narrow on some parts. We took our time and treaded lightly but still got some minor scratches on our legs from all of the branches and leaves. My husband started getting irritated from walking into all of the spider webs lol. Not sure if the actual hike was 2 miles from Echo Mountain because it felt so much longer than that. We started getting really tired near the end from all the incline. We almost gave up until my husband saw the view of Inspiration Point. Once we got there, the views made it all worth it! Would we do it again? Maaaaaybe lol.

Ambassador Mansions & Gardens is a very quiet, peaceful, and truly beautiful place. It's hidden…read morebetween buildings, and if you don't know it's there, you might easily miss it -- which makes it feel like a secret garden in the middle of the city. The territory is incredibly well maintained, with huge mature trees, beautiful flowers, fountains, mini waterfalls, and small ponds where you can see fish and turtles. There is also a lovely grassy area in the center where you can sit, relax, or have a small picnic. Geese walk freely around the gardens, and colorful parrots fly overhead, adding even more charm to the atmosphere. In April, the garden looks especially stunning -- the pergola and trees are in full bloom (I wish I remembered the names of those gorgeous flowers!), and the whole place feels alive and magical. Honestly, this garden is beautiful in any season of the year. You can come here with dogs, which is a big plus, but it's important to respect the property rules: pets must be on a leash, owners are responsible for cleanup, professional photography requires a permit, and activities like skateboarding, drinking alcohol, or organized sports events are not allowed. These rules help preserve the calm and cleanliness of the space. There is also a secondary school located on the property, which adds to the unique character of the place. Parking-wise, we were able to find free street parking nearby without any issues. This is a perfect spot to slow down, enjoy nature, and escape the city noise for a while. Highly recommended for a peaceful walk or a quiet moment surrounded by beauty.

What a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the grounds. It is a private property so make sure…read moreto follow the rules and don't litter. Ambassador gardens is a luxury residential community with beautiful homes and condos. The grounds are beautiful with big trees, water features and seating areas. We even saw turtles and big birds by the waterfall. Really lovely place to take a stroll at. We parked on Green Street and walked towards the ambassador auditorium... see my videos and pictures. So pretty.

Visited once and was a tad windy. Did get a creepy feeling at some points. Best part was that you…read morecan hear the wind coming before it hits you. Good place for a hike or walk. Can't wait to visit and make it to the top.

Local hike with tons of varying trails.I wouldn't recommending coming here on a weekend because of…read morehow narrow the trail is unless you want to stop and wait for people.

If I just say "Gamble," that may not mean much. But if I say "Procter & Gamble," now you have a…read morebetter idea who these people were and how much money they had. I can almost guarantee the company makes many of the products you buy all the time. The Gamble House in Pasadena is an architectural (Craftsman) gem. If you want to go inside, you need to book a guided tour. Book your tour well in advance or you will likely get shut out. We saw it happen. There are multiple tour choices but the basic option is a one hour docent-led one. I highly recommend it. The docents are passionate about this property and it shows. By the way, if you don't want to spring for a tour (or you get shut out), you can still walk around the porch and/or the grounds for free. You don't have to be an architect or a design junkie to appreciate the tour. If you like style, or even history, you will enjoy the experience. (Or maybe you are a "Back to the Future" fan; yes, the exterior was shown in the movie.) And it is only a one hour tour, after all. The exterior is gorgeous but the interior is beautiful, too. The lighting, furniture, materials, and just the colors are lovely. For a home that was built about 115 years ago, it is in remarkable condition. It is well worth visiting.

Pasadena is unsurpassed in Craftsman architecture. There is nowhere else in the world where you…read morewill find blocks of perfectly restored Craftsman homes. I lived in Pasadena for four years a couple of decades ago and when in town I still come upon Craftsman-lined streets I'm unfamiliar with. One of the finest examples and the only Craftsman where you can see the interior (you can also check out open houses) is the Greene & Greene designed Gamble House, once owned by U.S.C., but now the property of Pasadena. This tour is worthy of your time, even on a short vacation, and is to the Craftsman style what the Stahl House is to modernism. If you have a week in L.A., consider booking both. Much of the furniture is original; the ceiling lamps, cabinets and kitchen all stunning period art. Afterwards, I would recommend walking the streets in almost any direction, but particularly behind and east of the Gamble, where you will a Frank Lloyd Wright, more Greene & Greenes and one of the most attractive neighborhoods imaginable for strolling.

Millard House, also known as La Miniatura, is a textile block house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright…read moreand built in 1923 in Pasadena, California. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It's a private residential house. NO public tour. Unless you're a family friend. Ha! Visitors can only ogle it from the outside street; you can do a drive by or walk by the house gate. It still a cool landmark. Overall, an interesting Pasadena landmark in an upper class neighborhood.

This is a very cool house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Unfortunately, you can only see the…read morefront of it from the street, driving by. There are no tours available because someone owns it and lives in it now. Still very neat to see. I can only hope that one day the owner gives it to the city to become a museum.

A very nice and charming home in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood in South Pasadena that is…read morefamously known as Pee-Wee Herman's house :D ! Interestingly, according to Zillow, this house was built in 1922. So it is a little over 100 years old. It was our first time ever visiting. But it brought back wonderful childhood memories of watching his show, even though this was actually featured in the Pee-Wee Herman movie that came out in 1985 :) ! You can only take photos outside. But we were totally fine with that since the house exterior itself is really cute :) ! You can't go inside because it is currently owned and I believe it is currently being rented out. So I think there are current tenants living there. He was truly one of a kind :) ! May he rest in peace and no longer suffer after a long battle with cancer.

We Stopped by the House from Pee-wee's Big Adventure…read more Fyi the secret lever for the bike room is not there. I'm going to have to go to Francis' house next, though I believe the Buxton's live in a gated community. I hope you find a creative endeavor that makes you feel like a kid. This movie helped inspire Googy. Cheers. I do feel bad for the people who live here because even though it brought me joy to see the house, I bet they get too many visitors. Please don't trespass or bother these people.

We stopped by the iconic Colorado Street Bridge while exploring Pasadena, and it's easily one of…read morethe most photogenic spots in the city. The massive arches, classic design, and sweeping views make it a must-visit whether you're walking, taking photos, or just enjoying a quiet moment outdoors. Film fans will instantly recognize it as a filming location from La La Land, which adds a fun Hollywood touch to the experience. Standing beneath the bridge and looking up really highlights its scale and craftsmanship--especially with the light and shadows shifting throughout the day. The area underneath and around the bridge is peaceful and well-kept, with plenty of spots to stop and admire the architecture from different perspectives. Near the public restroom and parking lot, there's also a clear view of what used to be the historic Vista del Arroyo Hotel, now the Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals, which adds another layer of history to the visit. It's a great stop whether you're a local, visiting Pasadena for the first time, or just exploring with a camera in hand. Between the scenery, history, and movie connection, this is an easy 5-star spot to recommend.

An Iconic Pasadena Landmark with Timeless Beauty…read more The Colorado Street Bridge is a true architectural gem--elegant, historic, and absolutely stunning from every angle. Built in 1913, this Beaux-Arts style bridge gracefully spans the Arroyo Seco and remains one of Pasadena's most beloved and photogenic landmarks. Walking across the bridge is a beautiful experience, especially around sunset when the vintage streetlamps begin to glow and the San Gabriel Mountains light up in the background. The gentle curve and soaring arches give the whole structure a romantic, almost cinematic feel. It's no wonder it's been featured in films and local lore for generations. Pro tip: Head down to Desiderio Neighborhood Park, directly below the bridge, for incredible views of the full span and those magnificent arches. It's one of the best vantage points for appreciating the bridge's scale and design--and perfect for photos. From there, you can also connect to the Arroyo Seco walking paths for even more scenic exploration. There's easy pedestrian access via Defenders Park, and parking nearby isn't too difficult. While safety fencing has been added in recent years, it doesn't take away much from the overall experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting Pasadena, the Colorado Street Bridge is a must-see--romantic, historic, and absolutely unforgettable. One of those rare spots that feels magical every time you visit.

I was in Pasadena for an event that ended at twilight & the weather was so cool & pleasant, I…read moredecided not to head straight home. I knew that a few house fronts used in popular films were located in the area, including the famed Michael Myers home from the "Halloween" horror franchise. The home was rescued from demolition and moved to its current location, where it now serves as an office building behind the South Pasadena light rail station. Upon arrival, the sky was almost dark so everything was perfectly spooky. My initial plan was to walk around the outside of the home & post the video on TikTok. But as I made my way toward the corner where the home is situated, I noticed a small film crew with a couple tripods. I figured they were recording something for social media too, as it's not unusual to see that type of thing in L.A.. But I received an extra-special surprise immediately after seeing the famed Michael Myers mask atop another tripod. A young man dressed in Myers' signature coveralls appeared & told me he was shooting footage for his TikTok page with the group I saw earlier. And get this...he offered to put his mask on for me & suggested that I film him walking down the front porch! My timing couldn't have been better & it gave my little video the fear factor I wanted. Fall is just around the corner, so now's the time to see the house for yourself. And who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky & run into Michael Myers because apparently horror movie legends understand the importance of social media, too.

We went touristing around Pasadena and South Pasadena last Saturday. As huge horror movie nerds we…read morefound out about the Michael Myers house and had to go and see. We were disappointed to find out it was closed on Saturday so we will try again on our next trip to Pasadena. There is apparently a tour you can buy tickets for and go around in the house. Not sure about the details though. There wasn't much information on it. We instead just took a bunch of pictures on the porch and went next door to The SugarMynt Gallery.

You've fooled them, haven't you Michael? But not me. Blimey!!…read more If you're a fan of HALLOWEEN movie then you're on for a surprise. This is the place where a scene from Halloween was filmed at Montrose Avenue (hedge) in South Pasadena, CA. Micheal Myers peers out from behind this hedge as Laurie and Annie approach. I bet not too many people know this iconic scene. Now I spilled the beans. Lol. :D Maybe next time I'll play the character this year's Halloween. Trick or treat! Hahaha! Thank you street residents for indulging us fans (locals & visitors). And not calling the SPPD on us as we walk by and take photos. :D #ILoveSoPas #PasadenaRules

I will continue my journey through the original Halloween locations that you can find in South…read morePasadena. The famous Hedge where Michael Myers lurks behind is a few blocks away from the other houses. We walked to it, about 20 minutes, but we do walk like crazy so I know most people will drive. 5 minutes drive in a residential neighborhood, plenty of street parking. The Hedge looks the same, we clowned around a bit to take some photos of my husband playing Michael Myers and no, he's not that creepy. People live in that house so be respectful of their privacy. It is great to see all these locations so well preserved after so many years since they shot the original Halloween directed by Maestro Carpenter in South Pasadena. I am glad at least this part of LA is great about preservation. I wil conclude my horror location quest in the area with the Hedge. But this is your Halloween location trilogy guide!