The Arlington Garden is a nice, public garden in Pasadena. Admission is free and street parking is…read moreplentiful. It's not a big garden, yet it does a great job at displaying native species, sustainable land scaping, and climate appropriate plants. I came during the hot days of summer, so there's not a lot that's in bloom. I did spot plenty of California poppies, milkweed, and yarrow. The trees, like the holly leaf cherry and eastern redbud, were beautiful on its own. I also had the rare privilege of seeing a flowering agave plant. The citrus area is a standout. They have some dwarf species and trees that were rehoused after being part of an art installation. They use the fruit to make marmalade. What's unused gets donated.

It is always a struggle to write beyond a cliche. Case in point, I want to express that the…read moreArlington Garden in Pasadena is a green oasis amidst urban noise and pace but that would say little since people consider their backyard and their local parks to be a green space of peace. And they would be right- who am I to judge the green that someone holds precious whether it be jade from feudal China or a patch of blades that are bed for the soul to rest. So I am left with one task: to express the serene beauty of this place that is also engaging in a quiet way, with almost ethereal words to truly defend and display that this, in all its glory, is a green oasis that wins by a short shot. The grounds are not huge, it is small but comes close to being medium. But what I loved is that its green branches and brown barks and twigs were immersive. I had entered a green swirl that moved all around me in stillness of movement but blurs of garden spirits. The place was like an outside museum that honors mother earth and her mantra of tender care that explains how flowers grow best. One of the most engaging experiences was their wishing tree. It was about two to four big trees with hanging wishes written by everyday folk. As I walked the steps to the trees, as I passed between them my skin could feel the words of hope hanging from branches. It was like the cards spoke in lovely whispers that reminded me that days of beauty are created when people do not forget to see that joyous petals that are in the wind and all around in the everyday. And as one note reminded us, joy is not ready made, to find it takes action. Reading the notes was a way in which I elected joy, as an act of resistance toward anger and disapointment. There was also this gazebo with a statue of a greek goddess. These are guesses of mine, I did not find some type of placards to confirm my notions. She was framed in the gazebo by a quasi-window. I entered the small gazebo and sat in the only green bench maybe big enough for two.I did not understand why she was giving me her back, I wanted to face her. But then I realized that Demeter or Gaia (maybe?) was not facing me because she was looking at her creation, like any person would when they have a garden to admire. From that seat I saw a man doing Tai-Chi and being filmed by his partner in all red. I sat and viewed him quietly and ask that whatever he was calling forth with his movements also entered my own person. From this seat, I also saw a pregnant woman taking pictures. She was wearing a white dress with a tasteful floral pops around. At times, she laughed with a wide smile, at times she held the bundle with her hands. It was seeing a place of growth, welcome a being with life about to begin. Her partner joined and they were directed into stances that made sense--- like the one where they look longingly at each other while he held her, and she held the coming boy. I could see their happiness, I could see their true connection, and I knew that the baby was being born into comfort and love. It was great reminder that sometimes life blooms with ease into joy. I also saw a lizard run and move its neck, both in a funny way. I saw a sole butterfly flutter. I saw folks sitting, relaxing, eating, all in with a calm demeanor. So I would like to think that this place is a green oasis or at least a place where rest is each to come by.

What a fun experience…read more My lady & I enjoy Pasadena for its many great spots for history. We visited this museum on a Saturday and were greeted very warmly by Christian who presented a small group of us with a great narrative tour. Such a nice time to see how the wealthy used to live back in the day. I highly recommend this museum and a special bonus if Christian leads the tour.

Honestly, such a cool hidden gem right in Pasadena! Stepping inside the Fenyes Mansion feels like…read moretaking a quick trip back to the 1900s, and the tour guide had the best facts-like how this massive 10,000-square-foot mansion was somehow the owner's idea of "downsizing," or how it's been used in movies like The Prestige. The place is loaded with original art and cool vintage details, but I honestly didn't want the tour to end. I was lowkey hoping we could explore every single room in the house, especially that secret basement with all the archives underground. Super worth checking out if you're looking for something fun and different to do for an afternoon!

Most Recently: March 13, 2026 | Exposition Park | As someone who absolutely loves flowers, the Rose…read moreGarden rocks my world during each and every visit! It's all so pretty! Scenery | Serene! Beautiful roses of all colors and sizes! The views are just amazing at every return! I've also spotted beautiful Birds of Paradise flowers, which is my Mom's favorite flower! Every time I see one, I think of her & usually send her a photo! Garden Hours | 9AM-7:30PM! Closed annually from January 1st to mid-March! On my most recent visit, though the Rose Garden was closed, it didn't stop me for enjoying all of the beauty, as I walked around on the outside of the garden! Notes | Each time I visit the Rose Garden, I think of walking through the garden with my Dad while he was in town visiting! I also once saw a girl wearing a beautiful gown and doing a photo shoot for her Quinceanera! So pretty! Overall | Serene views, beautiful and colorful roses, always a win! I enjoy every single visit and I also look forward to returning since the Rose Garden is now officially open!!

Very pretty area to rest and take in the beauty of the flowers. Could use a little more tlc but it…read moredoes look really nice. The fountain was working when I went, very nice. There are teens vaping and unhoused but it's a public park they host weddings and private events from what I understand. The atmosphere is very nice. If there were security it might help deter the drugs and graffiti. The flowers do appear to be well-maintained, if a little sparse. Overall a nice visit, pleasant.

*Hours: Saturdays only, 10am-4pm. *Free admission…read more *Large parking lot available. *You'll spend thirty minutes to an hour here, depending on how quickly you read. Before you go here, understand what this is. If you're looking for a big museum with a focus on all things Western, go to the Autry Museum of the American West (Griffith Park). This is a historic building owned by the Autry, which still retains some of the Native American artifacts originally exhibited and stored here (others have already been relocated to either the Griffith Park museum or their research building in Burbank). There are only two rooms (one with Pueblo pottery and the other chronicling the museum's history and showcasing a few examples of Mayan and Incan art). Supposedly, the Southwest Museum is LA's oldest museum. It was opened as the Southwest Museum of the American Indian in 1907 (downtown location) by archaeologist and journalist Charles Lummis, to preserve and document the indigenous cultures of the Southwest. Lummis ran the Southwest Society (the western branch of the Archaeological Institute of America). The museum moved to its current building in 1914 (constructed for this purpose). In 2003, financial challenges pushed the museum to merge with the Autry. There is quite a bit of controversy involving the merger and the subsequent decisions made by the Autry. The facility has remained as a conservation site, with visiting hours only on Saturdays. You can read more criticism at savesouthwestmuseum.com, run by Friends of the Southwest Museum. According to the group, the merger would ideally have revitalized the museum instead of limiting visitation and transferring parts of the collection to other locations. Currently, the building is for sale. Naturally, this will invite more criticism as the collection will be completely separated from the historic building. I don't want to blame the Autry as I don't understand the financial issues at play here. I don't know why the museum wasn't revitalized after the merger (it's unfortunate that it wasn't). I also don't doubt that it costs a lot to keep this building running (and they have two other facilities in Los Angeles). Of course, keeping the collection at the building is ideal. But if it's draining the Autry's resources and they have two other buildings to house the artifacts? I'm sure people will chide this cowboy-oriented institution for completely subsuming an institution that focuses on indigenous culture. However, it seems like they saved this building from closure in the first place and invested a lot of money to keep it running. It also seems like the Autry has committed to furthering indigenous voices in their programming (thus not only focusing on cowboy history). It's not ideal to let go of the historic building but if they can wholeheartedly commit to preserving indigenous art and make room in their facilities for these stories? It might be the best case scenario. Letting go of a building that's draining resources makes sense, from an administrative and financial perspective (especially after Covid). Hypothetically, if there were a donor or buyer that offered to finance the retention of the building with the artifacts and the Autry declined? That'd be a different story. In the end, I hope they can find ways to honor this site's legacy and adequately incorporate the indigenous art and history.

This small museum gathers even smaller exhibitions of Native American art - perfect for a Saturday…read moreafternoon stroll after a tea break. The convenient parking lot is situated in the back, but it's best to start your trip by parking on the Museum Drive. Then take a quick photo in front of the museum entrance before walking thru the long tunnel access. The whole place is small and easily navigatable in about 30 minutes. The FIRST FLOOR hosts some displays covering the history of the Southwest Museum institution as founded by archeologist Charles Lummis. Few modern art draperies hang in the inside for comfort viewing as you walk through the museum. The SECOND FLOOR is currently displaying a ceramic art exhibition showcasing Pueblo art and other crafted items from South West Native Americans. There were plenty of Navajo pottery and other figurines on display dated over a span of a few centuries. The free admission on Saturday makes this a great destination to pair with the nearby Heritage Square Museum, or even perfect to go right before heading to the Autry main campus. The walking distance from the Gold Line Station makes this museum an easy and convenient stop! Don't forget to bring some snacks and enjoy the fantastic view of Mount Washington at the top of the museum grounds!

This is the most difficult Botanical Garden to get in touch with…read more The hours they have posted on their website are wrong, no one picks up the phone after calling several times and leaving several messages. I went in person last weekend, and it was closed despite their online hours posted. The lack of clarity even upon walking up to the venue is not clear. They have no signs stating they are closed and it's clear they do not care to return voicemails. Please do not waste your time going there.

Background On Visit: Last Sunday (4/12/26), the venue hosted the Pasadena Festival Of Tea. We were…read moreone of the participants for this event. Hours Of Operation: They welcome visitors to the garden on many Friday and Saturday evenings and during the day on Sundays. You can check out their schedule of events and admission cost on their website: https://japanesegardenpasadena.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/japanesegardenpasadena/event.jsp?;=&event=1612& Admission Cost: Mostly, $15 on Friday and Saturday. Sunday, it's $12. For other events, they post the cost on their website. Location/Parking: Located across from the Arlington Gardens (Free). It's kinda hidden, but just use the gps on your phone to guide you. Parking can be found along Arlington. For special events, they encourage you to park at Westridge School (Orange Grove and W. State St.) and walk up to Storrier Stearns. Ambiance/Decor: The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a beautiful and charming retreat with a quiet and tranquil elegance. The place is small which contains many of the much admired design features found in the most lavish of Japanese-style gardens of its era. As Kendall Brown states in his book, California Japanese-style Gardens, "this is the genius of Kinzuchi Fujii: this was once a flat area of two tennis courts; now it is a masterwork. 1) Classic Niko-an Teahouse, the garden landscape offers a variety of other beautiful details. 2) Numerous gathering points, seating areas & vistas 3) Four original bridges plus the original cedar log Japanese Waiting Bench 4) Two large interconnected, irregularly shaped koi ponds 5) The sounds of two waterfalls, one cascading down a 25-foot hill 6) An artful dry riverbed for rain overflow winding through the garden 7) Cooling shade everywhere from spreading sycamores & old oaks 8) Many tons of boulders & stones 9) Granite statuary & stone lanterns Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden For Thought: Wouldn't mind coming back to re-center myself. I did a have nice time.

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.

The Norton Simon is an absolute treasure…read more The variety of art is staggering. The modern work is terrific. Degas speaks for itself. The renaissance art is masterful. The collection downstairs is phenomenal. The rotating exhibits are always terrific, and feature well known names. The cafe offers some light bites and some drinks, but the real star is the patio and the grounds. I always see artists painting or drawing in the garden - and for good reason! It's beautiful. So serene. The gift shop is charming. I always manage to find a little something. Don't skip it! It's easy to miss in a tucked away corner, but seek it out. The museum offers free admission on the first Friday nights of the month. Beware, though, if you're heading over then that parking can be limited and the small lot fills quickly! Arrive early to beat the rush and avoid hassles. Note that, despite full parking lots, the museum never feels crowded. It's kind of amazing like that.

The art there is very good and if this review was based just on that I would give it four or five…read morestars. The people who work there are the snootiest people I have ever met in my whole freaking life. They are not nice, they are condescending, and I just didn't like them.

Beautiful piece of history amidst the lovely manicured gardens of the Langham Huntington Hotel…read more Look up to see reproductions of the paintings first finished in 1932 by Frank Moore, adorning a bridge constructed in 1914. How many scenic spots do you recognize? How many have you been to? Sure Langham has a spa, a high tea, and elevated dining, but take a moment to accept the welcoming spirit and hospitality the staff extend and peruse the gardens by starting at this historic bridge. Note: Pictures on both sides, so cross back and have a second look before returning to the lobby.