This Enchanting and Historic Town in Southern California Is the Perfect Day Trip Destination

Editor's Note: Our hearts are broken for those who have experienced the destruction in the Pasadena area due to the wildfires in January 2025. Before visiting any of the businesses or attractions in this article, call ahead to verify it is open.

There's a historic town in Southern California that's a worthwhile day trip destination — South Pasadena. So, where is South Pasadena, CA? Not to be confused with the larger city of Pasadena to the north, the quieter and lesser-known South Pasadena is a little city that feels like a small town and is full of history. This historic town in Southern California was in 1888 and comprises just three and a half square miles. Despite its size and general lack of recognition, there is much to see and so many things to do, from historic landmarks and beautiful parks to great food and shopping. Here's what you can expect when you visit South Pasadena, CA:

The main street of Fair Oaks Avenue, just a few blocks long, as well as Mission Street and El Centro Street which cross it, are full of local businesses, many of which occupy quaint historic buildings. There are some 50 designated local historic landmarks, aside from the many historic residential homes.

If you're looking for things to do in South Pasadena, CA, you can drive around or explore on foot to discover cool architecture, antique and gift shops, diverse cafes and restaurants, bakeries, boutique shops, art galleries, coffee houses, and more.

It is worth spending a little time driving through the residential streets as well, where you will see gorgeous homes with huge manicured yards that seem to be right out of a storybook. You will also come to appreciate why South Pasadena is also called the City of Trees.

If you enjoy the great outdoors, there are also city parks, such as Garfield Park, where you can get out and relax in a green space.

The beautifully preserved Rialto Theatre originally opened in 1925 for movies and vaudeville and is one of the last one-screen theaters left in SoCal. Now leased by Mosaic South Pasadena, the theater has been seen in movies such as La La Land, The Rocketeer, and Scream 2. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It may be worth scheduling your day in town on a Thursday so you can explore the South Pasadena Farmer’s Market. The open-air market is open all year from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and features a wide variety of local produce, freshly cooked foods, baked goods, handicrafts, and boutique vendors.

While this may only be of interest to certain generations, it is a fun thing to see one famous house in town. Located in a simple neighborhood, a house on Oxley Street was chosen by director Tim Burton to be Pee-Wee Herman’s home in the 1985 film, "Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure." Only the front of the home was used and it is a private residence, so you can only view this piece of Hollywood history from out front. Do you remember that film?

The first library building, built in 1907 and expanded in 1930, is now the Library Community Room. The library hosts a variety of community and cultural events and activities such as concerts, silent film screenings, a Winter Arts Crawl, talks, and workshops.

If you visit the library, step across the street to Kaldi Coffee & Tea. The iconic brick building, which was once a bank building, is one of South Pasadena’s Cultural Heritage Landmarks and has been used as a filming spot for TV shows and movies since it opened in 1995. Kaldi serves up wonderful lattes, teas, and seasonal drinks, plus food and pastries.

One of the intriguing things about South Pasadena is the eclectic mix of the old and historic with the new and innovative. The Munch Company is a longtime part of the city’s food scene that is now presenting the population with an innovative take on a classic sandwich.

You can order an updated classic like a Pastrami sandwich which has hot pastrami, melted Swiss cheese, seeded slaw, and garlic aioli served on toasted bread. Yum! Or go for something really unique like the TV Dinner sandwich, the Turkey Fig and Brie, or the Green Monster. Kids can order PB and J, a Cheese Melt, or the very pretty Unicorn Sandwich made with peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, and sprinkles.

Stop in for one of the absolute best milkshakes in Southern California at the historic Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. There's also Union Bakery where you can pick up sandwiches, pastries, bread, and more. As you can see, there are plenty of incredible dining options here in South Pasadena, CA.

You may be wondering what county is South Pasadena, CA in? Just like Pasadena, this historic town is also located in Los Angeles County.

South Pasadena, CA often goes under the radar but holds so much charm and history. What do you think? Have you spent time in this town? If you'd like to maximize your time in South Pasadena, make a reservation at the lovely Arroyo Vista Inn.

If you love discovering historic places, check out this scenic drive that leads to 10 historic sites.