Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, located just 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. With a population of over 138,000, it is the most populous city and the primary cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley. Known as the “City of Roses” for its spectacular annual Rose Parade and its thousands of rose bushes, Pasadena is a city that blends small-town charm with world-class scientific and cultural institutions.
Caltech and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena is home to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the most prestigious science and engineering universities in the world. Founded in 1891, Caltech has produced 46 Nobel laureates and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The campus, with its Mediterranean-style buildings and tree-lined walkways, is a serene academic oasis in the heart of the city.
Adjacent to Caltech is NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which Caltech has managed since its founding. JPL is the nerve center for America’s robotic space exploration — it has managed missions to every planet in the solar system, the Mars rovers (including Curiosity and Perseverance), the Voyager probes, and the James Webb Space Telescope. Visitors can explore JPL’s museum and see full-scale models of spacecraft that have traveled billions of miles.
The Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl
Pasadena is synonymous with the Tournament of Roses, the iconic New Year’s Day parade that has been held annually since 1890. The parade features elaborate flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, and is watched by millions around the world. The Rose Bowl Stadium, a National Historic Landmark built in 1922, hosts the Rose Bowl Game — one of the most prestigious college football bowl games — as well as concerts and other major events.
The city’s love of roses is everywhere — from the Rose Bowl to the Pasadena City Rose Garden, which features over 1,600 rose bushes. The city’s official flower is the rose, and its nickname “Rose Town” reflects a deep civic pride in this tradition.
Old Pasadena and the Colorado Street Bridge
Old Pasadena is the city’s historic commercial district, with brick-lined streets, independent shops, and restaurants housed in beautifully restored 19th-century buildings. The area has undergone significant revitalization and is now one of the most popular dining and shopping destinations in the San Gabriel Valley.
The Colorado Street Bridge, a stunning 1913 concrete arch bridge spanning the Arroyo Seco, is one of Pasadena’s most photographed landmarks. Known as “Suicide Bridge” for its tragic history, it has been the subject of numerous films and artworks and offers spectacular views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Architecture and the Arts
Pasadena has a rich architectural heritage. The Gamble House, designed by architects Greene and Greene in 1908, is considered one of the finest examples of American Craftsman architecture in the world. The Pasadena City Hall, a stunning 1927 Beaux-Arts building with a distinctive dome, has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including the sitcom Parks and Recreation.
The Norton Simon Museum houses one of the finest art collections in Southern California, with works spanning from ancient Asian art to European Impressionism to contemporary art. The Pasadena Playhouse, founded in 1917, is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States and has launched the careers of numerous Broadway and Hollywood stars.
Neighbourhoods and Quality of Life
Pasadena’s neighbourhoods range from the tree-lined streets of Madison Heights to the hillside homes of San Rafael Hills. The city is known for its excellent public schools, abundant parks, and a strong sense of community. The Arroyo Seco, a scenic canyon and parkland that runs through the city, offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa, a historic 1906 resort, is one of the most elegant hotels in Southern California and offers a glimpse into Pasadena’s early 20th-century grandeur.
Climate and Geography
Pasadena sits at 863 feet above sea level in the San Gabriel Valley, at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. Summers are warm and dry, with temperatures occasionally reaching the mid-90s°F (35°C). Winters are mild, with most rainfall occurring between November and March. The city covers 23 square miles and enjoys over 280 days of sunshine per year.
The San Gabriel Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the city and offer easy access to hiking, skiing at Mountain High, and the scenic Angeles Crest Highway — one of the most beautiful drives in Southern California.
CONTACT US
For more information or to visit us, here are our branch addresses: