LA Metro A Line Destinations Guide: Pasadena
Sep 26, 2025Author: Phoebe Cook, LA Metro
This LA Metro A Line Destinations Guide introduces you to many fantastic places to go and things to do in Pasadena. From museums to parks, comedy clubs to beer halls, Pasadena has something for everyone and promises fun times for all ages.
This guide has great ideas for:
- Things to do with your family.
- Date destinations.
- Ways to expand your cultural horizons.
- Places to meet friends for memorable experiences.
The new Metro A Line extension to Pomona makes getting to Pasadena easier than ever. Offering guaranteed on-time, traffic-free journeys, the A Line will get you to Pasadena on time, every time.
Here are the travel times between Pasadena (Memorial Park Station) and the four new A Line stations:
- Glendora – 29 minutes
- San Dimas – 35 minutes
- La Verne – 39 minutes
- Pomona North – 41 minutes
Travel with friends or family – no one needs to drive, fight traffic, or pay for parking.
This guide covers the following types of places to go and things to do:
- Museums, monuments, and parks.
- Restaurants, cafés, arcades, and more.
- Theaters and comedy clubs.
- Themed tours.
MUSEUMS, MONUMENTS, AND PARKS.
Southern California Children’s Museum
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 459 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
This one-of-a-kind museum uses play to deepen children’s creativity and curiosity in an
accessible way. It uses interactive exhibits, creative experiences, and dramatic play, all while promoting the diverse cultures of Southern California. Admission is $10 for adults and children one year old and older (discounts are available).
Click here to learn more and see the latest events.
University of Southern California Pacific Asia Museum
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 46 N Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 9110
The USC Pacific Asia Museum has a collection spanning over 5,000 years of history. Exhibits include items from East Asia, the Himalayas, South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the subsequent diasporas. Student educators at the museum host “Spotlight Talks” about select art every Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Admission is currently free for everyone as the meseum prepares for an exciting new exhibition, Mythical Creatures, which will open in November 2025.
Click here to find out the latest information.
Castle Green
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 99 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Castle Green is a nationally registered historical monument over one hundred years old.
Built in the Victorian Era as a hotel, Castle Green is a luxurious landmark of Pasadena. Today, it is a venue space used for filming and events. Be awed by the stunning architecture as you walk along the pedestrian walkway in front of the former hotel. Tours are available.
Click here to find out more about tours and special events.
Playhouse Village Park
Use this A Line Station: Lake
Address: 701 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91101
The Playhouse Village Park is a popular location for free community events like the Jazz in the Park summer series and fitness classes. The park features open space for recreation, a kids' accessible play area with a rubberized surface, and a dog area for large and small dogs.
Click here for more park details.
Pasadena Central Park
Use this A Line Station: Del Mar
Address: 275 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
This 9.2-acre park is an oasis of green in the city! The park includes picnic tables, a rose garden, a children’s playground area, and restrooms. There are two lawn bowling greens and a clubhouse under the auspices of the Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club. The park is open 6:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Click here for more park details.
RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS, ARCADES, AND MORE.
Pasadena Boba Trail
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
The San Gabriel Valley has a strong Asian American community. Rooted in local Asian American history and cultural relevance, Pasadena's boba culture celebrates the Taiwanese tea-based beverage. With various flavors, toppings, and formats, boba is the perfect personalized drink to enjoy with friends, while shopping, and exploring the must-see places on Pasadena's historic Route 66.
The Boba Trail is a fun way to visit the 29 boba shops in Old Town, Playhouse Village, South Lake, and along Colorado Blvd. Six of these iconic shops are located in Old Town.
- Boba Cha Cha - 26 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
- LT9 - 50 N Raymond Dr, Pasadena, CA 91104
- Macu Tea - 20 E Colorado Blvd, Ste 103, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Odd One Out Tea - 14 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Prolece Tea - 19 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Sunright Tea Studio - 16 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Click here to check out the all-new digital Boba Trail Passport.
Mi Piace Restaurant
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 25 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
One of the top Italian restaurants in the San Gabirel Valley, Mi Piace, has served Pasadena for over 33 years. The kitchen, lounge, and bakery serve delectable drinks and dishes in the heart of Old Town. Italian cuisine pays homage to New York. Experience the tastes of the Big Apple without the flight!
Click here to explore the menu.
Tacos Neza
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 37 S Fairoaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
This family-owned business serves up soul-stirring Mexican classics and some modern dishes. The fresh ingredients and bright interior make this the perfect spot for a weekend brunch!
Neon Retro Arcade
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 28 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
This old-school arcade hosts dozens of vintage games, such as Pac-Man, RoboCop, and Mortal Kombat II. There are also pinball machines and some newer games mixed in. Admission is $15 per hour or $25 per day. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are preferred!
Click here to see what games they have and more.
Neighbors and Friends Café
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 88 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Build-your-own cheese box? Yes, please! Neighbors and Friends is an American café collaborative that offers the first DIY charcuterie-style experience in Pasadena. Enjoy classic café treats like croissants and lattes, or more robust dishes like the 'Fiesty Tuna’ sandwich and the BLTA.
Learn more about this unique café, where neighbors really do become friends.
Der Wolf
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 72 N Fair Oaks Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
A unique German beer hall is a fun place for you and your friends to grab a pint and a Sausage. There are three different seating areas. Enjoy brunch on the patio, happy hour on the main floor, or a drink in the basement lounge! Special events like Taco Tuesday and Karaoke Wednesday happen weekly.
Click here to see menus and special events.
Club 54 Lounge and Nightclub
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 54 E Colorado Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
The lively Club 54 boasts three levels of dance floors! Spend the night dancing to Reggaeton, EDM, and current hits. The last train toward Pomana leaves at about 1:15 am! Check the latest A Line schedule here.
Click here for upcoming events.
THEATERS AND COMEDY CLUBS
Pasadena Playhouse
Use this A Line Station: Lake
Address: 39 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
The Tony Award-winning theater produces memorable shows and offers youth and adult classes. Currently, the playhouse is showing "ha ha ha ha ha ha ha”. The Telegraph called it " a strange and beautiful masterpiece." Catch this show from October 15 to November 9, 2025.
Click here for the latest shows and showtimes.
IPIC Theaters Pasadena
Use this A Line Station: Memorial Park
Address: 42 Miller Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103
IPIC Theaters offers an unparalleled experience for filmgoers. Watch the latest movies to hit the silver screen, and enjoy food and drink service directly to your seat.
Click here for movies and showtimes.
Ice House Comedy Club
Use this A Line Station: Lake
Address: 24 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Open for 64 years, the Ice House Comedy Club has weekly comedy events. This club is a staple in the local arts scene, hosting an array of talented stand-ups year-round. Aspiring comics can also attend classes at America's oldest comedy club!
Click here to see which comedians are up next.
THEMED TOURS
Pasadena has a tour for you. Here are just a few of the options:
- Architecture and landmark tours – click for a digital self-guided tour (PDF)
- Art and sculpture tour
- Pasadena Hollywood tour - click for a digital self-guided tour (PDF)
- Photography tour
- Biking tours
- Spooky 👻 Pasadena walking tours, including:
