Pasadena Walking Tours

10/10/2024

We’ve added more Haunted Pasadena walking tour dates through Halloween, and we’re just dying to see you there 👻

Join us on the original and only locally-run Haunted Pasadena Walking Tour, known for its ongoing research and fact-checked stories. Discover eerie alleys, hidden courtyards, and historic sites like mortuaries and theatres as we reveal the haunted secrets of Pasadena’s past. From restless spirits in forgotten tunnels to unsolved mysteries and scandalous events, we uncover the darker side of the City of Roses. Explore Playhouse Village, the Civic Center, and Old Pasadena with expert guides who bring the city’s haunted history to life on Pasadena’s first and finest tour!

Join us on the original and only locally-run Haunted Pasadena Walking Tour, known for its ongoing research and fact-checked stories. Discover eerie alleys, hidden courtyards, and historic sites like mortuaries and theatres as we reveal the haunted secrets

10/06/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this sold out “Hidden Secrets of Old Pasadena” tour this morning in celebration of ! A special shoutout to our amazing sponsor, and to , for making it all possible. Join us for another walk on October 30th on South Lake Ave - check out the Walktober Pasadena website for details. This is always one of our favorite events—what a fun day!

09/25/2024

SPOOKY SEASON IS UPON US! 👻

Haunted Pasadena Walking Tour dates have been released through Halloween night. Join us on the original and ONLY locally-run Haunted Pasadena Walking Tour, known for its ongoing research and fact-checked stories.

Discover eerie alleys, hidden courtyards, and historic sites like mortuaries and theatres as we reveal the haunted secrets of Pasadena’s past. From restless spirits in forgotten tunnels to unsolved mysteries and scandalous events, we uncover the darker side of the City of Roses. Explore Playhouse Village, the Civic Center, and Old Pasadena with expert guides who bring the city’s haunted history to life on Pasadena’s first and finest tour!

09/14/2024

Join us tomorrow for the last of our summertime Twilight Series tours - South Lake Avenue! A few tickets remain for our stroll down this mid-20th century commercial district. Take advantage of the cooler evening and stretch your legs with us-
South Lake Avenue
Saturday, September 14
6:30 - 8:30 pm

09/11/2024

Join is for our twilight walking tour of South Lake Avenue THIS SATURDAY evening at 6:30pm. Tickets available at link in profile. 🌇

09/04/2024

Join us next Saturday for the last tour in our Summer Twilight Series- South Lake Avenue!

South Lake Avenue was built in the middle of the 20th century as a brand-new, modern commercial district catering to the emerging car culture of the time. Pasadena was thriving and expanding rapidly beyond its earlier borders, and a pedestrian-friendly “shopper’s paradise” allowed Pasadenans to stroll, shop, and enjoy the mountain views and warm sunshine. On this tour, you’ll hear stories about Pasadena eateries like Pie n’ Burger, Green Street East, and Baskin Robbins. We’ll examine the sleek, mid-century modern architecture of Bullock’s Pasadena (now Macy’s) and I. Magnin (now Erewhon). And we’ll explore hidden gems with a British flair, like Burlington Arcade and The Commons.

Saturday, September 14
6:30-8:30 pm
Tickets available at link in profile
Hope to see you there!

08/22/2024

These evenings could not be more perfect for exploring the city!

Join us on Saturday from 6:30-8:30 for our fan favorite HAUNTED PASADENA tour that will lead you through the streets of Playhouse Village, the Civic Center, and Old Pasadena while uncovering the dark side of the city known for its roses 🥀

Haunted Pasadena dates through Halloween are now available on our website!

08/20/2024

We’ve got TWO ways for you to beat the heat this weekend! With our Haunted Pasadena tour on Saturday night from 6:30-8:30 and our very special, indoor (and air conditioned) “From Bullock’s to Macy’s” Tour on Sunday morning at 10am! Only a handful of tickets remain!

08/12/2024

Edit: We are officially sold out! Please follow us for future availability - we hope to see you next time!

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Due to popular demand, we are so pleased to present another “From Bullock’s to Macy’s” Store Tour on Sunday, August 25th at 10am!

Escape the summer heat and join us for an in-depth exploration of this 1947 late moderne gem, originally home to Bullock’s Pasadena! We’ll begin an hour before the store opens to the public, providing a rare opportunity to photograph the interior and visit the former Tea Room balcony, which is generally off limits to guests.

We do expect this tour to sell out, so reserve your spot today!

https://www.pasadenawalkingtours.com/bullockspasadena.html

08/08/2024

It’s almost time for our next Twilight Tour this Saturday!We’re diving deep into the Playhouse Village neighborhood of Pasadena, where it’s shaping up to be a beautiful summer evening!

08/03/2024

🌟 Just ONE WEEK AWAY! 🌟

Join us for the second tour of our twilight series: “The Art and Architecture of Playhouse Village.” Explore the rich history and beauty of this Pasadena neighborhood, a vibrant cultural hub for over 100 years!

On this walking tour, you’ll discover Pasadena’s first Art Deco buildings, the city’s first parking structure, numerous art installations, and Southern California’s largest and oldest independent bookstore. Learn how the arts have shaped this district from its early days to the present, and travel back in time with historic photos, some never before published!

Whether you’re a Playhouse Village resident or a first-time visitor, you’re sure to uncover something exciting and new. We can’t wait to see you there!

07/27/2024

It a beautiful day for a walking tour! Tonight’s Art Deco in Old Pasadena tour is officially sold out but we have spot left on our Haunted Pasadena Tour at 6:30pm for a healthy dose of summer spookiness! 👻

07/25/2024

Looking for something to do this weekend? May we suggest a bit of time travel?

We can’t wait to hit the streets with you for a twilight walking tour through Pasadena’s streets featuring its treasure trove of Art Deco style architecture!

07/15/2024

As Pasadena expanded in the 1920s & ‘30s, its architects and citizens embraced sleek, modern styles. We now know these various designs as Art Deco, and traces of this time period can be seen throughout the city (scroll for more examples). Join us for a twilight walking tour of Old Pasadena on Saturday, July 27th, and learn more about this fascinating time in Pasadena’s history!

Art Deco in Old Pasadena walking tour
Saturday, July 27th
6:30-8:30 pm

Tickets available on our website (link in profile). Hope to see you there!

07/13/2024

Steamy days call for cooling off with nighttime strolls. This summer, we’re pleased to present a brand new series of Twilight Tours, when we’ll explore Pasadena’s earliest commercial districts at golden hour.

First up is Art Deco in Old Pasadena on Saturday, July 27th (2 weeks from today!) On this tour, we’ll jump back in time and explore Pasadena in the 1920s & ‘30s, focusing our attention on the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture dotted throughout. This tour will meander along Colorado Boulevard and the alleyways of Old Pasadena - Pasadena’s original downtown. In the late 1920s, Pasadena embraced fresh design philosophies, constructing new public leisure buildings like a glimmering bandshell and sleek ice skating rink, and commercial structures catering to new, fast-paced lifestyles. Strap on your snazziest spectators and join us for a stroll through the Roaring ‘20s!

Tickets are available on our website now- we hope to see you there!

05/06/2024

Pasadena is known for its mature trees, proximity to grand gardens and, of course, roses! But what about its lesser known botanical treasures?

This brand new walking tour begins at Arlington Garden, a public oasis built on the site of one of Millionaire’s Row’s lost mansions before a private tour of Storrier-Stearns Japanese Gardens, where our group will have exclusive access to this secluded gem to experience the space as it was in the 1930’s. Finally, each guest will be provided with a guide to our favorite lesser known gardens, secret public spaces, and remnants of the past to continue their exploration.

Please note that a portion of the ticket price for this tour goes directly to support Storrier-Stearns Japanese Garden and Arlington Garden.