Weekend Getaway: Pasadena

The Langham Huntington

This resort, founded in 1914, is the Pasadena equivalent of San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado. Celebrity sightings abound. Be sure to stroll around the property’s 23 acres and surrounding streets, which are lined with historic estates, including the famed Father of the Bride house.

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue

The Royce

The Langham Huntington’s upscale steak house is a local favorite. Do it up right with a bottle of red and the chef’s Global Cut Tasting served on a maple wooden slab. Produce and spices are sourced from the hotel’s organic garden.

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue

Olive & June

Get polished at this girlfriend-approved salon, providing signature mani-pedis in a design-forward, minimalist space.

146 South Lake Avenue

Hot Box Vintage

This closet-sized store in South Pasadena stocks one-of-a-kind vintage clothing items, accessories, and shoes. No “Who Wore It Best?” comparisons here.

906 Meridian Avenue

High Low Vintage

Owner Carolyn Gray has top-secret vendors and a great eye. Racks at her Green Street Village shop are organized by colors and skirt and sleeve lengths, so you don’t have to work too hard when sifting for vintage gold.

1031 East Green Street

Chuan Spa

The Langham Huntington’s luxe spa offers treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Try the signature Bamboo Massage to get rid of any unwanted tension.

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue

Pasadena Antique Center

Ground zero for vintage furniture, accents, and so much more. This two-story superstore was a favorite stomping ground for Mad Men’s set designer.

480 South Fair Oaks Avenue

dusitD2 Hotel Constance

Modern luxury meets high-tech at this boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Pasadena, with in-room iPads that serve as a virtual concierge and easy walking to local shops and restaurants.

928 East Colorado Boulevard

Union

Foodies rave about this charming gastropub and its Italian-influenced menu. Read: spaghetti alla chitarra with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and Fresno chilies, or squid ink garganelli with lobster, fennel, Meyer lemon, and truffle butter. Mangia!

37 East Union Street

Little Flower Candy Co.

Try this local café and bakery’s handmade caramels, marshmallows, sour gummies, and more, beautifully packaged in take-home bags (also available at Little Flower’s sister restaurant, Lincoln).

1422 West Colorado Boulevard

Old Focals

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, or Grace Kelly with this shop’s collection of vintage eyewear, curated by industry expert Russ Campbell. This is a go-to spot for Hollywood wardrobe stylists.

45 West Green Street

Pasadena Museum of California Art

PMCA explores the Golden State through artistic eyes. On display this month: In the Land of Sunshine: Imaging the California Coast Culture, a collection of 90 paintings showcasing the Cali lifestyle.

490 East Union Street Street

Lux Tots

Style out your mini at this chic children’s boutique in Old Pasadena, which stocks clothing by niche brands including San Diego label Rylee & Cru.

58 South Raymond Avenue

Lincoln Cafe and Store

This warehouse-like space is a perfect brunch spot, with an adjacent shop that stocks cute cards, clothes, and kiddie gifts. The line to order is typically long but moves quickly.

1992 Lincoln Avenue

The Huntington

While away the day at this library and sprawling 208-acre collective of botanical gardens and art museums, once home to the late Henry Huntington. Don’t miss the Mary Cassatt painting on permanent display in the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art (which debuts its new wing this month), and snap a selfie in the newish Chinese garden, by its picturesque lake and hand-carved stone bridges. Swing by the gift shop on your way out for some stylish souvenirs.

1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar

Indoor market lights, subway tile, and fresh glasses of its namesake lavender lemonade make this off-the-beaten-path coffee shop worth a stop. On weekends, they occasionally host pop-up shops with local vendors like Wild floral design.

1383 East Washington Boulevard

Take a Guided Vintage Tour!

Local expert Annette Vartanian of A Vintage Splendor knows how to flea.

Her Tip: “When it comes to flea markets, try Pasadena City College over the Rose Bowl. It’s smaller, so it’s manageable to shop the entire thing in a few hours. Plus, the prices are great and the vendors negotiate better deals.”