You know Pasadena, the rosy Los Angeles suburb that hosts a famous football game and a parade with flowery floats. But what about Pasadena, the blossoming food destination? Or Pasadena, SoCal’s art and music mecca? Have you heard about its small-town charm and big-city amenities? This is the Pasadena you ought to get to know. 

Clued-in culture vultures know Pasadena’s summer entertainment calendar packs a punch. Following a successful inaugural year, Arroyo Seco Weekend returns to Brookside Park for a second installment June 23-24. Produced by Goldenvoice, the folks behind Coachella and Stagecoach, this two-day music and arts festival boasts a jam-packed lineup, including Neil Young, Kings of Leon, Robert Plant, Alanis Morissette, and more than 30 others. Some of the area’s best restaurants and food trucks will also be serving an eclectic mix of bites and bevs, and Kidspace Children’s Museum will have hands-on activities for the kiddos (think an interactive drum circle and a build-your-own instrument workshop). 

Next month, traffic west of Old Pasadena will be rerouted to make way for three stages, a dance floor, and a vintage car show. The biennial Colorado Street Bridge Party, originally dreamed up as a fundraiser for the century-old arch bridge, is July 14. Later in the year, megastars like Ed Sheeran (August 18) and Beyoncé and Jay-Z (September 22-23) make stops at the Rose Bowl. 

For art enthusiasts, the 26th annual Pasadena Chalk Festival gets underway at The Paseo shopping center over Father’s Day weekend. More than 600 artists create chalk murals during the free street painting fest, touted as the largest in the world. Already have plans with dad that weekend? Sate your appetite for art any day of the month with a visit to the Gamble House, a study in early 20th century Craftsman architecture, or The Norton Simon Museum, home to an impressive collection of European masterpieces.

Pasadena’s culinary scene is more alive than ever thanks to the arrival of innovative chefs and fresh restaurant concepts—many in just the last year. Native son and pioneer of the California cuisine movement Mark Peel unveiled his second iteration of Prawn last fall (the first is inside L.A.’s Grand Central Market). Peel’s goal: Make high-quality ingredients and fine-dining flavors accessible to all in casual, counter-serve confines. And so far, mission accomplished. His seafood-forward menu features a variety of salads and sandwiches, as well as Peel’s twist on a Spanish paella that’s one of the restaurant’s top sellers. Vegan, vegetarian, or simply not a fan of fish? Build your own grain bowl and load up on veggies and a lean protein of your liking. 

Another locally sourced restaurateur, South Pasadena’s own Jesse Gomez, returned to his stomping grounds this spring to join the growing Mexican food scene. Gomez, along with chef/partner Jose Acevedo, opened Mercado on Lake Avenue in March. Come for the daily happy hour, when you can sample several plates on the cheap. 

For an upscale night out, head farther south on Lake Avenue to The Arbour, which opened last December. Helmed by chef Ian Gresik and his wife, Nancy, everything about The Arbour is sourced nearby—from the farm-to-fork food and Cali-centric wine list to the wood used for the tables and bar tops. 

More than just a place to lay your head, hotels are a key part of the travel experience. You know this. Pasadena knows this. That’s why several of the city’s top properties have recently put the finishing touches on multi-million dollar upgrades. Namely, the Sheraton Pasadena, Hilton Pasadena, and Westin Pasadena (ideal choices for business travelers) have each completed sizable renovation projects focused on guest rooms, meeting spaces, and common areas. At dusitD2 Hotel Constance, don’t let the 1920s Spanish-style facade fool you. Inside, you’ll be met with pops of modern Asian flair and high-tech connectivity. Hook up your personal device to your TV to watch Netflix from your account, and make housekeeping requests from the in-room iPad. 

Looking to splurge? The Langham Huntington, a fixture in the city since the early 1900s, has yet to show any wrinkles. This timeless, 23-acre gem exemplifies what it means to be a five-star resort, from the pristine gardens to the Italian marble bathrooms. All rooms feature plenty of space, but if the family’s in tow, check out the free-standing cottages spread across the property. Other amenities on the sprawling estate include a heated swimming pool, a variety of dining options, an upscale bar, a fitness center with private classes, and a day spa offering treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. The treatment to book: The Chuan Stone Therapy, a 90-minute, energy-balancing back massage that uses temperature-controlled stones—first hot to stimulate circulation, then cold to relax the muscles. 

Idealab:

A community collaboration led to the 250 foot-long mural “Dream to Reality.” Look for local landmarks, like City Hall and the Colorado Street Bridge, depicted in the artist’s colorful style. 

Pasadena Playhouse District:

Attractions include intricately stenciled crosswalks, the prettiest utility boxes you’ll ever see, and a set of seven red Spun Chairs—part furniture, part spinning top. 

Pasadena Museum of California Art:

Kosmic Krylon Garage, PMCA’s only permanent installation, features whimsical and futuristic murals spray-painted on the interior walls of the museum’s parking structure. 

There’s more than one way to break a sweat and calm the mind. 

Walk/Run: Rose Bowl Loop

Training for a 5K? Jog the 3.1-mile path that takes you past the iconic stadium and nearby Brookside Golf & Country Club. 

Hike: Eaton Canyon

Wind through the lower San Gabriel Mountains and crisscross streams en route to a 40-foot waterfall. 

Float: Just Float

An hour-long floatation therapy session involves zero noise, low light, and water saturated with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts. 

Sound Bathe: The Soundbath Center

Waves of sound wash over you as a practitioner plays gongs and singing bowls.