Old Pasadena — Attraction in Pasadena

Old Town Pasadena is a successful American story of a small town able to turn around after 50 years of weak downtown innovation. It was not until the 90's that a major revival began. Before that, there were mostly warehouses and local shops that did not attract out of town visitors. The city's desire is time to improve the old town, by attracting many outside businesses, except fast food franchises, to open up in Old Town, It was a home run, that's for sure. But what do locals get out of this? The same failed school system, a high crime rate and high housing costs.

Parking problems are no doubt the #1 issue here. Any street costs money to park in Old Town, the only way to avoid it is to go to the 3 public structures which validate for up to 90 minutes free parking. There is almost no underground parking structure despite the need for one.

This town has got more gastropubs than a typical family restaurant. No doubt it's a great place for young and middle age couples to hang out in. Alhambra's recently improved Main Street is their direct competition as is Glendale and Montrose, which offers many similar restaurants, though less selection, but it is less crowded and most importantly, much easier to find parking in. Many of its buildings are historic and in surprisingly good shape. There's also a good number of semi high end restaurants and shops here.

If you want a good old family restaurant or to grab a quick lunch break, you need to head north of the 134 freeway or on to...

I was born and raised in Pasadena. My parents still live there. I went to Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College, so I'm a product of the Pasadena Unified School District. I spent my youth in and around Pasadena so it's fair to say I know it better than most. Let's talk about Old Town Pasadena.

I remember the days when you didn't go to 'that side of town'. Old Town Pasadena was just the run-down side of town, with old buildings and boarded up businesses, and hobos in the alleys. Ernie Jr.s was THE Mexican restaurant to go to, the only reason to go to Old Town, and sadly it hasn't been around for years. I heard that skyrocketing rent drove them out.

But I digress.

Old Town Pasadena is a rejuvenation of a district that is par to a miracle. Businesses have moved into those beautiful, old buildings. There is life and excitement there. Gone are the days of "Q's" billiard hall (which was really fun) and some locations have changed businesses, but on the whole, it's a district worthy of tourism, a chic and timeless locale for everyone to enjoy. Make sure you check out the Norton Simon Museum of Art while you're there (and I used to work there, so I can tell you that it's very cool). This is what Rodeo Drive wishes it was - quaint, not overwhelming, but classy and cool, with plenty of restaurants and shops to spend your money in.

Enjoy an old town experience like nothing else. There is nothing in America like Pasadena, California - and for...

Great shops and restaurants, lots of variety, fairly accessible parking in reasonably priced lots. BEWARE OF VERY HARSH parking penalties ($46 for an expired meter or park over the limit if no meter), promptly applied. My family used to spend more time shopping and dining in Old Pasadena, but the parking fines have chased us away. No matter how hard you try, at some point the line in the store is going to be slow. I have just put my stuff down and walked away because my time is up. If I have the time to park in the lot and walk to the stores, I may as well just drive to the Glendale Galleria or Santa Anita. For the quick shop, there is some street parking in Old Pas that is free but is ONE HOUR only. If you risk street parking, make sure you check the sign and know exactly how long you can park in your space. My advice: unless Pasadena eases up on the parking fines, if you actually want to shop, drive to a mall. If you want to stroll around and kill time, Old Pas is a great place to go. Just remember to...