344 SHARES Share

Pasadena has 25 parks and great natural open spaces.

By Wafic Khalil

Here is the list of twelve of the coolest parks in Pasadena and surrounding areas.

1- Hahamongna Park

This park is a treat to the eyes and the soul, with great magnificent views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

• Oak Grove Drive & Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91109

• 626-744-7275

• Website.

2- AAF Rose Bowl Aquatics Center

The only thing that comes to mind is: Fun, Fun, Fun!

• 360 North Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103

• 626-564-0330

• Website.

3- Brookside Park

This park has the distinction of hosting the sultry and beautiful Marilyn Monroe. She did a photo shoot at this very same park with the Chicago White Sox.

• 360 N. Arroyo Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103

• 626-744-7275

• Website.

4- Eaton Canyon Park & Nature Center

This gem has hiking trails, equestrian trails with a staging area, picnic areas, seasonal stream, rocks and minerals, various natural habitats, native plants, and wildlife. What more can you ask for?

• 1750 N Altadena Dr. Pasadena, CA 91107

• 626-398-5420

• Website.

5- Michillinda Park

The perfect weekend getaway park in Pasadena! It’s suitable for picnics and afternoon walks, and has a Garden gazebo.

• 3800 Michillinda Dr. Pasadena, CA 91107

• 626-961-6393

• Website.

6- Memorial Park We can’t have a list of 12 cool parks in Pasadena without mentioning Memorial Park! It boasts an amphitheater, various memorials; and the arch of Pasadena’s first free public library. During the summer, it is usually the host of free summer concerts such as the Levitt Pavilion’s concerts.

• 85 E. Holly St. Pasadena, CA 91103

• 626-744-4321

• Website.

7- Eaton Blanche Park

This is one of the cleanest, quietest, and most well kept parks in Pasadena.

• 3100 E. Del Mar Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107

• 626-744-7275

• Website.

8- Arroyo Seco

With many easy and challenging trails, it’s easy to miss few. This place has some little known trails to many hikers in the area. Spend a whole afternoon (if not a day) and you’ll get exposed to a rich variety of experiences.

• Spans 8 miles through Pasadena’s western portion

• 323-405-7326

• Website.

9- Farnsworth Park

Technically this park is in Altadena, but who’s counting? Make sure to check the beautiful two-story stone community building, plus the outdoor amphitheater.

• 568 Mt Curve Ave., Altadena, CA

• (626) 798-6335

‎• Website.

10- Arlington Garden

This is Pasadena’s only dedicated public garden! No place like it exists anywhere else in the San Gabriel Valley! It’s a little known landmark that has to be visited to be appreciated.

• 295 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

• 626-441-4478

• Website.

11- Vina Vieja Park

This park is for people and pets. It includes the “Alice’s Dog Park” which closes at sundown. A favorite for dog lovers with an “amazing view of the mountains.

• 3026 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

• (626) 744-7500

• Website.

12- Washington Park

This park used to have a reputation. Since then, it has gotten an updated plan that enhanced its historic look and feel. It boasts tennis courts, grassy knolls, places to picnic and a playground for children. A good green space for a respite during the day.

• 700 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104

• (626) 744-4000

• Website.

Do you have a favorite park that we missed? Tell us about it.