Points of Interest between Carson, California to Pasadena, California

picture of Carson, California

Roadtrip from Carson, CA to Pasadena, CA: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks

Embark on an adventurous road trip from Carson, California to Pasadena, California and explore the museums, parks, and landmarks that lie in between. The journey will take you through some of the most exciting and picturesque places in Southern California.

Did you know that the distance between Carson, CA and Pasadena, CA is roughly 35 miles in a straight shot? However, with all the stops and attractions along the way, the trip can take up to a full day if you visit everything.

If you're halfway through your trip, you'll find yourself in Los Angeles, CA. This city is home to an array of museums and attractions that you won't want to miss, but we'll focus on the outskirts of this bustling metropolis for our trip.

The distance from Carson, CA to Pasadena, CA is only around 20 miles using the fastest route. However, we recommend taking your time and enjoying the sights, so plan for the trip to take a day.

Here are the top five places you must visit on this road trip.

  1. Descanso Gardens Located at 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, CA, Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical paradise with an array of gardens to explore, including a Japanese garden and a camellia forest. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature after a long drive. Be sure to visit the Boddy House, a mansion built in 1937, which now houses the well-known American Society of Botanical Artists.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the lake.

  1. Eaton Canyon Nature Center Eaton Canyon Nature Center, located at 1750 N Altadena Dr., Pasadena, CA, is a nature preserve that boasts more than 190 acres of hiking trails, a 40-acre wild animal park, and a botanical garden. The nature center offers a variety of programs for all ages, including nature walks, bird watching, and guided hikes.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Plan a hike to the 50-foot waterfall at the end of the trail.

  1. Norton Simon Museum Located at 411 W Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA, the Norton Simon Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum's collection includes works from renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Degas, and Picasso, as well as a vast collection of sculpture and ancient art.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Grab a cup of coffee or tea in the museum's café and enjoy the garden views.

  1. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, located at 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, CA, is a 207-acre complex that houses a library, art galleries, and a botanical garden. The library has a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts, while the art galleries feature a variety of American and European art.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Visit the Japanese Garden and see the koi pond and moon bridge.

  1. Pasadena City Hall Pasadena City Hall, located at 100 Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA, is a stunningly beautiful building that serves as the administrative center for the city. Built in 1927, the building is a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance architecture and features a grand staircase, murals, and marble floors.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a walk around the city hall courtyards and enjoy the beautiful fountains and sculptures.

In conclusion, traveling through Southern California offers many opportunities to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area. This road trip from Carson, CA to Pasadena, CA presents multiple opportunities to learn, relax and have some fun. Be sure to take the time to enjoy each of the attractions along the way. This trip may take a full day, but it is definitely worth it.