Gay Pasadena

The picturesque city of Pasadena attracts gay travelers looking for an authentic SoCal experience without the headaches often found in larger urban areas. Located 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles near the San Gabriel Mountains, this town once served as the winter retreat of wealthy East Coast residents. Nowadays, it’s known far and wide for its annual New Years Day Rose Bowl Game and the preceding Rose Parade, a flower-studded procession started in 1890.

Pasadena Gay Scene

Gay Pasadena visitors can rest easy that they’ll be welcomed and accommodated during their trips, just as they would in most of the greater Los Angeles metro area. Same-sex marriage was first legalized in California in 2008, and then the law was restored in 2013 after Proposition 8 was overturned. Southern California’s liberal attitudes and open-minded approach to individual lifestyles certainly make for an inclusive environment. In fact, Pasadena ranked second in the “2014 Gayest Cities in America” list by The Advocate. 

Gay-Friendly Pasadena Activities and Destinations

Don’t let Pasadena’s quaint, breezy reputation fool you — there’s plenty for a cosmopolitan gay traveler to savor here. For one, Pasadena is brimming with architectural gems, from the fabulous Art Deco Macy’s building to the Arts and Crafts-style Norton Simon Museum, where a fascinating collection of European and Asian Art and a sculpture garden await.

Speaking of gardens, there are enough primped and manicured outdoor spaces in and around Pasadena to keep you dazzled for your entire trip — the Los Angeles County Arboretum, with roaming peacocks, and Descanso Gardens, with oak forests and water features, are just a few. The botanical gardens at the Huntington Library in nearby San Marino are likewise enchanting, showcasing specialized spaces such as a Japanese garden, a desert garden, and a Chinese garden.

Several marvelous nature areas are easily accessed from Pasadena, including Eaton Canyon, with its nearly two-mile trail leading to a breathtaking waterfall. There’s also Monrovia Canyon Park and Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park, both offering opportunities to view wildlife and a range of landscapes.  

Gay-Friendly Dining and Shopping

In the historical district of Old Pasadena, comprising 22 blocks near the intersection of E Colorado Blvd and W Historical Rte 66, a grouping of more than 200 boutiques and specialty shops and 100 eateries compete for gay travelers’ attention.

Though you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon plenty of places to dine just by wandering the streets in and around Old Pasadena, here are a few choice spots in town to grab a bite to eat on a gay Pasadena vacation:

La Grande Orange Cafe

With an eclectic, funky interior and very tempting happy hour specials ($8 craft cocktails and $7 draft beers), LGO Café serves the masses for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Enjoy burgers, salads, and steaks in a space that once served as the Del Mar train station.

Parkway Grill

Named the No. 1 restaurant in Pasadena by food critic Eric Wayne of the Pasadena Weekly, Parkway Grill has been an area favorite since 1984. Dine on regional American cuisine and wash it down with a drink whipped up by mixologists at the bar, a beautiful 20s-era specimen from Chicago. 

Pie’n Burger

Experience a real slice of Americana at Pie’n Burger, a local hangout since 1963. Don’t expect much of the décor — the interior is simple, with a greasy spoon vibe and wood-paneled walls — but prepare to be blown away by their juicy burgers and their generously sized desserts.

Gay Pasadena Nightlife

From chic speakeasies to sizzling dance clubs, Pasadena has options that will keep travelers up way past their bedtimes.

The Boulevard Bar

There is one dedicated gay bar in Pasadena: The Boulevard Bar, open seven nights a week until 2 a.m. There are events and specials most days of the week, including karaoke, cabarets, drag shows, and viewings of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Magnolia House

At Magnolia House, mixologists are serious about their craft, using ingredients like marigold flowers, apricot liqueur, and absinthe. Thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic cocktails are on offer as well. Come between 4:30 and 6:30 to catch a happy hour.

The Blind Donkey

Whiskey is the focus at this cozy Old Town pub, awash in dark wood and exposed brick. Cocktails include classics like the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and three different choices for a Mule (Moscow, Kentucky, or Irish).

Club 54

Your typical nightclub attracting every kind of character on earth, Club 54 offers three separate floors of entertainment, each with a different vibe. This club scores points for attentive bartenders.

Lindy Groove

Take the chance to learn to swing dance every Thursday at the Pasadena Masonic Hall, boasting a 5,400-square-foot wooden dance floor.

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