Just south of Pasadena is a small town – the city of South Pasadena.

Our city is an incredibly safe and idyllic hideaway. It evokes a timeless, Anywhere, USA feeling, yet by being in such close proximity to the greater Los Angeles area, it remains on the pulse of everything current.

Business Thrives Here

A robust mix of boutiques and eateries, many of which are “mom and pop” small businesses, make up the retail and dining landscape of South Pas. Our local business owners’ diverse offerings continue to play a significant role in keeping the charm that is so synonymous with SP alive!

While the historic Mission Street continues to be a destination in its own right for locals, tourists, and Angelenos looking for a change of scenery, Fair Oaks Ave. also has its own delightful array of trendy cafés, shops, and stops. Each day, new businesses are making their way to different parts of town and popularizing the city in new ways!

Prioritizing Academic Success

The South Pasadena Unified School District’s schools are repeatedly ranked among the best in California and are also frequently recognized as being among the nation’s best. The U.S. Department of Education has consistently recognized SPUSD’s high standards, committed educators, and innovative instruction with its Blue Ribbon Award. This coveted award affirms student achievement, graduation rates, overall high scores on state and national assessment tests, and schools’ abilities to close achievement gaps between subgroups of students.

SPUSD serves approximately 4,800 students within five schools, including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The safe and welcoming scholastic environment, challenging academic programs, and an outstanding teaching staff have long attracted families to this city. 

The Arts Are Alive

SP’s thriving arts and music scene gives residents a chance to feel like they are on a staycation – there is always something new to do and see! In the summertime, the weekly Concerts in the Park series is always a hit in Garfield Park, as is the Restoration Concert series, which benefits the public library. Our quarterly Arts Crawls are the very popular “neighborhood-night-on-the-town” events where businesses stay open late on a Saturday and offer special activities. Our annual Eclectic Music Festival & Arts Crawl is a one-of-a-kind grassroots event that brings arts of all genres to town! Between these events, live music always popping up around town, and local theatre (from children’s to professional productions) arts & culture is always emphasized here.

Pure Americana

While always evolving and growing, our town also remains proudly steeped in tradition. Locals are always eager to take part in these treasured annual celebrations, from the Fourth of July Parade, known as the Festival of Balloons, to joining in building our annual float in the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade. The South Pasadena Public Library is also a treasured place for the community – whether it’s story time and the Summer Reading program for kids, or adults simply looking for their next read, this library is a must-visit. At over 24,000 sq. ft., it houses an impressive collection of approximately 120,000 titles in a variety of formats.

A Taste of The Town

Enjoy a large variety of foodie stops right here in town – whether you’re in the mood for brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks, or even a specialty latte, you’re sure to find something right up your alley. If you’re wanting to cook at home and enjoy California-grown produce and locally crafted delights, the weekly Farmers’ Market is a staple for many families every Thursday evening!

Outdoor Fun Awaits

Staying active while enjoying the many outdoor spaces of South Pas is easy – from the Arroyo Bike Trail, to the lovely parks, sports venues of all kinds, and fitness classes for all interests and levels… the options are endless. Even our 4-legged friends can play at the “South Paws-adena” dog park in the Arroyo. Simply walking around the different neighborhoods around town and looking at the historic architecture is a lovely way to spend the day.

We invite you to Eat, Shop & Enjoy South Pasadena – explore our Online Guide to South Pas and stay in-the-know about everything local!