Charlotte & Dan

May 17, 2025 • Los Angeles, CA
12 Days To Go!

Charlotte & Dan

May 17, 2025 • Los Angeles, CA
12 Days To Go!

Things to Do

We are excited to welcome everyone to the Pasadena area for the weekend! For those coming from out of town, we appreciate your making the trip to celebrate our special day, and would love for you to enjoy some of our favorite activities in the area while you are here.

California Institute of Technology

Picture of California Institute of Technology
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
(626) 395-6811

During the wedding weekend, guests are welcome to explore the beautiful Caltech campus, just steps away from our wedding venue. Take a stroll through the historic buildings, tranquil gardens, and picturesque courtyards. Be sure to check out the Beckman Auditorium and its surrounding courtyard, or visit the Millikan Library for a peaceful moment. For science enthusiasts, Caltech’s Galaxy Garden offers a public art installation inspired by the cosmos. While many of the research labs are closed to the public, the campus itself is open for leisurely walks, and it's a lovely spot to soak in the academic and architectural beauty that defines Caltech.

Website

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Picture of Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
(818) 354-4321

Though the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is closed to the public, the JPL Store and Visitor Center offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of space exploration. The store is filled with NASA memorabilia, books, and models, and occasionally, there are exhibits on current NASA missions. Located just a short drive from Caltech, JPL is a vital part of the scientific community, and while you can’t tour the facility without an employee contact, the store and exhibits are open to the public and worth a stop for anyone interested in space and technology.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Picture of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
(626) 405-2100

A must-visit for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike, The Huntington is just a short drive from The Athenaeum and offers an incredible blend of stunning gardens, a world-class art collection, and a historic library. Don't miss the Japanese Garden, Desert Garden, or the impressive Rose Garden. It’s also a popular location in film and TV! Parts of the show The Good Place were filmed here—so keep your eyes peeled for familiar backdrops!

Pasadena City Hall

Picture of Pasadena City Hall
100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
(626) 744-7311

Known for its stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture, Pasadena City Hall is a beautiful landmark that’s perfect for a photo op. The city hall is featured in multiple films and TV shows, including Parks and Recreation—you may recognize the grand staircase from the show's iconic opening sequence!

Old Pasadena

Picture of Old Pasadena
23 E Colorado Blvd Ste 200, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
(626) 356-9725

A charming historic district that’s perfect for an afternoon stroll, Old Pasadena is filled with unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and amazing restaurants. It’s also a hotspot for filming, with locations featured in movies like 500 Days of Summer, The Social Network, and Rush Hour. Whether you're shopping or just taking in the sights, you might recognize a few familiar backdrops!

Griffith Observatory

Picture of Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
(213) 473-0800

A short drive from Pasadena, Griffith Park offers some of the best views of Los Angeles, and the Griffith Observatory is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Not only can you get a closer look at the stars through the observatory's telescope, but you’ll also have sweeping views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign. La La Land fans will recognize the Observatory from the dreamy dance sequence near the movie’s finale (as well as Charlotte and Dan's engagement photos)!

Universal Studios Hollywood

Picture of Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
(800) 864-8377

If you're a fan of theme parks and movie magic, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit! Just a short drive from Pasadena, this iconic theme park offers a fun-filled day of thrilling rides, shows, and attractions. From the famous Studio Tour to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World rides, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the park has been featured in many films and TV shows, so you might recognize the backlot from your favorite Hollywood classics. It's a perfect place for a day of adventure and fun for the whole family!

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Picture of Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

For guests who are interested in Hollywood history, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see. The stars are embedded into the sidewalks along Hollywood Blvd, and it's a fun way to spot some of your favorite celebrities, directors, and artists. Right along the walk is the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, where you can check out the handprints and footprints of legendary stars like Marilyn Monroe, Harrison Ford, and others. It's one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hollywood and offers a glimpse into the heart of Tinseltown.

Hollywood Sign

Picture of Hollywood Sign
Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA

A classic LA experience, we highly recommend hiking up to the Hollywood Sign for some iconic photo ops with stunning views of Los Angeles. It’s an easy drive from Pasadena and offers both a great view of the city and the famous landmark.

California Science Center

Picture of California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
(323) 724-3623

If you’re up for a quick drive to downtown Los Angeles, the California Science Center is a fantastic destination for science lovers of all ages. This interactive museum features exhibits on everything from space exploration to ecosystems, physics, and technology. The museum is home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, a must-see for anyone interested in aerospace. There’s also the Living Lab, where visitors can experiment with science in a hands-on environment. It’s a perfect place for families or anyone curious about how science shapes our world (Charlotte and Dan also used to volunteer here for their annual Yuri's Night celebration!)

The Broad

Picture of The Broad
221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
(213) 232-6200

The Broad Museum in downtown LA is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art. One of the most popular exhibits is the Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirrored Rooms, where visitors can step into a dazzling world of mirrors and lights. Kusama’s work is known for its mesmerizing and immersive quality, making it a must-see for art lovers. The museum also features works by other iconic artists like Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol, offering plenty for anyone interested in modern art to explore.

Little Tokyo

Picture of Little Tokyo
333 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

For guests looking to explore a unique cultural district in LA, Little Tokyo is a must-visit. Charlotte and Dan used to live in this vibrant neighborhood, so it holds a special place in their hearts. Little Tokyo offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern LA energy. You can visit the Japanese American National Museum to learn about the history and contributions of Japanese Americans or explore the many shops, restaurants, and cafes that line the streets. Don’t miss a stop at Weller Court, home to beautiful murals and the iconic Giant Panda statue, or pop into one of the local tea shops for a relaxing break. Little Tokyo is a fantastic place to enjoy Japanese cuisine, shop for unique goods, and immerse yourself in one of LA’s most beloved cultural hubs.

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Picture of Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, USA
(626) 821-3222

A 20-minute drive from Pasadena, this 127-acre garden is a peaceful retreat with a wide variety of themed gardens, perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing afternoon. If you’re a fan of Bridesmaids, you might recall that parts of the movie were filmed in some of the beautiful outdoor spaces here. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy nature and catch a glimpse of some local wildlife.

The Americana at Brand

Picture of The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210, USA
(818) 637-8982

If you're staying at the Hyatt Place Glendale, you're in the heart of some of the best shopping in the area! The Glendale Galleria and The Americana at Brand are just a short walk away, featuring everything from high-end retail to fantastic dining options. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely shopping spree or an evening out, these locations offer plenty of options. Plus, the Americana at Brand is a beautiful outdoor shopping mall, with fountains, parks, and seasonal events—perfect for a relaxing Sunday after the wedding festivities.