Discover a stretch of California culture and history with a trip along the Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway.
Trip Time: 2 days
Connecting downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena, the Arroyo Seco Parkway 
extends through Arroyo Seco’s Arts and Crafts landscape. Take a drive and enjoy the natural and man-made environment that form a seamless cultural landscape, which continues to inspire new generations of artists, musicians, writers, architects, and craftsmen. Conceived in the parkway tradition, with gentle curves, lush landscaping and scenic vistas, the Arroyo Seco Parkway (aka SR 110) incorporates modern elements that laid the groundwork for the California freeway system.
To begin this two-day roundtrip affair, you can start in either Pasadena or downtown Los Angeles. If you are traveling south on State Highway 101, stop at the Oxnard California Welcome Center (CWC), about an hour north of Los Angeles, to gather great travel tips. From the east, the San Bernardino California Welcome Center provides information on travelling through the Inland Empire and Orange County, on your drive to Pasadena.
Day One
To get to Pasadena, first drive northbound from downtown L.A. on the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (sometimes marked on signs as Pasadena Freeway or State Route 110) through the one-of-a-kind Figueroa Street tunnels that frame a fabulous view and unique experience. The Arroyo Seco Parkway is a National Engineering Landmark and became a National Scenic Byway in 2002.
Your second stop should be the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens , the highly acclaimed cultural center and home to California’s first classical Chinese garden. Next, stop for a tour of the Gamble House , a beautiful and intriguing example of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, and a 1908 National Historic Landmark.
Experience the Old Pasadena historic district by strolling the tree-lined walkways that meander through modern, yet historical, shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes - dine at the newly restored Santa Fe historic train depot, La Grande Orange Cafe . Stay at the Arroyo Vista Inn Bed and Breakfast , an example of the Craftsmen-style homes famous to this area.
Day Two
Head to the Arroyo Seco region of Los Angeles - Highland Park. Figueroa Street was the main street for Route 66 for many years. The commercial district is in the heart of the City’s largest historic district, and is now home to a recently installed 23-foot tall roadside attraction known as “Chicken Boy .” Visit the gift shop, then stop for a light lunch at Antigua Bread . See the natural, architectural and artistic legacy of the historic Highland Park neighborhood by participating in a bi-monthly walking tour .
Next, head for the Audubon Center at Debs Park, the National Audubon Society’s flagship urban nature center, surrounded by 300 acres of nature, park trails and extraordinary views of the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown L.A. skyline. Your next stop should be a tour of the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall , designed by international architect Frank Gehry. Grab a French dip sandwich at Phillipe's The Original Restaurant (in business since 1908), then explore the rich diversity of Los Angeles with a historic tour of Union Station , Olvera Street , Chinatown and Little Tokyo .
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