🌹 Pasadena Fun Facts from Team Jackalope

Having spent over a decade in the City of Roses, we’ve gotten to know this beautiful place inside and out — and we’ve fallen completely in love with it. From world-famous parades to unexpected wildlife and the best hidden gems for locals and visitors alike, Pasadena never runs out of surprises.

Here are some of our favorite fun facts and insider tips about the city we call home.

🎉 The Rose Parade

A Pasadena classic since 1890, the Rose Parade is what put our city on the map — a spectacular showcase of floral artistry that takes over Colorado Boulevard every New Year’s Day.

Fun fact: You don’t have to brave the early morning crowds (or the chill!) to see the floats. Our favorite way to view them? Head over to Sierra Madre Blvd. in the days after the parade. The floats are lined up for public viewing, and you can get close enough to actually smell the flowers — it’s magical!

🌿 The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington is one of Pasadena’s most beloved landmarks — part museum, part garden paradise, part afternoon dream.

Insider tip: Make a reservation at the Rose Garden Tea Room for the perfect afternoon treat (the scones and tea service are worth every sip!).And here’s a bonus: Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month with advance reservations — mark your calendar early, because those tickets go fast!

🏛️ Pasadena City Hall

Even a mundane errand feels inspiring when you’re surrounded by architecture this stunning. Completed in 1927, Pasadena City Hall is a breathtaking example of the City Beautiful movement — and easily one of the prettiest city halls in the country.

Pro tip: It’s also a favorite local photo spot, whether you’re shooting engagement photos, graduation portraits, or just want that iconic Pasadena backdrop.

🛒 The First-Ever Trader Joe’s

Yes, you read that right — the very first Trader Joe’s opened right here in Pasadena in 1967 on Arroyo Parkway.The store is still there (tiny parking lot and all!), and it’s a must-stop for any TJ’s superfan.

🚀 Caltech & JPL: Pasadena’s Brainpower

Pasadena isn’t just beautiful — it’s brilliant. Home to both Caltech (California Institute of Technology) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the city has been a hub for science and innovation for decades. It's not every day you live in a town where space missions are planned just a few miles away!

🥾 Hiking, Nature, and Big Views

One of the best parts of Pasadena living? Nature is always right around the corner.Local favorite Eaton Canyon offers trails for all skill levels — and a waterfall at the end (at least when there’s been rain!).

Pro tip: If you head there in late summer, expect more of a gentle trickle than a full waterfall — but the views of the San Gabriels and LA basin are always worth the climb.

🦜 The Wild Parrots of Pasadena

Yes, they’re real — and they’re loud! Pasadena’s wild parrot population is one of our most talked-about quirks. There are plenty of theories about how they got here (escaped pets? a fire at a bird shop decades ago?), but no one knows for sure.

What we do know: you’ll definitely hear them before you see them — often traveling in large, chattering flocks. Depending on the hour, they’re either the city’s noisiest charm or its most colorful nuisance.

💕 Why We Love Pasadena

From historic architecture to mountain trails and world-class culture, Pasadena truly has a little bit of everything — and we’re proud to call it home.

Whether you’re visiting for the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair or you’ve lived here for years, we hope these little insights help you see the city through our eyes.