First United Methodist Church [Pasadena Heritage photo]
On Tuesday, December 30th, you and your holiday guests can join a fully narrated, guided walking tour that showcases Pasadena’s architectural treasures. Think of it as a living museum—where every corner, façade, and detail tells a tale of the city’s rich design heritage.
Even better, there are two different walking tours to choose from, each scheduled at various times throughout the day. Whether you’re a history buff, a design enthusiast, or simply looking for a festive way to entertain visiting family, these tours promise a memorable blend of education and exploration. Just be ready to walk: each tour lasts between two to two-and-a-half hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights and stories.
Historic Churches of Pasadena Walking Tour
Explore the Playhouse Village and tour some of the city’s most architecturally significant churches during the Historic Churches of Pasadena Walking Tour. You will visit a variety of historic churches, each with its own unique architectural style and rich history. Experienced docents will lead you on a guided walking tour, filled with a wealth of architectural details, holiday decorations, and the opportunity to make some internal stops to explore select interiors.
Hillcrest Neighborhood Walking Tour
Discover one of Pasadena’s most beautiful neighborhoods with the Hillcrest Walking Tour, which takes you by many grand homes in a variety of architectural styles. The Oak Knoll subdivision, of which Hillcrest is part, was intended to rival the wealthy neighborhoods of Orange Grove and the “West Side” (San Rafael and Linda Vista), so many of the estate-size lots were intended for custom home development. Showcased on the tour are numerous mansions along with large Craftsman homes such as the Freeman House designed by architects Arthur and Alfred Heineman and the Culbertson House and Blacker House both designed by Charles and Henry Greene.
Please visit the event website for more information.
Pasadena Heritage is a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 and dedicated to historic preservation in Pasadena, California. The organization advocates on behalf of historic resources, educates the public about local history and the benefits of preservation, provides referrals and consultations to those restoring historic buildings, and demonstrates quality restoration through its own preservation projects. Its members are drawn from Pasadena and neighboring communities, and throughout Southern California. Learn more at www.pasadenaheritage.org.
