Travel and Accommodations
We're excited to welcome you to Caltech's first-year undergraduate Family Weekend! To help make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we've compiled some useful travel and accommodation information, including nearby hotels, local dining options, and things to do while you're in Pasadena.
Hotels Near Caltech
Caltech has partnered with several hotels in the area that often offer preferred rates for Caltech visitors. Below are a few nearby options with links to their websites for booking:
551 S Hill Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 395-8200
Website: Click Here
1633 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 795-0431
Website: Click here
928 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 884-4150
Website: Click here
168 South Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 577-1000 or 1-800-HILTONS
Website: Click here
399 E. Green Street. Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 788-9108
Website: Click here
2462 E Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone: (626) 405-0811
Website: Click here
1401 South Oak Knoll Ave. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 568-3900
Website: Click here
180 North Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: (626) 403-7600 or (800) 321-2211
Website: Click here
3500 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone: (626) 792-1363
Website: Click here
Transportation and Directions
If you're flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Caltech is approximately a 45-minute drive (depending on traffic). The easiest way to get to campus is by car, either by renting a vehicle or using a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Directions from LAX to Caltech:
- Get on I-105 E from World Way and S Bellanca Ave.
- Follow I-105 E and I-110 N to Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena.
- Take exit 23B for California Blvd toward Downtown Pasadena.
- Turn left onto California Blvd and continue for about 2 miles until you reach Caltech.
Public Transportation from LAX:
If you prefer public transportation, you can take the FlyAway Bus from LAX to Union Station in downtown LA, then transfer to the Metro Gold Line for a direct route to the Pasadena area.
Directions from Burbank Airport to Caltech:
- Exit Burbank Airport and head to the I-5 South Freeway.
- Merge onto I-5 South and stay on it for about 3 miles.
- Take exit 144A for I-134 East toward Pasadena.
- Exit and turn left onto California Blvd and continue for about 2 miles until you reach Caltech.
Local Dining Options
Pasadena has a vibrant food scene, with plenty of excellent restaurants near Caltech. Here are a few recommendations for you to consider during your visit:
270 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Offering a variety of dishes for lunch and dinner, from shareables and soups to pasta and big plates.
141 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Informal spot serving traditional Italian dishes in a bustling dining room & on a covered patio.
350 S Lake ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Casual counter-serve chain for health-minded Asian fare from made-to-order sushi rolls to salads.
1218 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
Asian-fusion spot offering mostly Thai flavors in a chandeliered living-room-like interior.
913 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
Old-fashioned joint serving daytime fare like classic burgers, plus milkshakes & fruit pies.
269 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Chef-driven restaurant serving scratch-made plates, salads, sandwiches & bowls, dine-in or to-go.
336 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Classic American meals are served in a casual restaurant and bar in The Shops on Lake Avenue.
Things to do in Pasadena
While you're in town, take advantage of the many attractions and events Pasadena has to offer:
1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Just a short drive from Caltech, the Huntington offers beautifully landscaped gardens, a world class art collection, and a rare book library.
300 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101
The Paseo is an open-air marketplace featuring shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and luxury gym, Equinox. Specialty retailers include Tommy Bahama, Bath & Body Works, H&M and DSW.
300 E. Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
If you're looking for something fun and active, why not go ice skating? The Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers public skating sessions throughout the weekend.
2 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Stroll through this historic district, known for its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. A perfect place for a leisurely walk or to enjoy a cup of coffee.
411 W. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
One of the world's great museums, featuring European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as a fine collection of Asian art
1999 Veranada Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107
Scenic 2-hr. hiking trail with creek crossings and a waterfall in a canyon setting.
Additional Tips for Families
Parking on Campus: For parking, visitors are required to display a permit if their vehicle is parked on campus between the hours of 7:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Parking is free on campus after 5 PM on Friday through Sunday. Please only park in numbered white spaces without names. For additional information on parking permits, please click here.
Weather: The weather in Pasadena during late January/early February is typically mild, the average temperature being as high as 68°F/20°C and as low as 46°F/8°C. Evenings can get cooler, so be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater. Winters here can be unpredictable, so plan for some rainfall just in case.
What to Pack: We recommend comfortable walking shoes for exploring Caltech's beautiful campus and nearby attractions. If you're planning to enjoy any outdoor activities, don't forget sunscreen. An umbrella is also recommended.
We look forward to seeing you at Caltech Family Weekend and hope you have an enjoyable visit to Pasadena!