Arroyo Seco Parkway Scenic Byway Overview

Figueroa Street Tunnels, 1931-1935 (CA) [1]

Beginning in the densely packed metropolis of Los Angeles and ending in Old Pasadena, the Arroyo Seco Parkway travels through some of the most culturally vibrant and historically important areas in the West. Taking you past evidence of the turn-of-the-century Arroyo Seco Arts and Crafts Movement, as well as exquisitely planned and meticulously kept parks, intriguing architecture, and stunning natural beauty, the byway provides a much needed respite for locals and visitors alike from the fast-moving life in the city.

Gamble House, Pasadena (CA) [2]

Your experience along the byway begins in the cultural mecca of Los Angeles, where you can stroll among the shops of the Grand Avenue Promenade. For some excellent food, ethnic markets, and Asian imports, continue along the parkway to Chinatown. With its food festivals, art galleries, and the Chinatown Farmer's Market, Chinatown is always a pleasant distraction. Discover the characteristic building techniques of the private homes along the byway and visit the Gamble House in Pasadena. Considered the best-preserved example of the Arroyo Seco Arts and Crafts Movement, this landmark illustrates the back-to-basics ideals of its builders.

Southwest Museum from Sycamore-Grove Park (CA) [3]

Southern California's past lives on in the various museums along the byway. Visit the Pasadena Museum of History devoted specifically to local history and culture, and stop in at the Southwest Museum to see its extensive Native American and early Spanish Colonial art and artifacts. Check out El Pueblo de Los Angeles, where you'll walk among historic adobe buildings and local shops. Stop in at one of the restaurants and enjoy some live outdoor entertainment. Tour the granite and cement Lummis Home and its surrounding native plant garden. Constructed by Charles F. Lummis between 1896 and 1910, the house was built "to last for a thousand years."

In the beginning of the last century, forward thinking Los Angeles natives decided to preserve and enhance the area by setting aside a variety of parks along the byway, making your drive a pleasant journey. Relax in Elysian Park, the city's oldest public park, and catch a game in Dodger Stadium. Hike the trails in Arroyo Seco Park or explore the area on a mountain bike or on horseback. Pack the fly-fishing rod and some binoculars, as the watershed area provides a healthy ecosystem for a variety of fish and birds.

Whether you take the byway as a part of a trip to the Los Angeles and Pasadena area or as a destination in itself, the Arroyo Seco Parkway's diverse blend of culture, history and natural beauty will satisfy even the most discriminating of travelers.