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    Norton Simon Museum

    4.5 (910 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 7:00 PM

    Norton Simon Museum Photos

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    The museum from the sculpture garden.
    Natalie M.

    This is an amazing world class museum right in the heart of Pasadena. If you have ever watched the Rose Parade in Nee Year's Day, you'll recognize the building as it where the parade begins. There is lots of free parking behind the museum. The grounds are lovely, with a beautiful lily pond and interesting sculptures. The Impressionism gallery is spectacular. So many gorgeous works of art. We saw about half of the collection this time. We purchased a membership and are looking forward to returning soon.

    Myrine S.

    100th Yelp review!!! This was on my list of places to visit this year and so glad I finally made it. Beautiful collection of artwork. I was especially in awe of the large scale abstract paintings. They have a great gift shop to browse with fun creative books, cards and more. We also enjoyed the live music in the garden surrounded by beautiful sculptures, trees and flowers. It was a super hot day but appreciated they provided chairs for the guests to enjoy the music in some shade.

    Claudia D.

    Very late review but going through old pictures thought I would share my lovely experience. I drove from OC so traffic is traffic but it was worth the drive. I had never been before so I wasn't sure what to expect. This place was huge. I think it took us about 3 hours to go through the whole thing inside and out. It was a lovely museum filled with artist I grew up admiring so to see their work in person is always humbling. So grateful to live so near so many great museums and this is one I would visit again.

    Renoir - Bouquet of Lilacs
    Tatiana P.

    I really enjoy visiting the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. The museum has an incredible collection of art, from 14th-16th century European art to 20th century modern art. They also do special exhibitions throughout the year. I like the museum's layout as it doesn't feel overwhelming, and it's 's easy to take your time and really enjoy the art. There is also a store and café. Tickets: $20 general admission, $15 for seniors, free for students and children under 18 Membership: starts at $100 ($60 for teachers) Parking: free on site plus street parking

    Daniella P.

    They offer a nice collection of artwork while also curating thoughtful exhibitions. The ground are absolutely beautiful and it's a wonderful place to stroll through.

    Painting
    Ann T.

    PRO-TIP: Free for students with valid ID and EBT card holders. Plenty of parking and a great way to spend the afternoon. No water bottles or flasks so make sure to leave them in the car or you can check them in at the front desk. There are some permanent collections and they rotate out collections as well, so make sure to check before your visit. They also have a nice sculpture garden, pond, and cafe outside, but if there's construction it might have been moved to the side. Permanent collections include: paintings and sculptures from Europe, America, South and Southeast Asia, and much more. Lots of great pieces from the 18th century and before. I love the still life pieces and the impressionist ones of nature and daily life. Big fan of both artist van Gogh and FGO servant van Gogh (actually there's a couple FGO references at the museum too which are nice). Love that there's seats in some areas and people can relax, sit down, admire the art, and sometimes I see people sketching too. I also really liked that they rotate out prints of their artwork for free that you can grab before leaving the museum. There's a theater (need to check out a film or viewing here one day), several wings, and floors. I love the spiral staircase in the middle too. A past exhibit I really enjoyed was Francisco de Goya's works. Big fan of "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters" and was really cool that I got to see it in person. Can't wait for my next visit.

    Cézanne
    Brian L.

    The museum is free for students and children and I believe discounted for seniors. The collection punches above its weight for the size. That said, it can be quite underwhelming especially if you are used to grand dramatic museums.

    Diego reviews
    Brenda L.

    A little corner gem for the artists in Pasadena. Not as overwhelming as Huntington library, just the perfect size and location for a free time of me time. I loved the garden here. I wish they put koi's in their water lilies galore pond. For all the arborist out there, this too have beautiful landscape for escaping. Bring a book and just enjoy the scenery outside. Situated close to 134 &210 fwy. So easy to find and parking free.

    Ready for the holidays at Norton Simon
    Robbie B.

    Museums like this one are amazing. Every single piece of art you see was literally acquired by industrialist Norton Simon himself! Nothing "on loan from" or "donated by" here. Once one of the richest people in the world (worth $10 billion in the 1960s), Simon collected largely Impressionist and Old Masters, as well as sculpture. He bought this building (which was the Pasadena Museum of Art), had it renamed, and used it to house his own collection. Just wow! [A museum like this one is the Broad in downtown LA; the art there is from Eli Broad's own collection]. Tragedy strikes both rich and poor. Simon divorced after his son Robert Simon committed suicide at age 31. He then had a great second act, marrying Hollywood royalty (actress Jennifer Jones) and becoming one of LA's most notable philanthropists. On to the museum: huge free parking lot on Colorado Boulevard, right across from a Ralph's. Free admission with student ID. Monet, Van Gogh, Raphael anyone? Lots of that stuff, and plenty of those huge paintings that I guess would go in peoples' castles or something. The star of this museum is the outdoor garden and giant pond. Even someone who hates eating outside like me cannot resist grabbing something from their very small cafe and hanging out, pond-side. Final stop at the well-stocked gift shop for your Madonna and Child coffee mug.

    Garden
    Nori F.

    Beautiful museum and gorgeous garden. Never overly crowded, with an amazing collection of painart and sculptures. We always enjoyed visiting the gallery and peaceful outdoor space. They have a little cafe in the sculpture garden area as well. Plan to be there for a couple of hours! Check the hours before you go; they're closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Parking is free in their private lot.

    I have no idea, but I like it!
    Andree V.

    The first Friday evening of the month is always free--something to consider even though it does have a reasonable admission fee. I especially enjoy the garden and the Asian art exhibits in the basement are a must see!

    The view while sitting at the outdoor cafe.
    Tamara H.

    The Norton Simon museum is a nice size to stroll through quickly or make a half day of it. The grounds are well manicured and the galleries are nice with a good selection of art to browse. The museum has a nice vibe to it. The outdoor cafe that looks onto the lily pond is a lovely setting for lunch or coffee and a pastry. And everything I've ordered off of their food and drink menu has been tasty. The gift shop has a large collection of art coffee table books along with other high end gift shop merchandise. Parking is available. Students, with a school id, get in free. Adults $20 per person. Typically the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check their website for special hours around the holidays.

    Stephanie V.

    Such an amazing museum. A favorite of ours. Support the arts whenever possible. Recommend for a relaxing peaceful day.

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    Norton Simon Museum Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Norton Simon Museum

    How long does it take to visit?

    You can spend as little or as long as you want. It's not a large museum, but the outdoor cafe is lovely to get a bite or coffee at and sit at one of their tables and chairs. The grounds outside by the cafe are nice to walk around too. I have… 

    Reservations needed to visit?

    No, reservations are not required for a normal visit during business hours.

    Is it free?

    $15.00/adult for the permanent collection. It is free if you have a student ID or if you are under 18 years of age.

    Any recommended hotel nearby?

    Is it open 11-5pm on easter day?

    Yes

    If I bring my camera would they allow me to take photos?

    Yes

    Can you bring your own good/drinks to the museum?

    No outside food or drink allowed

    Is there a restaurant in museum?

    Yes... but I think it's more like a café

    View All 9 Questions

    Review Highlights - Norton Simon Museum

    This Pasadena gem has a remarkable collection with masterpieces by Degas, Monet, Picasso and so much more.

    Mentioned in 159 reviews

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    The Huntington

    The Huntington

    4.6
    (3k reviews)
    2.8 mi
    Established in 1919
    Large group friendly

    I've been to this library since I was in elementary school. It was one of my favorite places and my…read moreall time favorite library. It was a lot different then. Very kid friends with awe sensory activities and book reading groups. I recently started school. I enjoy a different scene from my warm bedroom especially now in the summer. Studying at this library is not as pleasant as it used to be. It smells really bad in specific areas due to many homeless people. They take up all the study tables and quiet corners. Most of them sit for hours on their phone. Some Sleep for hours. It's not as quiet as other libraries but it's quiet enough to study my online classes. I'm a bit disappointed with how the remodeled. It feels more modern than homie which is no issue just not my vibe. I don't remember the library staff allowing homeless people in when I was a kid unless they looked somewhat well kept and with better hygiene. Anyways if it weren't for the homeless people and smell this library would still be my top favorite. I prefer the signal hill library now but still Billie Jean is a close way from where I live Oh and signal hill library is open on Mondays! Which is great because I study everyday of the week. I don't mean to be mean towards homelessness people. I agree there should be more done but one reality is that not all of them care to work and most are doing drugs. I can see that being of conflict in assisting them with stability. Nevertheless, I will always remember the good memories I had at this library. I practically grew up here.

    I call it the Disneyland of botanical gardens. ;) I am a member of the Huntington, and have been…read morecoming for years. It is my absolute favorite Zen spot in the world. I no longer live in the state, but visit every few weeks and make sure to visit the gardens every time. I've painted these gardens over the years and will continue to do so. My favorite gardens are the Rose garden, the Japanese garden and the Chinese garden. This is the perfect date spot as well as a perfect place to walk in the morning amongst nature before the day gets too hot. The children's garden will entertain the littles and they even have a water feature on the hot days. The art pieces throughout the museums are not only beautiful but historical and should not be missed. There is a great coffee shop to grab a cup for your walk and a great gift shop at the exit. There are a couple of quick food options as well. Parking is plentiful- but make reservations! Verdict: perfection- everyone must visit this lovely land at least once in their lifetime.

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    The Huntington
    The Huntington
    The Huntington

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    Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens

    Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens

    4.1
    (97 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $

    This is the most difficult Botanical Garden to get in touch with…read more The hours they have posted on their website are wrong, no one picks up the phone after calling several times and leaving several messages. I went in person last weekend, and it was closed despite their online hours posted. The lack of clarity even upon walking up to the venue is not clear. They have no signs stating they are closed and it's clear they do not care to return voicemails. Please do not waste your time going there.

    Background On Visit: Last Sunday (4/12/26), the venue hosted the Pasadena Festival Of Tea. We were…read moreone of the participants for this event. Hours Of Operation: They welcome visitors to the garden on many Friday and Saturday evenings and during the day on Sundays. You can check out their schedule of events and admission cost on their website: https://japanesegardenpasadena.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/japanesegardenpasadena/event.jsp?;=&event=1612& Admission Cost: Mostly, $15 on Friday and Saturday. Sunday, it's $12. For other events, they post the cost on their website. Location/Parking: Located across from the Arlington Gardens (Free). It's kinda hidden, but just use the gps on your phone to guide you. Parking can be found along Arlington. For special events, they encourage you to park at Westridge School (Orange Grove and W. State St.) and walk up to Storrier Stearns. Ambiance/Decor: The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a beautiful and charming retreat with a quiet and tranquil elegance. The place is small which contains many of the much admired design features found in the most lavish of Japanese-style gardens of its era. As Kendall Brown states in his book, California Japanese-style Gardens, "this is the genius of Kinzuchi Fujii: this was once a flat area of two tennis courts; now it is a masterwork. 1) Classic Niko-an Teahouse, the garden landscape offers a variety of other beautiful details. 2) Numerous gathering points, seating areas & vistas 3) Four original bridges plus the original cedar log Japanese Waiting Bench 4) Two large interconnected, irregularly shaped koi ponds 5) The sounds of two waterfalls, one cascading down a 25-foot hill 6) An artful dry riverbed for rain overflow winding through the garden 7) Cooling shade everywhere from spreading sycamores & old oaks 8) Many tons of boulders & stones 9) Granite statuary & stone lanterns Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden For Thought: Wouldn't mind coming back to re-center myself. I did a have nice time.

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    Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens
    Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens
    Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens

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    The Broad

    The Broad

    4.3
    (2.9k reviews)
    8.2 mi

    My family and I were first-time visitors to this museum, and we truly enjoyed our visit…read more First and foremost, admission is free with advanced online reservations required. Parking was $19.00 for the first three hours with validation. The art museum is truly a gem of Los Angeles. It can be challenging to reserve tickets because open time slots fill up quickly, especially during the summer months when many people are on vacation. The artwork on display is mesmerizing, beautiful, and thought-provoking. Personally, I appreciated every single piece of art I observed, as so much work, love, and dedication went into each item on display that one can only wonder what the artists were thinking or feeling as they created their masterpieces. The entire museum is well-maintained, spotless, and fun. Security is extremely important, as evidenced by the many staff members closely monitoring the large crowds around each section of the museum. Staff members are also there to answer any questions. I wish to rerun here very soon with family and friends, as our visit was educational, inspiring, and fun.

    My family visited The Broad Museum a couple of days ago, and let me tell you, the exhibits are…read moreworld class. Even though the museum is free, I suggest getting tickets on line to reserve a timed-entry in advance, It does get crowded. I did notice that there are some exhibits that require a separate paid ticket. Parking was $29 unless validated. Then it dropped down to $19. Definitely worth visiting. You won't be disappointed.

    Photos
    Michael Jackson and Bubbles the Chimp art piece
    Michael Jackson and Bubbles the Chimp art piece
    The Broad
    The Broad
    The Broad

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    The Broad
    Pasadena Art Night

    Pasadena Art Night

    4.3
    (14 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $

    Twice a year, the City of Pasadena's Cultural Affairs Division puts together an evening during…read morewhich many of the museums and historic sites remain open late, and offer free admission. This offers a wonderful opportunity for local residents to check out a new museum or site, learn a thing or two, and take the kids to see something new in a low-stress, welcoming environment. Lines for some attractions are longer than others, so be sure to have a list with your priority spots to make the most of your time! In keeping with social distancing requirements, Spring Art Night 2021 was virtual. The next Art Night has been planned for October 8, 2021. You won't want to miss it!

    I've done DTLA Artwalk plenty.. But Pasadena Art Night? I'm ashamed to say this was my first year!…read moreArt is universal and what's so beautiful about that is how differently it's expressed. Through stages, spaces and mediums. Pasadena had a great line up for all the art they had to showcase. They delivered it much better than some of the artwalks I've been to in the past. How so? Well, let me tell you: Pasadena Art Night is much less flashy, much more community, and much more organized. It's definitely a night for the family as much as it can be for a date. Because this Art Night is much more community friendly and interactive, there's much more heart coming from the community itself either as the showstoppers or the audience! With a huge line-up of art exhibits, my friend, her son and I managed to hit up four destinations to get our fill of the spectacular evening in store for us. Our first stop was none other than, Kidspace Children's Museum! They had the night lighting up with all the kids' best moves whether it was dancing, jump roping or hula hooping and making sure everything from rope to hoops to even bubbles were lit up! It was practically a mini rave for tiny humans and my friend's kid had a blast. Music was also well selected. From there we took one of the many trams reserved specifically for Art Night goers! All trams were labeled based on destination which made the night all that more accessible to every and all interested! We made it over to the park right by city hall. The park was hosted by a nonprofit org called Day One who delivered an Alice and Wonderland "Down the Rabbit Hole" theme! Tea was being served with tea pots and cups hanging from trees, chalk art welcoming you in, a book tunnel leading you right to the stage of poets and story tellers to the left and luminescent trees with happiness keys being hung right along the branches to your right. The keys were gorgeous with blank tags waiting to be written on. After getting lost down the rabbit hole, we fell upon city hall which was more of a quick pit stop. Only leading us to our final destination, Paseo! Paseo's courtyard was being hosted by MUSE/IQUE. They were showcasing a free basic dance class by the hour or so! They had displayed step by step instructions on the ground of different dances. We made it just in time to learn one of their routines! After being taught, they allowed the participants to find a partner & dance the night away. We had finally made it to the end of our little friend's energy and decided to end the night with some happy feet! We got right back on the tram hassle free. City Hall was the only destination that had every bus for every direction come into! As we ended a well organized and run Art Night in Pasadena, my friend and I promised to attend the next one to come as her little one sang us Wheels on the Bus all the way back to kidspace where our cars were safely parked. Will I do this again? Ooh you betcha. Hope you check it out too, yelpheads

    Photos
    Light Bringer Project at Day One. Pretty!
    Light Bringer Project at Day One. Pretty!
    Pretty City Hall lights provided by Wicked Wonders, Inc. Makes me think of Parks and Rec!
    Pretty City Hall lights provided by Wicked Wonders, Inc. Makes me think of Parks and Rec!
    Pasadena City Hall during Pasadena Art Night 2014

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    Pasadena City Hall during Pasadena Art Night 2014
    Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

    Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

    4.5
    (1.2k reviews)
    6.2 mi

    Stopped by the LA Arboretum today to volunteer for the Cactus and Succulent society Inter City…read moreevent that was being held there. Parking seems plentiful but I did notice signs saying "lot full" but yet there were barely any cars there. I parked near the fountain area and walked up. The fountain is so relaxing and the grass past the fountain with peacocks hanging out is just so relaxing I wanted to sit there all day. I learned that if you're an Arboretum member it's free entry which starts at 730 am, but if you're not a member you're allowed in later at 9am. I found the Arboretum on AllTrails app and it's a pretty nice sized property and since they don't pass out maps what's nice using the app i can see what is coming up ahead and what else there is to see. The inter city event was taking place in another area and I ended up having to walk through another lot to get to it, but it was a nice spacious area for the event, i would have liked more signage to direct me but I recognized someone and that's how I knew where to go. The volunteers all seem to have volunteered multiple times in the past and seem to forget that there might be newbies helping so it seemed like everyone assumed I would just know how everything works. Despite this it was a pretty cool event and I saw so many cactuses and succulents that I never dreamed of and are now on my wish list. I believe they hold this event at the Arboretum yearly so keep your eyes out!

    I had never been to the Arboretum before. Arcadia is a bit of a drive for me, but when I saw that…read morethey were having a Plumeria Festival, I decided to make the trip. Upon arriving, my first thought was that I wished I had made a point of visiting much sooner. I had been missing out. We arrived when it opened, and the place was already buzzing with activity. Although it was busy, it never felt crowded. I found a QR code that brought up a map on my phone, which made it easy to navigate the grounds. We started at the Plumeria Festival, where there were plenty of vendors selling plumeria plants and other garden-related items. There was also live music on the main stage and several food trucks. After visiting the festival, we set out to explore the rest of the Arboretum. We saw plenty of wildlife, including peacocks, squirrels, rabbits and even a coyote. The walking trails are relatively easy, and there are plenty of benches where you can stop, rest and take in the surroundings. It was a great way to spend the better part of a day, and I will definitely be going back.

    Photos
    Large crowds on the tour inside the Queen Anne Cottage!
    Large crowds on the tour inside the Queen Anne Cottage!
    Indian Shot
    Indian Shot
    Menu for the food booth at the arboretum Christmas market (2025)

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    Menu for the food booth at the arboretum Christmas market (2025)
    Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

    Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

    4.1
    (354 reviews)
    4.8 mi

    My mom and I took my kids to see the Christmas markets in France this past December. It was a…read morebucket list trip for my mom, and while my boys had a great time, the travel was complicated and arduous, mostly because of my wild three-year-old Wade B. A couple weeks later, my husband and I took the boys to the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. They had an absolute blast, and my five-year-old Leo B. declared, with utmost sincerity, "I think this is the nicest place I've ever been." Matt B. and I had been once before, almost a decade ago, with our friends Caroline Y. and Scott S., when we were all young and childless. We came back together, this time with five kids, and as much as I enjoyed it back in the day, I found it even more compelling this second time around. The magic was amplified ten times by the presence of my sons, who absolutely loved all the beautiful, colorful lights. I did buy them shitty Christmas light necklaces, one of which broke almost immediately, causing considerable strife. The alternative, of course, was to deny Wade his request before even entering the garden, where he would badger me every time he saw another child with the necklace. I was not surprised to see that most of the children seemed to have them, every parent having made the same calculation on their way in. Smart and evil of Descanso Gardens to put that vendor right by the entrance. I'm guessing Enchanted is their big revenue generator for the year, and this is a McKinseyish way to maximize. The kids oohed and aahed at every exhibit, marveling at all the colors and lights. We oohed and aahed right with them, and had the additional pleasure of watching them play and interact with the elaborate, immersive displays. They loved the tulip fields, the model trains, the stained glass houses, the trees and music and light. There was also a large platform that served as a dance floor for small children, who partied to the ambient music. Wade was especially taken with this stage, and the one part of the night that did not go well was when I yanked him away so we could see the rest of the installations. It was cold and the kids were up way past their bedtimes, but we all had a blast at the Enchanted Forest. When pressed, Leo admitted that Paris was in fact as nice as Descanso Gardens, but the point was made. Come Christmas, we can take the boys to France or we can just drive to La Cañada and buy a few tickets that support a wonderful botanical garden. We might even manage the latter every year.

    My family and I visited Thanksgiving weekend and had a blast wandering around all the light…read moredisplays in the garden! This isn't necessarily a holiday-themed "Christmas" light experience, but it put us all in the holiday mood nonetheless. The themed light displays are well curated, the event is organized, staff are friendly, and the free parking is orderly and well managed. There are ten different themed exhibits found on the mile-long path. By far our favorite was the Ancient Forest, but the Garden of Good Fortune and the Fantasy Forest were close seconds! They do a wonderful job of using the light displays to really compliment and highlight the giant oak trees and other featured plants - as well as excellent music choices to really immerse you in a serene fantasy forest type experience. Some of the exhibits are interactive, like the Symphony of Oaks where you can step on the lights to make them change colors and sing - so fun! They also had a large village of tiny stained glass houses and other buildings you could actually enter and walk through - really beautiful. Another display I loved was the giant light built to resemble the moon - it was placed directly over one of the ponds and the reflection was magnificent! And everyone loves the massive, sprawling field of tulip lights which has a rotating show that will occasionally send waves of lights towards you. We spent a good hour and a half meandering around the path, which is well maintained and mostly flat with plenty of maps to find your way around the exhibits. The staff did a great job of respecting ticket entry times and the exhibits are so well laid out that we hardly noticed the crowds. Very well done! They don't sell tickets at the door so be sure to purchase online in advance. Booking our timed entry tickets was very easy via their website. They also take advanced reservations for their on-site Farmhouse restaurant and for valet parking. The restaurant and gift shop area was packed so I'd recommend restaurant reservations. But the parking was ample, even at 6pm on a Saturday and so well staffed and managed that we found a spot easily with zero chaos. This was my first visit to Descanso Gardens and now I'm wishing I had seen it in the daylight so I could compare haha! Tickets are a tad pricey but ee loved their Enchanted Forest of Light and can highly recommend it. Plus you're supporting a local botanical garden! I'll definitely be back to see all the splendor of the garden in the daytime.

    Photos
    The beautiful Garden of Good Fortune! (Nov 2025)
    The beautiful Garden of Good Fortune! (Nov 2025)
    One of the food and drink stands with seating (Nov 2025)
    One of the food and drink stands with seating (Nov 2025)
    The stained glass houses on the Luminous Lawn were really beautiful and you can walk around in most of them! (Nov 2025)

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    The stained glass houses on the Luminous Lawn were really beautiful and you can walk around in most of them! (Nov 2025)
    Rubel Castle

    Rubel Castle

    4.8
    (59 reviews)
    17.4 mi

    I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

    A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

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    Rubel Castle
    Rubel Castle
    Roots!

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    Roots!
    Kidspace Children's Museum

    Kidspace Children's Museum

    4.2
    (930 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    Not-for-profit
    Free parking

    We spent 2 hours here, but could have spent so much more time if we didn't have a deadline. We went…read moreon the free day (first Friday of the month), but with that free ticket you only get 2 to 3 hours in the afternoon before the place closes, so it's a great taster to make you want to come again! Our kids ages 2 to 7 all had a great time! There was so much to do, from walking through the river and doing water play, to sand play in the pretend lake, to crafts (that we didn't have time for), to climbing equipment, and building/engineering/physics activities. Plenty of things to do both indoor and outdoor. The physics section is great for older kids too, even middle school (but the rest of the museum is definitely geared to elementary).

    Free Parking, confusing at first as it's a shared lot for the park. There was a line upon arrival…read moreso you can actually buy tickets online and bypass the other line. The museum is both indoors and outdoors. There's several activities that are geared towards older kids such as sitting on seat and self-pull to go up. Or a tug a war type thing. The other outdoor activities are for all ages, they have areas where you can bang on stuff to hear the sounds. There's an indoor which I feel the younger ones loves such as the train table or the parachute. Overall there's activities for all ages. There was even a spot if someone wants to read and do storytime. Fun overall. It can get pricey. I'm not big on places charging adults as it truly is more for the kids.

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    Kidspace Children's Museum
    Climbing tower
    Climbing tower
    Learning about caterpillars in Nature Exchange

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    Learning about caterpillars in Nature Exchange

    Norton Simon Museum - artmuseums - Updated August 2026

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