Welcome to Metro Stop Highlights, a continuation of our short series showcasing the various Metro stops in Los Angeles, California along the A Line. Our second stop is Del Mar Boulevard Avenue in Pasadena. As you exit the Metro and walk through the towering yellow and orange buildings, the greenery of Pasadena’s Central Park greets you. While walking down the street, you may wonder what to explore because of the sheer number of options. So whether you’re contemplating visiting Wanderlust Creamery or SushiStop, here are some of our favorite things to do near the Del Mar Boulevard Avenue station.
Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery
If you’re ever on the lookout for a charming sit-down restaurant near the Colorado Boulevard area, you can officially call off your search. The minute you step into this hidden gem of a restaurant, the irresistible smells of grilled cheeses and chocolates will immediately captivate your senses. Venture past the cozy gingham-patterned bench seating, and you’ll discover the patio, the perfect place to enjoy a warm meal in the fall. We recommend ordering the Radiators in Red Sauce and the Lightly Cured Scallops, but you can’t make a bad choice at Agnes. And, if you’re looking to boost your food-connoisseur skills, taking their Cheese Pairing Classes will take you to a new level.
Mi Piace
Since its founding in 1991, Mi Piace has been a classic Italian dine-in restaurant in the heart of Old Town. The warm and modern atmosphere makes Mi Piace the perfect spot to take your friends and family. Whether you want to share a Mamma Mia Pizza or try their one of a kind Penne all’ Arrabbiata, you never have to worry about the quality of your dish. Luckily, Mi Piace is only a short eight-minute walk from the Del Mar station!
Hello Gelato
True to its name, the moment you enter this Italian parlor, you’re welcomed by a plethora of irresistible gelato flavors. Hello Gelato is the perfect treat after a long day at school or when you’re craving a quick dessert. While the amount of flavors may seem overwhelming, you can never go wrong with Rocky Road ice cream or a classic Italian Soda!
Neon Retro Arcade
If you ever feel like returning to the glory days of the ’80s, Pasadena’s Neon Retro Arcade is the place to be. Featuring over 40 classic games, it’s difficult to be bored in this vibrant arcade. From Donkey Kong to Dig Dug, the opportunities in this establishment are endless. Whether you’re flying solo to chase a highly-coveted leaderboard status or meeting up with your friends to try out a new pinball machine, you can spend your time at this arcade in a million different ways.
Beard Papa
Who knew you could find the best cream puffs only seven minutes away from a metro station? Beard Papa’s serves a variety of cream puffs with all different kinds of shells and fillings. The bakery first opened in 1999 in Osaka, Japan, and has expanded internationally—and one of its locations is right here, in Old Town. The moment you enter the cozy bakery, the aroma of freshly-made pastries wafts to greet you. We recommend trying the Chocolate Eclair or Churro cream puff!
Salvation Army
Looking to emulate the latest fashion trend on a budget? The Salvation Army is a quick five-minute walk from the Del Mar stop, giving you the perfect opportunity to stock up for the next Spirit Day (that you definitely didn’t forget about). Additionally, if you are looking to deep-clean your room à la Marie Kondo, the Salvation Army is the perfect place to send clothes that no longer spark joy. Bonus tip: the Salvation Army has a fridge full of refreshing drinks, perfect to recover from the grueling walk.
Pasadena Ice Skating Center
As winter approaches, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center is the ideal way to spend a winter wonderland inspired day. Since 1976, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center has offered a variety of activities to enjoy your time there. Whether you want to skate around during one of their public sessions or take lessons to master ice skating, the center has it all! And, once you’re all done skating, you can always enjoy one of the center’s classic hot chocolates.
