
Brookside Park
Sprawling Pasadena park with playgrounds, trails, and picnic spots, adjacent to the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & fewer crowds

Brookside Park
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sprawling Pasadena park with playgrounds, trails, and picnic spots, adjacent to the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium.
"A peaceful, well-kept park perfect for a casual outdoor day, with plenty of space and shade."

🚶 Walk to Avoid Traffic
For Rose Bowl events, consider walking the ~20 min trail to bypass major traffic jams.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Brookside Park is a happy place for pups! Plenty of space for them to roam and enjoy.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rose Bowl Proximity
Adjacent to Rose Bowl Stadium
Experience the energy of major events or enjoy a peaceful stroll near this iconic stadium.
Kid-Friendly Playgrounds
Various locations
From the popular Pirate Park to general play areas, kids will love the diverse and fun spaces.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Hillside areas
Enjoy serene views and a quick cardio workout on the trails overlooking the park and valley.
Picnic & Open Spaces
Grassy areas
Ample green space perfect for picnics, relaxing, or letting kids learn to ride bikes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Event Crowds
Park Amenities & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk to Avoid Traffic
For Rose Bowl events, consider walking the ~20 min trail to bypass major traffic jams.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Brookside Park is a happy place for pups! Plenty of space for them to roam and enjoy.
☀️ Beat the Heat
The park can get hot, especially in summer. Visit in the cooler morning hours for a more comfortable experience.
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is usually free, but expect to pay on Rose Bowl event days. Arrive early for prime spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk to Avoid Traffic
For Rose Bowl events, consider walking the ~20 min trail to bypass major traffic jams.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Brookside Park is a happy place for pups! Plenty of space for them to roam and enjoy.
☀️ Beat the Heat
The park can get hot, especially in summer. Visit in the cooler morning hours for a more comfortable experience.
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is usually free, but expect to pay on Rose Bowl event days. Arrive early for prime spots.
🧺 Picnic Ready
Bring your picnic gear! Plenty of trees for shade and open lawns for a perfect outdoor meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brookside Park is widely praised as a well-maintained, clean, and spacious public area perfect for families, dog owners, and casual recreation. Visitors appreciate the plentiful parking (outside of major events), shade trees, and the proximity to the Rose Bowl. Some minor drawbacks include occasional strong odors from trash bins and the need for porta-potties at times.
"★★★★★
Brookside Park is a great spot for a family picnic or a relaxing hike. There are a few short trails along the hillside that are perfect for an easy walk, and the playground next to the pool is a hit with the kids—especially on a hot summer day. It’s also really close to the Rose Bowl, which makes it convenient if you're in the area. Parking is plentiful, so getting in and out is easy. A peaceful, well-kept park that's perfect for a casual outdoor day."
Ben Gutierrez
"This is BY FAR one of my favorite parks in the neighborhood. It’s always well maintained, clean, multiple water fountains, plenty of space for picnics, a lot of trees for shade, and plenty of parking. One of the happiest places for my pup in pasadena! Great job to the city of Pasadena parks and rec for keeping this space in amazing condition. ❤️"
Jessica Jeon
"Love walking through this park in the early morning. The trails above the park are a quick cardio workout. The views are very serene."
Robbyn Battles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brookside Park is located at 360 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is generally available, though it can be limited and paid during Rose Bowl events. For those attending events, walking from nearby areas via trails like the Lower Arroyo Trail is a recommended strategy to avoid traffic.
While direct public transport to the park itself might be limited, you can reach Pasadena via various bus routes and then potentially use ride-sharing services or a short walk to the park. Checking local transit schedules for Pasadena is advised.
Many visitors suggest walking the approximately 0.5-mile Lower Arroyo Trail to the Rose Bowl to bypass significant traffic congestion. Arriving very early is also a common strategy.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a viable option for getting to Brookside Park. However, during large events at the Rose Bowl, drop-off and pick-up points might be affected by road closures and increased traffic.
Brookside Park is situated in a well-known area of Pasadena, adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium. Its location in the valley makes it relatively easy to navigate to, especially if you're familiar with the Rose Bowl area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Brookside Park itself is generally free to enter and enjoy. However, if you are attending an event at the adjacent Rose Bowl Stadium, you will need a ticket for that specific event, and parking fees will apply.
As a public park, Brookside Park typically has open access during daylight hours. Specific facility hours, like restrooms or sports fields, may vary. It's best to check with the City of Pasadena Parks and Recreation for any specific operational times.
No, tickets are not required for general access to Brookside Park. Entry is free. Tickets are only necessary if you are attending a ticketed event at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
While generally welcoming, large events at the Rose Bowl may have specific bag policies and prohibited items. For regular park use, typical restrictions on alcohol and amplified music might apply. Always check event-specific guidelines if attending a concert or game.
The park generally offers accessible pathways and facilities. However, specific accessibility details for all areas, especially trails, can vary. It's recommended to contact the City of Pasadena Parks and Recreation for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Brookside Park offers a variety of activities including picnicking, hiking on hillside trails, playing on playgrounds (like the Pirate Park), using sports fields, and enjoying the open green spaces. It's also a popular spot for dog walking.
Yes, there are permanent restrooms available, though some reviews mention temporary porta-potties might be your only option at times. It's advisable to check the condition upon arrival.
Absolutely! Brookside Park is very family-friendly, featuring multiple playgrounds, ample space for running around, and picnic areas. The Pirate Park is a particular hit with younger visitors.
Yes, Brookside Park is dog-friendly, and many visitors enjoy bringing their pets. Ensure your dog is on a leash as per park regulations and be mindful of other park-goers.
The park offers serene views, especially from the hillside trails, overlooking the valley and surrounding areas. It provides a peaceful escape with scenic beauty.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During regular park hours, there are typically no food vendors. However, for major events at the Rose Bowl, food and beverage options are usually available for purchase.
Yes, Brookside Park is a great spot for BBQs. Visitors often bring their own large BBQ rigs. Be aware that some areas might have residue from previous use.
Yes, Brookside Park has numerous picnic tables available for public use, making it an ideal location for a family outing or gathering.
The park itself doesn't have restaurants, but Pasadena offers a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, a short drive away.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged for picnics and casual visits to Brookside Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The hillside trails offer scenic overlooks for panoramic shots. The open green spaces with mature trees provide lovely backdrops for picnics and casual photos. The proximity to the Rose Bowl also offers unique photographic opportunities, especially during events.
Yes, Brookside Park can be a great location for event photography, especially if you're capturing pre-event gatherings or the atmosphere around the Rose Bowl. The open spaces and natural light can be advantageous.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks and near stadiums. It's essential to check with the City of Pasadena Parks and Recreation and any relevant aviation authorities for regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
The park offers good natural light, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. The numerous trees provide shade, which can be beneficial for portraits and avoiding harsh midday sun.
Beyond the natural scenery, Brookside Park is known for hosting events like concerts and car shows, offering unique subjects. Lowrider car meets have been documented here, showcasing vibrant vehicles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🎶 Concert & Event Goers
🚶♀️ Active Individuals & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Concert & Event Hub: Brookside Park and the Rose Bowl
Beyond concerts, the park has also been a venue for other community events, such as lowrider car shows, showcasing vibrant automotive culture. The park's expansive open spaces and convenient location make it a versatile site for both large-scale entertainment and smaller community gatherings, offering a dynamic experience for visitors depending on the day of their visit.
Family Fun and Recreation
For those seeking a bit more activity, the park features tennis courts and baseball fields, catering to various sports enthusiasts. The gentle hillside trails also provide an accessible option for a family walk, offering pleasant views without being overly strenuous. The presence of water fountains and restrooms adds to the convenience for families spending a day outdoors.
Navigating Parking and Traffic
To combat the inevitable traffic and parking challenges associated with Rose Bowl events, visitors have developed strategies. A frequently shared tip from Reddit users is to utilize the Lower Arroyo Trail, a roughly 20-minute walk, to reach the stadium and bypass the worst of the traffic. Ride-sharing services are also an option, but attendees should be prepared for potential delays in pick-up and drop-off due to road closures and high demand. Planning ahead and considering these alternatives can significantly improve the experience when visiting Brookside Park during a major event.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit