Pasadena is about a 40-minute drive from Los Angeles, and its quiet charm makes an interesting contrast from California’s largest and busiest metropolis. It's also the home of the annual Rose Bowl football championship and famed New Year's Day Rose Parade.

Pasadena retains its small-time charm, and compact size allows parking and strolling everywhere. It also has the key elements for a relaxing weekend, luxury hotels, fine restaurants and great shopping. Here’s a guide for a Pasadena experience:

The Langham Huntington,1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, was built over 100 years ago by real estate tycoon Henry Huntington. He created it to host friends and rich Easterners to come West for the warm winter season.

The hotel sits on 23 manicured acres in a green oasis, close to the Old Town area. Totally renovated recently and featuring world-class service, it's the perfect home away from home in Pasadena.

The Royce Steakhouse at The Langham offers Australian Wagyu and Japanese-style cuts. The Raymond 1886 (1250 South Fair Oaks) offers ever-changing menu. Sunday brunch is always a highlight.

A must-see is the Norton Simon Museum (411 West Colorado Blvd.). A breathtaking collection of Old Masters, Impressionists and ancient Asian and Indian art. It's an easy walk from the Langham.

Henry Huntington's former estate is now The Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Garden (1151 Oxford Road, San Marino). The museum has beautiful artwork, antique furniture, pottery, silver and glass. The library of rare books features original works by Shakespeare, an original Gutenberg Bible and other literary masterpieces.

Old Town provides hours of shopping, dining, entertainment and people watching. The famed Rose Bowl hosts UCLA football and annual New Year’s Day championship game. If you happen to be in Pasadena on the second Sunday of the month, don't miss the Rose Bowl Flea Market, now in its 50th year.

Pasadena is served by the Gold Line train, which runs from Union Station and connects to Hollywood, Universal City and the rest of the Los Angeles Metro mass transit network.