A day in Pasadena California for $200 (ish)

The look of Pasadena is pure Americana with stately homes and a low-to-the-ground, classic downtown. It makes for a different kind of Californian experience only 18km northeast of Downtown Los Angeles.

The Reyn is an easy restaurant to pass on by. There’s a distinctive and somewhat careworn blue awning over the restaurant and the windows are often obscured with closed blinds. It looks plain but there’s often a tell-tale crowd of locals in front, awaiting the good vibes and excellent, plentiful, cheap food. Nothing on the menu costs more than $15 except for the breakfast of eggs with pork chops, or with a T-bone steak. Get a good coffee in a mismatched mug and the “Reyn Rancheros”, their take on Huevos rancheros and, pro tip, replace the home fries with hash browns.

A $9 Uber will take you to the incredible Californian Craftsmen architecture of the Gamble House. One of the 10 most significant residences in the US, this 1908 home was built by architects Charles and Henry Greene for the heir to the Procter & Gamble fortune. One-hour docent-led tours are a bargain at $23 and are available to the public 10:30am-1.30pm Tues, 10:30am-3pm Thurs-Fri-Sat and 12pm-3pm Sunday.

Five minutes’ walk away is True Food Kitchen, with an innovative take on standard menu items. The “inside out quinoa burger” and

edamame dumplings earn rave reviews — if you book ahead you may score a coveted outside table. Budget $40 per head.

Ten minutes away by Uber ($12.50) is the stunning Huntington Library and Gardens, with huge themed gardens and museum installations of art and literature. You can easily spend a whole day at the Huntington, if your legs can handle it. $40 admission on weekdays ($45 on weekends or public holidays).

You’re a short walk away from the Norton Simon Museum, one of America’s most remarkable collections of European and Asian art ($19). The museum comprises more than 11,000 objects and its significant permanent collection is highly regarded internationally. If there are kids in your party they will love Kidspace Children’s Museum, a huge indoor and outdoor space packed with exhibits and activities.

The Luggage Room is something a bit different; a pizza parlour in a former train station luggage room. Order your pizza and tell them you’re across the way at Stone Brewing Taproom. Go get great beers (they specialise in IPAs) and have your pizza walked over to you. Pizzas come in at about $20, leaving another $20 for a sundowner or three. TOTAL: $203.50