Know All About Pasadena, Texas

Pasadena is a weekend gateway for denizens of Houston and other neighboring cities of Texas. The city has transformed and developed itself over the years, and its history is the testament to that. Shrouded in history, culture and nature, Pasadena is now gaining popularity among the tourists. It’s friendly, its tranquil and its unassuming. It is an affair to remember and we guarantee you’ll not regret planning a trip to this beautiful land. And, one thing is for sure that you will leave with a bunch of wonderful memories. 

The early settlers in the Galveston Bay area were the Atakapan and Karankawa tribes. Later, the European settlement came to the area. In the nineteenth century, Pirate Jean Lafitte formed a small kingdom around the Galveston. In 1821, U.S. Navy forced him to leave the region. A new colony was established by Stephen A. Austin around the Bay. In 1836, the Texas Revolution final battle happened near modern Pasadena and the Mexicans surrendered. As a result of this battle, Pasadena got the nickname as the “Birthplace of Texas”. The town in and around current Pasadena were short-lived. In 1892, John H. Burnett set up a townsite, east of the Allen Ranch. In 1893, Pasadena was established by Burnett. The name Pasadena was given after the lush vegetation in the area. In 1894, the Houston, La Porte and Northern railroad was constructed passing through the townsite, thus opening the site for farming community. In 1900, the Hurricane destroyed Galveston and a few part of Pasadena, too. Many Galveston refugees then settled to Pasadena. The American Red Cross donated 1.5million strawberry plants to the Gulf Pasadena farmers and a major Strawberry farm was formed in the area. Pasadena turned into a major Strawberry producer and soon received the title “Strawberry Capital” of the region.  Entire southeast Harris County was referred as “Pasadena Acres” by the 1920s. Pasadena farmers also sold cape jasmine flowers, cantaloupes and other local produces. In the twentieth century, Pasadena experienced tremendous growth in population and in infrastructure. In 1928, Pasadena was officially incorporated. The city’s economy grew strong by the mid-twentieth century with the establishment of petroleum and heavy industries. The city transitioned from farming to industrial economy in late 1930s and 40s with the establishment of ship-channel industries. The city experienced growth since then and the population became over 140,000. In the twenty-first century, it was regarded as the Houston’s most working-class suburb and today, the population of the city is 149,043 (2010 census), making it a 2nd largest city in the Harris County and 17th populous city in Texas. 

Pasadena Little Theater: The Pasadena Little Theatre  has been entertaining the people of Pasadena since 1955 with musicals, plays and other theatrical performances. It is one of the oldest operating theatres in the area. Some of the well-known shows featured here include A Few Good Men, Ring Around Elizabeth, Night Must Fall, How Green Was My Brownie, and many more. It also hosts theatre workshops for kids. 

Armand Bayou Nature Center: Connect with nature at the Armand Bayou Nature Center. It is a place where you can indulge in outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching, and also spot animals like bison, snakes, turtles, alligators, hawks, giraffe and many more. It features a Martyn Farm that depicts the farm life in the nineteenth century in Texas. Explore the center and take in the beauty by riding on an electric pontoon boat called Bayou Ranger. A perfect place for family fun!

Heritage Park and Museum: Peek into Pasadena’s history at the Heritage Park and Museum. It houses the historic Strawberry House and Pomeroy House that features the story of Pasadena from its early settlements to being a Strawberry Capital to transforming into a strong and flourishing modern city. It features antiques, artifacts and memorabilia that highlight the early life in Pasadena, Texas.

Red Door Theatre Company: Catch up the latest and original play at the Red Door Theatre Company. It produces classics in a new form as well as original and new theatrical work by local and traveling artists. There are shows for kids, as well. 

San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site: The Battle of San Jacinto is the battle that got Texas its independence from Mexico. This site includes battleground, a picnic pavilion, and San Jacinto Monument which is 567 foot high topped with a 220 ton star and this monument is dedicated to the brave men who fought for Texas independence in the Battle of San Jacinto. The monument includes a San Jacinto Museum of History that features the battle history, Texas heritage and Texas culture through documents, exhibits, images and antiquities. 

Strawberry Park: Strawberry Park  is packed with fun activities for the entire family.  It features red bluff pool that is open in summer season, a swimming pool, a kiddy pool, numerous tennis courts, six lighted ball fields, basketball court, picnic areas and barbecue pits, three workout stations, four micro-centers, one-mile walking or jogging trail, a recreation facility, and a war memorial. Outdoor activities abound for people of all ages!

Memorial Park: Memorial Park is a great place to spend time with family. It has a family-oriented setting. It is a perfect park for joggers and walkers seeking park with beautiful trails and scenery. It also features a playground, a basketball court, a skate park and soccer fields. A perfect spot to spend the day outdoors!

Pasadena is home to a diverse population of 149,043 representing different ethnic groups and backgrounds. The ethnic composition of Pasadena is a mix of White, African American, Alaska Native and American Indian, Asian, and several other races, all live, play and work together harmoniously.  Also, the city has a rich and varied arts community. There are various art centers in the city that highlight its rich diversity. The culture is driven by its art scene. Pasadena Little Theatre and The Red Door Theatre promote the art and showcase the local talent.  

UTC-GMT Offset: Pasadena is GMT/UTC- 6hours during Standard Time and 5hours during Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time Usage: Pasadena uses Daylight Saving Time

Time Zone Abbreviation: CST is abbreviated for Central Standard Time and CDT for Central daylight Time

Pasadena area codes: 832, 713, 346 and 281

The best time to visit Pasadena is from March to April or from September through November when the weather is comfortable to amble around the city and explore the outdoors. If you prefer good deals, then May through August is the time to visit. But you’ll have to deal with the humidity and heat. Year-round, the city hosts numerous festivals and events, too. 

Crawfish Festival  (April)

Pasadena Strawberry Festival (May)

Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo’s Kick-Off Dance  (August)

Holiday Lighted Parade  (December)