Pasadena City Hall

The massive circular tower at the front of Pasadena City Hall sets the tone for what to expect from the rest of the city: wealth, beauty and an atypically (for SoCal, at least) well-preserved architectural history. You can spot its 206-foot-tall centerpiece, a series of arches and domes, from all over town but it's best appreciated up close. Walk through the rose-filled courtyard (where you'll surely come across a wedding photo shoot) to admire the Renaissance-inspired details on John Bakewell and Arthur Brown's 1927 construction. We'll always hold a special place for the building after it doubled as Pawnee City Hall in Parks and Recreation.