Had a blast at the NEON RETRO ARCADE in Pasadena for my husbands birthday.
1 / 10

Neon Retro Arcade

4.7
·827 reviews·Pasadena, United States

Step back in time at Neon Retro Arcade, a vibrant Pasadena spot packed with over 50 classic 80s & 90s arcade and pinball games.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more machines

CrowdLow
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Had a blast at the NEON RETRO ARCADE in Pasadena for my husbands birthday.

Neon Retro Arcade

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more machines

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Neon Retro Arcade, a vibrant Pasadena spot packed with over 50 classic 80s & 90s arcade and pinball games.

4.7
(827 reviews)

"This spot was amazing! Tons of fun games, great prices! Definitely would love to come again soon!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Wristband for Free Play

Your admission grants you a wristband for unlimited free play on all machines. No quarters or game cards needed!

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be on your feet playing games, so wear comfy shoes for maximum enjoyment.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Classic Arcade & Pinball Machines

Classic Arcade & Pinball Machines

Main Floor

Dive into nostalgia with over 50 vintage arcade and pinball games from the 80s and 90s. Play Pac-Man, Street Fighter, and more!

Fix-It Felix Jr. Game

Fix-It Felix Jr. Game

Game Floor

Channel your inner Wreck-It Ralph and find the elusive Fix-It Felix Jr. game for a unique gaming experience.

TikTok
Neon-Soaked Atmosphere

Neon-Soaked Atmosphere

Entire Venue

Immerse yourself in a vibrant, neon-lit environment that transports you straight back to the golden age of arcades.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

All-Day Fun or Hourly Play?

Choose between an hourly rate of $15 or an all-day pass for $25. Many visitors find an hour is enough to hit their favorite classics, but the all-day pass is great for serious gamers or families looking to maximize their fun without watching the clock. TikTok

Beat the Heat (or Cold!)

This spot is a perfect escape from the Southern California weather, boasting strong air conditioning for those hot days and a cozy atmosphere when it's chilly. It's an ideal indoor activity for any season. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more machines
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Rainy days
Why
Perfect indoor escape
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know there’s a hidden arcade in Old Pasadena? 🕹✨ @Neon Retro Arcade 👾 is wall-to-wall nostalgia with over 50 classic arcade and pinball machines, no quarters needed. Play everything from Pac-Man to Street Fighter, all in a neon-soaked dream straight out of the ‘80s and ‘90s. #SecretMenuLA #80s #arcade #HiddenGems #retro
@secretmenulosangeles
8.9K likes • 123.1K views

🎯 Wristband for Free Play

Your admission grants you a wristband for unlimited free play on all machines. No quarters or game cards needed! TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be on your feet playing games, so wear comfy shoes for maximum enjoyment. Reddit

#retroarcade #pasadena #arcade #losangeles #thingstodoinla #lahiddengems #springbreakforkids #familyfriendly
@neonretroarcade
615 likes • 14.8K views
Don’t let the rain ruin your weekend, L.A. 👾 #retroarcade #pasadena #thingstodoinla #rainydayactivities #lahiddengems
@neonretroarcade
92 likes • 4.2K views

📸 Capture the Nostalgia

Bring your phone to snap photos of the vibrant neon signs and classic game cabinets. Reddit

🚗 Parking in Old Town

Several parking structures are available in Old Town Pasadena for easy access. Reddit

Every day is a good day for an arcade date 👾💕 #retroarcade #arcade #losangeles #pasadena #thingstodoinla #lahiddengems #datenightideas
@neonretroarcade
20K likes • 199.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Wristband for Free Play

Your admission grants you a wristband for unlimited free play on all machines. No quarters or game cards needed! TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be on your feet playing games, so wear comfy shoes for maximum enjoyment. Reddit

📸 Capture the Nostalgia

Bring your phone to snap photos of the vibrant neon signs and classic game cabinets. Reddit

🚗 Parking in Old Town

Several parking structures are available in Old Town Pasadena for easy access. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages Welcome

This arcade is family-friendly, making it a great spot for kids and adults alike. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(827 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Neon Retro Arcade for its fantastic selection of classic games, nostalgic atmosphere, and great value, especially the free-play model. While some minor improvements to game cabinets were suggested, the overall experience is highly praised as a fun and engaging outing for all ages.

"This spot was amazing! 15$ for an hour which felt like just enough time to get through a lot of the games however they also do 25$ for all-day. It was quite empty aside from another couple that was there but we were there close to an hour before closing so maybe that’s why. Overall great spot, tons of fun games, great prices! Definitely would love to come again soon!"

Enchanted Citrine

"We were wandering around old town Pasadena, and discovered this place. It was a hot day, and they have strong air conditioning. The cashier is friendly, and he explained to us that it would be $15 per person per hour with all free play. There were lot of retro games (e.g. street fighters, police academy, Mario carts etc.). We spend a fun hour in this place.

There are a few parking structures around the old town Pasadena area. Will come back again."

Erica Fung

"Awesome place to try out some old games!
Just spend an hour there playing around you wont regret it!"

Wil

What People Like

Classic game selection
Free play admission
Nostalgic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Minor cabinet issues
Can feel crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Neon Retro Arcade is located in Old Town Pasadena. Several parking structures are available nearby, making it accessible by car. Public transportation options to Pasadena are also available, with the arcade being a short walk from many stops. Reddit

Yes, there are multiple parking structures in the Old Town Pasadena area that offer convenient parking for visitors. Reddit

Yes, Pasadena is well-served by public transport. Check local transit routes for the best way to reach Old Town Pasadena. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can choose between an hourly rate of $15 per person or an all-day pass for $25 per person. Both options include unlimited free play on all games. TikTokReddit

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are available if you prefer to secure your spot, especially for larger groups or during peak times. TikTok

While specific discounts like Groupon were mentioned in keyword research, it's best to check their official website or social media for any current promotions. TikTok

Absolutely! Neon Retro Arcade is a family-friendly venue, welcoming all ages to enjoy the classic games. TikTokReddit

The arcade is typically open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their latest hours before visiting. TikTok

🎫 🕹️ Onsite Experience

You'll find over 50 classic arcade and pinball machines from the 80s and 90s, including Pac-Man, Street Fighter, and even the Fix-It Felix Jr. game. TikTok+1

No, all games are set to free play with your admission wristband. Just walk up and press start! TikTokReddit

Crowd levels can vary. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, while weekend evenings can be more lively. Rainy days also draw a good crowd looking for indoor fun. TikTok

The arcade boasts a vibrant, neon-soaked atmosphere that's a perfect throwback to the 80s and 90s, making it feel like stepping back in time. TikTok+1

While the focus is on retro games, some modern consoles might also be available for play. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors enjoy capturing the vibrant neon lights and classic game cabinets. Reddit

The entire venue is visually appealing with its neon decor. The game cabinets themselves, especially iconic ones, make for great shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Neon Retro Arcade is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun and engaging activity. The all-ages welcome policy means everyone from young children to adults can enjoy the games. TikTokReddit The free play model is a huge plus for families, as kids can play their favorite games repeatedly without parents worrying about the cost of quarters. TikTokReddit The air-conditioned environment provides a comfortable escape from the California heat, making it a perfect indoor option for a family outing. TikTok+1

Consider the all-day pass if your children are enthusiastic gamers, as it offers the best value for extended play. TikTok While the arcade is generally not overly crowded on weekday afternoons, weekends can be busier, so planning your visit accordingly might enhance the experience. TikTok The vibrant neon atmosphere and classic games offer a unique, nostalgic experience that can be just as exciting for parents as it is for kids. TikTok

👫 Couples on a Date Night

Looking for a unique and fun date night? Neon Retro Arcade offers a playful and nostalgic experience that's perfect for couples. TikTok+1 The retro atmosphere and the chance to challenge each other on classic games like Street Fighter or Pac-Man create a memorable evening. TikTok+1 Opting for the hourly rate can be a great way to enjoy a couple of hours of gaming without breaking the bank, or you can go for the all-day pass if you want to make a whole afternoon or evening of it. TikTok

The free play aspect means you can focus on enjoying the games and each other's company rather than constantly feeding coins. TikTokReddit The neon-lit environment provides a cool backdrop for photos, adding a fun visual element to your date. TikTok+1 It's a great alternative to typical dinner-and-a-movie dates, offering an interactive and engaging experience that sparks conversation and friendly competition. TikTok

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

Neon Retro Arcade offers excellent value, especially with its free play model. For $15 per hour, you get unlimited access to over 50 classic games, which can be a very cost-effective way to spend an afternoon. TikTokReddit If you plan to stay longer or are visiting with others, the $25 all-day pass can be even more economical, allowing for extended gaming sessions without additional costs. TikTok This makes it a budget-friendly entertainment option in Pasadena. Reddit

Combine your visit with exploring the free attractions in Old Town Pasadena, and you have a full day of affordable fun. Reddit The parking in the area is also reasonably priced, further contributing to a budget-friendly outing. Reddit It's a great way to get a lot of entertainment for your money, especially compared to other paid attractions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Blast from the Past: The Game Selection

Neon Retro Arcade is a treasure trove for anyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, or simply appreciates the golden age of gaming. With over 50 classic arcade and pinball machines, the selection is designed to evoke pure nostalgia. You'll find beloved titles like Pac-Man, Street Fighter, and Donkey Kong, alongside other gems that defined an era. TikTok The inclusion of the Fix-It Felix Jr. game is a particularly fun nod to pop culture, making it a unique draw for fans of Wreck-It Ralph. TikTok

What sets this arcade apart is the free play model. Once you pay your admission fee (either hourly or all-day), you get a wristband that allows you to play any game as many times as you want without needing quarters or tokens. This makes it easy to hop between games and try out as many as you like without worrying about running out of credits. TikTokReddit While the selection is fantastic, some visitors have noted that certain fighting game cabinets could be improved, with one reviewer wishing for a larger cabinet for games like Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and a more stable control panel. Reddit Despite this, the overall variety and accessibility of the games are major highlights.

The atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the games themselves. The neon-soaked interior creates a vibrant and immersive environment that truly transports you back in time. TikTok+1 It's a perfect spot for a fun date night or a family outing, offering a unique blend of entertainment and retro charm. TikTok+1

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Pricing, and Practicalities

When planning your trip to Neon Retro Arcade, understanding the pricing structure is key. Visitors can opt for an hourly admission at $15 per person or an all-day pass for $25 per person. TikTok Many find that an hour is sufficient to enjoy a good selection of games, but the all-day pass offers great value for those who want to spend more time immersed in the retro gaming world or for families looking to make a full day of it. Reddit The free play model, where your admission grants unlimited access to all machines, is a significant perk that eliminates the hassle of managing quarters or tokens. TikTokReddit

The arcade is generally open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, providing ample opportunity to visit. TikTok However, it's always wise to check their official social media or website for any last-minute changes to operating hours. TikTok The venue is well-equipped to handle different weather conditions, with strong air conditioning making it a comfortable escape on hot days and a cozy spot during cooler weather. TikTok+1 This makes it a reliable choice for an indoor activity regardless of the season. TikTok

For those driving, parking is readily available in the Old Town Pasadena area, with several parking structures conveniently located. Reddit This makes getting to the arcade straightforward. The venue is also accessible via public transportation, adding to its convenience. Reddit While walk-ins are welcome, making reservations is an option if you're planning for a group or want to ensure entry during busy periods. TikTok