A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Pasadena for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Pasadena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Pasadena travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Also, Blue Ridge is famous for Chattahoochee National Forest. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Blue Ridge different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pasadena and Blue Ridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Pasadena. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Pasadena can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pasadena. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Is Blue Ridge or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Pasadena has a large number of nightlife venues. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Blue Ridge and Pasadena.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Pasadena is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Is Blue Ridge or Pasadena More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Pasadena Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Pasadena is a family-friendly town. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Blue Ridge or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Blue Ridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Blue Ridge or Pasadena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Pasadena has some public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Pasadena are notable when it comes to walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable place. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Pasadena. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Pasadena. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Blue Ridge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Pasadena. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Blue Ridge that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Pasadena if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the picturesque city of Pasadena, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pasadena, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pasadena, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pasadena, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Pasadena, we can see that Blue Ridge is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Blue Ridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Blue Ridge than you might in Pasadena.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Pasadena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Pasadena, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge or Pasadena?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Pasadena. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

Blue Ridge is cooler than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Pasadena. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Blue Ridge