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

Should you visit Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a collegiate, southern, and proud university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pasadena travel costs.

Charlottesville and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Pasadena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pasadena. Although Charlottesville and Pasadena are both popular with visitors, Pasadena has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pasadena is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Charlottesville is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. It is also home to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

How is Charlottesville different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Pasadena is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pasadena has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Pasadena has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Charlottesville or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Charlottesville offers some nice hiking trails. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Pasadena is well-known for its shopping. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Pasadena More Beautiful?

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

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlottesville or Pasadena Better for Families?

Both Charlottesville and Pasadena are good family-friendly destinations.

Charlottesville offers lots of family activities. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Pasadena is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Charlottesville or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Charlottesville and Pasadena both good destinations for a couple.

Charlottesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Pasadena is a good university town for couples to visit. 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 Charlottesville or Pasadena Better for Students?

Charlottesville is an amazing university town to visit for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

Is Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

While Pasadena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Charlottesville or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlottesville and Pasadena. In our opinion, Pasadena has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pasadena than Charlottesville. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlottesville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pasadena than Charlottesville 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 Pasadena.

One day in Charlottesville or Pasadena?

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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.

The quaint destination of Pasadena offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Pasadena?

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

The city of Pasadena offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Charlottesville or Pasadena?

Charlottesville is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Charlottesville or Pasadena?

Charlottesville is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This university town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pasadena. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlottesville and Pasadena, we can see that Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville Expensive? and Is Pasadena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Charlottesville during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In the summer, Charlottesville is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlottesville in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Pasadena. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

In October, Charlottesville is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 59°F (15°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Pasadena. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Charlottesville. Charlottesville is much colder than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Charlottesville is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlottesville in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Charlottesville