A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Pasadena for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Pasadena?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pasadena travel costs.

Destin and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pasadena than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pasadena is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. Also, Pasadena is famous for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

How is Destin different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is notable for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Pasadena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pasadena is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pasadena makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Destin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

Is Destin or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is notable for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Pasadena has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Destin doesn't offer many options. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

Is Destin or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Destin is notable for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Destin to choose from. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Destin is notable for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Destin for it's beautiful beaches. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Pasadena?

Pasadena is notable for shopping. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Pasadena is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Destin. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

Is Destin or Pasadena More Beautiful?

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

Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Pasadena Better for Families?

Destin 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.

Destin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

Pasadena is a family-friendly beach 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 Destin or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Pasadena are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Destin is a nice destination for couples. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

Pasadena makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Destin or Pasadena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is very good for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

Is Destin or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is very good for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

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

Destin is not a very walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Destin?

How long in Destin or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Pasadena. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Pasadena than Destin. 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 Destin 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 Destin or Pasadena?

The beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pasadena. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Pasadena?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Pasadena?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or Pasadena?

Destin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Pasadena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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 Destin or Pasadena?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Destin or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Destin is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

Destin is around the same temperature as Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Pasadena. The winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In the winter, Destin is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Pasadena. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Destin