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

Should you visit Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Pasadena

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

Gatlinburg and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Gatlinburg different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Pasadena Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Pasadena is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Pasadena is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Pasadena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Pasadena has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Gatlinburg or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

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

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Pasadena?

Pasadena is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Gatlinburg or Pasadena Better for Families?

Pasadena is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Pasadena offers lots of family activities. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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

Gatlinburg and Pasadena both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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

Is Gatlinburg or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Pasadena is somewhat walkable. 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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gatlinburg and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg than in Pasadena. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg.

One day in Gatlinburg or Pasadena?

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. 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 charming 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 Gatlinburg or Pasadena?

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg or Pasadena?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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, 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 Gatlinburg or Pasadena?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 city 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 from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

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

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Pasadena. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, 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.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

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

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Gatlinburg