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

Should you visit Key Largo or Pasadena?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Pasadena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pasadena travel costs.

Key Largo and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pasadena. Although Key Largo and Pasadena are popular destinations, Pasadena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pasadena is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. It is also well known for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

How is Key Largo different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Pasadena?

Pasadena is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Pasadena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Pasadena for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a good destination for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Pasadena?

Pasadena is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Pasadena Better for Families?

Key Largo is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Key Largo is very family-friendly. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Pasadena is a family-friendly island. 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 Key Largo or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Both Key Largo and Pasadena are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Key Largo is a good island for couples to visit. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

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

Pasadena is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination 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 limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Key Largo is not a walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Pasadena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Pasadena than Key Largo. 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Pasadena?

The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Pasadena. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pasadena has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Pasadena?

Key Largo 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Pasadena. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Pasadena?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque city of Pasadena. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Pasadena?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Pasadena?

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

Both Pasadena and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Pasadena. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Key Largo is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Pasadena. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Pasadena. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Key Largo