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

Should you visit Marathon or Pasadena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Pasadena, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Marathon travel costs.

Pasadena

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

Marathon and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pasadena than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pasadena is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. 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 Marathon different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pasadena can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pasadena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Is Marathon or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is great for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Is Marathon or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Pasadena?

Pasadena is great for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Pasadena More Beautiful?

Marathon is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Pasadena Better for Families?

Marathon 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.

Marathon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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 Marathon or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Marathon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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.

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Pasadena?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pasadena than Marathon 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 Marathon or Pasadena?

The beautiful island of Marathon offers nightlife 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.

The city of Pasadena offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Pasadena?

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

Five days in Marathon or Pasadena?

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

Pasadena 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.

A week in Marathon or Pasadena?

Marathon 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 Marathon has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Pasadena 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Pasadena?

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

Both Pasadena and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Pasadena. Many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months.

Marathon is a little warmer than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Pasadena. Most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Pasadena. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Marathon is generally much warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Marathon usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Marathon