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

Should you visit Ocean City or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Pasadena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a fun-filled, laid back, and active city. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pasadena travel costs.

Ocean City and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Pasadena are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its resorts and beaches, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also well known for the Ocean City boardwalk. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Ocean City different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

Pasadena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Pasadena is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Pasadena is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Ocean City or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Pasadena are superb when it comes to partying.

Ocean City offers plenty to do in the evening. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Pasadena has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Ocean City or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Ocean City to choose from. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Ocean City for it's beautiful beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Pasadena Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city 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, Ocean City is very family-friendly. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. 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 Ocean City or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Pasadena is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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 mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Pasadena?

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

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

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

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

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the picturesque 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 Ocean City or Pasadena?

Ocean City 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.

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 Ocean City or Pasadena?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Ocean City or Pasadena?

Ocean City 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 Ocean City has to offer. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In the autumn, Ocean City is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Pasadena. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Pasadena. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches.

Ocean City is cooler than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Ocean City