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

Should you visit Panama City or Pasadena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City 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.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and beaches. See Panama City travel costs.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Pasadena travel costs.

Panama City and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Pasadena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Pasadena are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Panama City is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Panama City different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City 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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pasadena is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Panama City or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Pasadena has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

The nightlife in Pasadena has something for everybody. 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 Panama City or Pasadena Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a good destination for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful beaches. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Pasadena is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Panama City or Pasadena More Beautiful?

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

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Pasadena Better for Families?

Panama City is an amazing beach town 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, Panama City is very family-friendly. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

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 Panama City or Pasadena Better for Students?

Panama City is notable for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Many students visit Panama City. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Pasadena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is mostly limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Is Panama City or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Pasadena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Panama City than Pasadena. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Panama 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 Panama 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 Panama City or Pasadena?

The beach town of Panama City offers live music 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Pasadena. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Pasadena?

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque destination of Pasadena. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Pasadena?

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

The picturesque city of Pasadena offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Pasadena?

Panama 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 Panama City has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pasadena. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama 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 Panama 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 Panama City or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Pasadena. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Panama City is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Pasadena. Many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Panama City is cooler than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Panama City is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Panama City usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Panama City