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

Should you visit Pasadena or Anchorage?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pasadena and Anchorage. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pasadena travel costs.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a nature-oriented, outdoorsy, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty in Anchorage as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Anchorage travel costs.

Pasadena and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Anchorage?

You'll generally find more things to do in Anchorage than Pasadena. Anchorage is bigger than Pasadena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Anchorage is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Anchorage is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Also, Anchorage is famous for Chugach State Park. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pasadena makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Pasadena or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Pasadena offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Pasadena or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Anchorage is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Anchorage?

Pasadena is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Pasadena is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Pasadena or Anchorage More Beautiful?

Anchorage is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Anchorage as well. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pasadena or Anchorage Better for Families?

Both Pasadena and Anchorage are notable family-friendly destinations.

Pasadena is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Pasadena or Anchorage Better for Couples?

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

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Pasadena or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Pasadena is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage 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 quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Pasadena or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pasadena and Anchorage. In our opinion, Pasadena has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pasadena than Anchorage. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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.

The beautiful city of Anchorage offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Pasadena or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque 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.

Anchorage 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Anchorage, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint 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.

Anchorage is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking 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.

A week in Pasadena or Anchorage?

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.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Anchorage, 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 Pasadena or Anchorage?

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 Pasadena or Anchorage in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Pasadena is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pasadena in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In July, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pasadena or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Pasadena during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In October, Pasadena is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 68°F (20°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in October than Anchorage. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Anchorage in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Pasadena is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 56°F (13°C) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In January, Pasadena usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pasadena or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Anchorage. Additionally, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Pasadena is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pasadena in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

Pasadena usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Anchorage. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Pasadena