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

Should you visit Pasadena or Aspen?

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 Aspen. 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 quaint, charming, and picturesque city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Pasadena travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking. See Aspen travel costs.

Pasadena and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Pasadena and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Aspen is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pasadena or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for snow skiing. However, Pasadena is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Pasadena is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Aspen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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.

Is Pasadena or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Pasadena and Aspen.

Pasadena has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Aspen has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Is Pasadena or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is notable for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is Pasadena or Aspen Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Aspen?

Both Pasadena and Aspen are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Pasadena or Aspen More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pasadena or Aspen Better for Families?

Both Pasadena and Aspen are nice 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.

Aspen is a family-friendly city. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Pasadena or Aspen Better for Couples?

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

Aspen is a very popular place to visit for couples. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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 Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Pasadena and Aspen offer nice public transit options.

Pasadena has a few public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Is Pasadena or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Aspen?

In either Pasadena or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Pasadena because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Pasadena 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 Aspen.

One day in Pasadena or Aspen?

In Pasadena, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Pasadena or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen 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.

Five days in Pasadena or Aspen?

Pasadena is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pasadena. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Pasadena or Aspen?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Pasadena. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a great place to explore. 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 ski town 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 Aspen, we can see that Aspen 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen 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 Aspen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Aspen?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Aspen, 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.