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

Should you visit Pasadena or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pasadena travel costs.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Seattle travel costs.

Pasadena and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle than Pasadena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seattle is very popular for its theatre productions, music, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its shopping. Seattle is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle 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 Seattle?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Pasadena or Seattle.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Pasadena or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Seattle can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Pasadena or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Pasadena and Seattle.

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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Pasadena or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is Pasadena or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a good destination for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Seattle?

Pasadena is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Pasadena or Seattle More Beautiful?

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

Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pasadena or Seattle Better for Families?

Both Pasadena and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Pasadena or Seattle Better for Couples?

Pasadena and Seattle both nice destinations for a couple.

Pasadena is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Pasadena or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

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 Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is notable for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Many students visit Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Both Pasadena and Seattle 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Pasadena or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pasadena and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle than Pasadena. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in Pasadena or Seattle?

In Pasadena, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Seattle?

In Pasadena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pasadena has to offer.

Seattle 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 Seattle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Seattle?

Pasadena is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle 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 Pasadena or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pasadena. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle 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 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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pasadena is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In July, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Seattle. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pasadena or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Pasadena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pasadena is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pasadena in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Seattle. The winter months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In January, Pasadena is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 56°F (13°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Seattle. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pasadena or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Seattle. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Pasadena is much warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Pasadena