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

Should you visit Pensacola or Pasadena?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Pensacola travel costs.

Pasadena

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

Pensacola and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Pasadena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pensacola than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Pensacola, Pensacola has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pensacola is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Pasadena is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Pensacola is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also home to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pensacola different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Pasadena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Pasadena both to be high quality destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Pasadena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Pensacola or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Pensacola to choose from. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Pensacola offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is a moderate beach town for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Pasadena?

Pasadena is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Pensacola or Pasadena Better for Families?

Pensacola is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pensacola is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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

Pasadena is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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 Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Pasadena?

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

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

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

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

The beach town of Pensacola offers food and shopping. 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.

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.

A weekend in Pensacola or Pasadena?

Pensacola 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming 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.

Five days in Pensacola or Pasadena?

Pensacola is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pensacola, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming 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.

A week in Pensacola or Pasadena?

Pensacola is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Pensacola has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Pasadena in the Summer?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pensacola or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Pensacola during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

In October, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 69°F (21°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Pensacola or Pasadena in the Winter?

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

Pensacola is cooler than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pensacola or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Pasadena. The beaches are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.

In the spring, Pensacola is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pensacola in April average around 67°F (20°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Pensacola usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Pensacola