A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Pasadena for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pasadena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Pasadena

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

Playa del Carmen and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Pasadena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Pasadena has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Playa del Carmen or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Playa del Carmen or Pasadena More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Pasadena Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing 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, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Pasadena is a family-friendly 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 Playa del Carmen or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

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 Playa del Carmen or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Pasadena.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

While Pasadena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Is Playa del Carmen or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 food and shopping around the picturesque destination of Pasadena. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

Playa del Carmen 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 shopping and museums around the picturesque city of Pasadena. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

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

Pasadena is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered 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 in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Pasadena?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Pasadena. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Pasadena. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Pasadena. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Playa del Carmen