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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Pasadena

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

Saint Simons and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Saint Simons is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Saint Simons different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island 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 Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Pasadena can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Pasadena has a huge number of terrific 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 Saint Simons or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a great destination for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Pasadena know how to have a good time. 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is notable for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Simons for it's beautiful beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons offers some nice hiking trails. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Pasadena?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pasadena and Saint Simons.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Pasadena is well-known for its shopping. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Is Saint Simons or Pasadena More Beautiful?

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

Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Simons or Pasadena Better for Families?

Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Pasadena is a family-friendly island. 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 Saint Simons or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's 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 Saint Simons or Pasadena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Pasadena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Saint Simons and Pasadena both are notable when exploring on foot.

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Simons and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Simons than in Pasadena. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

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

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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.

In Pasadena, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this picturesque city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Pasadena?

Saint Simons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Simons, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pasadena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Pasadena?

Saint Simons 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Pasadena. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Pasadena?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Pasadena in the Autumn?

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

Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Simons is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In January, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Saint Simons