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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Pasadena?

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 Atlantic City and Pasadena. 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Pasadena

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

Atlantic City and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlantic City than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlantic City is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Atlantic City is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Also, Atlantic City is famous for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Atlantic City different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Pasadena?

Pasadena is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

Pasadena is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pasadena makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Atlantic City or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Pasadena?

Pasadena is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Pasadena is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Atlantic City or Pasadena Better for Families?

Pasadena is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pasadena. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and Pasadena both notable destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Pasadena makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Atlantic City or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City and Pasadena.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Pasadena. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlantic City than Pasadena. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Atlantic City or Pasadena?

The city of Atlantic City offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Pasadena. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Pasadena?

Atlantic City 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Pasadena?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Pasadena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Atlantic City or Pasadena?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Pasadena. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Pasadena. The summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In July, Atlantic City is generally around the same temperature as Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Pasadena. The shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

Atlantic City is much colder than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. In the winter, Atlantic City is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Atlantic City