A Travel Price Comparison for California Big Sur vs. Pasadena for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur 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 Big Sur and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Pasadena?

Both Pasadena and Big Sur have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Big Sur different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Pasadena?

Pasadena is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Pasadena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Big Sur or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is great for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Pasadena for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Big Sur for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

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

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Pasadena?

Pasadena is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Pasadena Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Pasadena.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

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.

Is Big Sur or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Big Sur is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Big Sur or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Pasadena is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable city. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Pasadena?

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

Families should spend more time in Pasadena than Big Sur. 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.

One day in Big Sur or Pasadena?

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Big Sur or Pasadena?

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area 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 Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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.

Five days in Big Sur or Pasadena?

Big Sur 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.

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.

A week in Big Sur or Pasadena?

Big Sur 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 natural area offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Sur and Pasadena, we can see that Pasadena is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Pasadena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pasadena than you might in Big Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Sur Expensive? and Is Pasadena Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Pasadena?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Big Sur or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Big Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Big Sur 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.

Big Sur is cooler than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Big Sur usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Big Sur is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Sur in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In October, Big Sur usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Pasadena. The winter months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In January, Big Sur is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 51°F (11°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Big Sur usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pasadena. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Big Sur is cooler than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Big Sur usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Big Sur