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

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a luxurious, posh, and outdoorsy coastal city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Pasadena

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

Boca Raton and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Pasadena?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boca Raton than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boca Raton is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Boca Raton different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Pasadena?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Pasadena and Boca Raton.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Pasadena both to be excellent destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Boca Raton and Pasadena.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Pasadena?

If you're looking to go shopping, Boca Raton and Pasadena both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Pasadena Better for Families?

Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Pasadena is a family-friendly coastal city. 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 Boca Raton or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Boca Raton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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

Boca Raton and Pasadena both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Pasadena has a few public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Is Boca Raton or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Boca Raton and Pasadena are nice when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Pasadena. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

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

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers museums and nightlife. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the quaint city of Pasadena, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pasadena, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Pasadena?

Boca Raton 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pasadena, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Pasadena?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pasadena, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Pasadena?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 coastal city offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Boca Raton during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Pasadena. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Pasadena. Many travelers come to Boca Raton 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.

In January, Boca Raton is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Boca Raton usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pasadena. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the spring for the beaches.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Boca Raton