A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Pasadena for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Pasadena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a wild, adventurous, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Pasadena

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

Cabo San Lucas and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cabo San Lucas and Pasadena both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cabo San Lucas makes for a great culinary experience. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cabo San Lucas to choose from. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cabo San Lucas for it's beautiful beaches. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular spot for hiking. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pasadena and Cabo San Lucas.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Pasadena is a family-friendly 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 Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Cabo San Lucas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas and Pasadena.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

The beautiful city of Cabo San Lucas offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cabo San Lucas has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Pasadena. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.