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

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a relaxing, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Pasadena

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

Clearwater and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Pasadena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Clearwater than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Clearwater, Clearwater has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Clearwater is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Pasadena is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Clearwater is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Clearwater different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Pasadena?

Both Clearwater and Pasadena have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Pasadena both to be excellent destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Clearwater or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Clearwater to choose from. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Pasadena?

Pasadena is notable for shopping. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit 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 Clearwater. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Is Clearwater or Pasadena Better for Families?

Clearwater 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.

Clearwater is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

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 Clearwater or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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

Pasadena is a good destination for its public transit. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Is Clearwater or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Pasadena both are notable when exploring on foot.

Clearwater is somewhat walkable. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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 Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Pasadena?

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

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

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

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

The coastal city of Clearwater 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 picturesque 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 Clearwater or Pasadena?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Pasadena?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater, 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 Clearwater or Pasadena?

Clearwater 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 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 Clearwater and Pasadena, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive? and Is Pasadena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Pasadena. Many travelers come to Clearwater 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 the winter, Clearwater is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In January, Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pasadena. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Pasadena. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Clearwater