A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Pasadena for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Pasadena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a fun, party-hard, and energetic beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Daytona Beach different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Pasadena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Pasadena is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Pasadena is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

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

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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 Daytona Beach or Pasadena Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Daytona Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Daytona Beach is a good destination for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach offers a nice beach destination. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Pasadena is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.


Is Daytona Beach or Pasadena Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Pasadena is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Pasadena make for a nice place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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 Daytona Beach or Pasadena Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Pasadena is not popular with students.


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

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Pasadena is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach 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 quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Pasadena

Pasadena is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city 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.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pasadena than Daytona Beach 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.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

The beach city of Daytona Beach offers live music and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque 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 Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. A weekend 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. 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 Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, while the average daily cost in Pasadena is $62. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Daytona Beach and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Pasadena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Daytona Beach


Hotels in Pasadena


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Pasadena $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Daytona Beach change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Daytona Beach $80
    Pasadena $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Typical Food Prices in Pasadena

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:


  • Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75

Tours and Activities in Pasadena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:

  • Haunted Walking Tour: $33
  • Old Pasadena Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49
  • LA: East Side Guided Film Locations Tour: $350

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Pasadena -

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40


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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Pasadena. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Pasadena. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)