A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Pasadena for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a wild, pristine, and adventure-filled national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Pasadena

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

Everglades National Park and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pasadena. Although Everglades National Park and Pasadena are popular destinations, Pasadena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pasadena is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. It is also well known for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

How is Everglades National Park different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Pasadena is a great city for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Pasadena is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Pasadena is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Pasadena has something for everybody. 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 Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Everglades National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Everglades National Park is a popular spot for hiking. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Pasadena is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Pasadena Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Everglades National Park or Pasadena.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

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 Everglades National Park or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Both Everglades National Park and Pasadena are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Everglades National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

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 Everglades National Park or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Everglades National Park is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Everglades National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

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

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Pasadena is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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 Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Is Everglades National Park or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Pasadena

Pasadena is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.


For even more information, also check out Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Pasadena. In our opinion, Pasadena has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pasadena than Everglades National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

Families should spend more time in Pasadena than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

The national park of Everglades National Park offers . 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.

With food and shopping around the charming city of Pasadena, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

Everglades National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Everglades National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With shopping and museums around the charming destination of Pasadena, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

Everglades National Park 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque city of Pasadena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

Everglades National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Everglades National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $146, 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 Everglades National Park and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park


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: Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Pasadena $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Everglades National Park 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
    Everglades National Park $31
    Pasadena $19

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.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200

Tours and Activities in Pasadena

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Pasadena -


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



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Everglades National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Pasadena in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Everglades National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Pasadena in the Winter?

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

In January, Everglades National Park is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in January than Pasadena. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Pasadena in the Spring?

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

Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)