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

Should you visit Galveston 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 Galveston and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Galveston and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Galveston or Pasadena?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Galveston than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galveston is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Pasadena is known for its food and shopping. Galveston is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also home to Pleasure Pier. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Galveston different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galveston
Pasadena

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Galveston and Pasadena.

Many visitors head to Galveston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pasadena can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Galveston or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galveston
Pasadena

Pasadena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Galveston or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Galveston
Pasadena

The vibe at night is high quality in both Galveston and Pasadena.

Many people head to Galveston for the nightlife scene. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

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 Galveston or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Galveston
Pasadena

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

Galveston offers a nice beach destination. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.


Is Galveston or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

Galveston
Pasadena

Galveston is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Galveston offers a nice historic old town area. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Pasadena?

Galveston
Pasadena

Pasadena is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Galveston or Pasadena Better for Families?

Galveston
Pasadena

Galveston 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.

Galveston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Pasadena is a family-friendly town. 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 Galveston or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Galveston
Pasadena

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

Galveston is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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

Galveston
Pasadena

Pasadena is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination 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 generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

Is Galveston or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Galveston
Pasadena

Galveston and Pasadena are good when it comes to walkability.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Galveston Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Galveston and Pasadena. In our opinion, Galveston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Galveston than Pasadena. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pasadena than Galveston 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 Galveston or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Galveston 1-3 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Galveston or Pasadena?

The town of Galveston offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Pasadena. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pasadena has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Galveston or Pasadena?

Galveston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galveston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Pasadena. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Galveston or Pasadena?

Galveston 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque city of Pasadena. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Galveston or Pasadena?

Galveston is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Galveston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $183, 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 Galveston and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Galveston $81
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Galveston $162
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Galveston and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Galveston 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 Galveston


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: Galveston Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galveston $35
    Pasadena $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $170
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $170
  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $195
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $195
  • Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $195

Is it cheaper to fly into Galveston or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Galveston 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
    Galveston $52
    Pasadena $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

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.
    Galveston $15
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Self-Guided Ghost Tour on the Galveston Strand: $6.75
  • Luggage Storage in Cruise Terminal: $8.81
  • Unique Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Experience in League City: $10
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $15
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $16
  • Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion: $18
  • Walk with the Dead: Galveston Old City Cemetery Tour: $19
  • Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour: $19
  • Spooky Strand Ghost Tour: $19
  • Galveston Island Red Light District Tour: $19
  • Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour: $19
  • Historic Galveston Ghost Tour: $19

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
  • Old Pasadena Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Galveston $37
    Pasadena -

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Experience the Happy Hour Pub Crawl Tour in Galveston: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30


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


Which is Bigger, Galveston or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston 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 Galveston 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 Galveston or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Galveston during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Galveston in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Galveston is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galveston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Galveston usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galveston 84°F (29°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

In October, Galveston is generally around the same temperature as Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 71°F (22°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Galveston usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galveston 71°F (22°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Pasadena in the Winter?

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

Galveston is cooler than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Galveston usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galveston 52°F (11°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

In the spring, Galveston is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galveston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Galveston usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galveston 70°F (21°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Galveston

Galveston Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)