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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a youthful, fun, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Pasadena

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

Jacksonville and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Pasadena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Pasadena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Jacksonville different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Pasadena and Jacksonville.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Jacksonville and Pasadena.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pasadena makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Jacksonville or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and Pasadena have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

The people in Pasadena know how to have a good time. 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 Jacksonville or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is notable for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Pasadena?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Jacksonville and Pasadena.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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.

Is Jacksonville or Pasadena Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Pasadena are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pasadena. 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 Jacksonville or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Pasadena both nice destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville or Pasadena Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a good destination for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Jacksonville and Pasadena.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Pasadena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Is Jacksonville or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and Pasadena are nice when it comes to walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Pasadena?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Pasadena?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. 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.

In Pasadena, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this picturesque city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Pasadena?

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

Pasadena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Pasadena?

Jacksonville 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 quaint destination of Pasadena. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Pasadena?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Pasadena?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Pasadena. The summer months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In October, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jacksonville 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 January, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Pasadena. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Jacksonville