A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Pasadena for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mazatlan or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a authentic, historical, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mazatlan and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Pasadena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mazatlan is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Pasadena is known for its nightlife and shopping. Mazatlan is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Mazatlan different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Pasadena.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Pasadena both to be superb destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Pasadena is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Is Mazatlan or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Pasadena?

Pasadena is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Pasadena is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Is Mazatlan or Pasadena Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Pasadena.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Pasadena offers lots of family activities. 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 Mazatlan or Pasadena Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Pasadena make for a good place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Pasadena is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Mazatlan or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Pasadena.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Mazatlan is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable.

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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Pasadena?

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

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

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

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

One day in Mazatlan or Pasadena?

The city of Mazatlan offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The city of Pasadena 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.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Pasadena?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Pasadena 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pasadena, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Pasadena?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mazatlan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pasadena 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.

A week in Mazatlan or Pasadena?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Pasadena?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Pasadena. The autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In October, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Pasadena. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.

In the spring, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Pasadena. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Mazatlan