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

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

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Pasadena

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

Myrtle Beach and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Pasadena are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pasadena is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Myrtle Beach or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle 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.

Myrtle Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for it's beautiful beaches. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Pasadena Better for Families?

Pasadena is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Both Myrtle Beach and Pasadena are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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 Myrtle Beach or Pasadena Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is notable for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Many students visit Myrtle Beach. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Pasadena is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Myrtle Beach and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Pasadena. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

Families should spend more time in Pasadena than Myrtle 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 Myrtle 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 Myrtle 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.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Pasadena?

The beach city of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. 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 quaint 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 Myrtle Beach or Pasadena?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach 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 Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach or Pasadena?

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Myrtle Beach or Pasadena?

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. This beach 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Pasadena?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Pasadena. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Pasadena. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Myrtle Beach in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of 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.

In January, Myrtle Beach is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 45°F (7°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year.

Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Myrtle Beach