A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Pasadena for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nags Head or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Nags Head 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.

Nags Head

Other popular activities here include food.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nags Head and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pasadena than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pasadena is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. Also, Pasadena is famous for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Pasadena?

Nags Head
Pasadena

Pasadena is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Pasadena

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Pasadena. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Nags Head or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Pasadena

Pasadena is great for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Pasadena for the nightlife scene. 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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Pasadena?

Nags Head
Pasadena

Pasadena is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Pasadena Better for Families?

Nags Head
Pasadena

Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Pasadena is a family-friendly . 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 Nags Head or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Pasadena

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Pasadena make for a notable place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Pasadena makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nags Head or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Pasadena

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Nags Head
Pasadena

Pasadena is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have 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.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Pasadena

Pasadena is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Pasadena is somewhat walkable. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Pasadena. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Pasadena than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Nags Head or Pasadena?

The of Nags Head offers food. 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.

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 Nags Head or Pasadena?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque 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 Nags Head or Pasadena?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Nags Head or Pasadena?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. This 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Pasadena in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Pasadena $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    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.
    Nags Head $14
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

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
    Nags Head $12
    Pasadena -


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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Nags Head during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nags Head is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Pasadena. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

Nags Head is cooler than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Pasadena. The cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. In the winter, Nags Head is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Nags Head is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Nags Head

Nags Head Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)