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

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

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Pasadena

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

Nantucket and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Pasadena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Nantucket is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Nantucket different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Nantucket, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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.

Is Nantucket or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a great city for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Pasadena has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Nantucket or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is notable for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Nantucket or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Nantucket for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Pasadena?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nantucket and Pasadena both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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.

Is Nantucket or Pasadena Better for Families?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Pasadena is a family-friendly island. 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 Nantucket or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Nantucket is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

Nantucket and Pasadena both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Pasadena has a few public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Is Nantucket or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantucket and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantucket than in Pasadena. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

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

One day in Nantucket or Pasadena?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Nantucket or Pasadena?

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantucket, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Nantucket or Pasadena?

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantucket or Pasadena?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Pasadena in the Summer?

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

In July, Nantucket is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Nantucket usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

Nantucket is much colder than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantucket or Pasadena in the Winter?

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

The weather in Nantucket can be very cold. In the winter, Nantucket is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nantucket usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Pasadena in the Spring?

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

In April, Nantucket is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In April, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Nantucket