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

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

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. 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.

Newport and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Newport and Pasadena are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its nightlife. Newport is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Newport different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Pasadena and Newport.

Many visitors head to Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pasadena can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Newport or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newport and Pasadena.

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Pasadena has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Newport or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Newport for it's beautiful beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Newport or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

Newport 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 Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Pasadena?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Newport and Pasadena.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport or Pasadena Better for Families?

Newport 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.

Newport is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Pasadena is a family-friendly town. 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 Newport or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Newport is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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

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

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Newport 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.

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Newport?

How long in Newport or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newport and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than in Pasadena. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Newport, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

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

One day in Newport or Pasadena?

The town of Newport offers food and shopping. 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.

In Pasadena, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Newport or Pasadena?

Newport is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Newport, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Pasadena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pasadena has to offer.

Five days in Newport or Pasadena?

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

Pasadena is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Newport or Pasadena?

Newport 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 town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pasadena. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Newport or Pasadena?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Newport as well as Pasadena. Many visitors come to Newport in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Newport is around the same temperature as Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Newport is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newport in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In October, Newport usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newport or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Newport during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Newport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

The weather in Newport can be very cold. In January, Newport is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 28°F (-2°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Pasadena. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

Newport is much colder than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Newport usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Newport