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

Should you visit Orlando or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pasadena

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

Orlando and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Pasadena?

You'll generally find more things to do in Orlando than Pasadena. Orlando is bigger than Pasadena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions and resorts, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Orlando is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Orlando different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Pasadena Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Orlando and Pasadena.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 Orlando or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Orlando for its luxury resorts. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Pasadena?

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Pasadena both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Pasadena Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Pasadena does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Pasadena does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Pasadena Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. 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 Orlando or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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 Orlando or Pasadena Better for Students?

Orlando is a good destination for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Pasadena is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Orlando or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Pasadena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Pasadena than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Pasadena?

The city of Orlando offers food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Orlando or Pasadena?

Orlando is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend 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. 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 Orlando or Pasadena?

Orlando 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.

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 Orlando or Pasadena?

Orlando is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Pasadena?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Pasadena in the Summer?

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

In July, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Pasadena. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

Orlando is a little warmer than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Pasadena in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Orlando is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Pasadena. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Pasadena in the Spring?

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

In April, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Orlando