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

Should you visit Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pasadena and Beaver Creek. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Pasadena

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

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. Other popular activities here include skiing, food, and hiking.

Pasadena and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaver Creek is better known for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and hiking, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere Also, Beaver Creek is famous for Beaver Creek Golf Club. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pasadena or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for snow skiing. However, Pasadena is not a skiing destination.

Beaver Creek is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Pasadena is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Pasadena is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Pasadena or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

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

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Beaver Creek can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Beaver Creek. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.


Is Pasadena or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Pasadena is a great city for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known 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.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Pasadena or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a good destination for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

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

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Pasadena is a great city for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Pasadena or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town 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, Beaver Creek is very family-friendly. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants 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 Pasadena or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Both Pasadena and Beaver Creek offer notable public transit options.

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

Beaver Creek has some public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Pasadena or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Pasadena
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Beaver Creek on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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 Pasadena Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

Both Pasadena and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Pasadena. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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


  • How many days in Pasadena or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pasadena 1-3 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

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.

The town of Beaver Creek offers skiing and food. 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.


A weekend in Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

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.

Beaver Creek is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Five days in Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque 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.

Beaver Creek is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaver Creek, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

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.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Pasadena?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pasadena is $62, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $316. 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 Pasadena and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pasadena $25
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pasadena $50
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Pasadena and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Pasadena or Beaver Creek? 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 Pasadena


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: Pasadena Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pasadena $21
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Pasadena or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Pasadena 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
    Pasadena $19
    Beaver Creek $85
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.
    Pasadena -
    Beaver Creek $53

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
    Pasadena -
    Beaver Creek $35


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