A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pasadena vs. Columbia River Gorge for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge. 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Pasadena and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Columbia River Gorge is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Also, Columbia River Gorge is famous for Vista House at Crown Point. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

Pasadena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

Pasadena offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

Pasadena is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful 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 Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget 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 Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Pasadena Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pasadena and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Pasadena has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pasadena than Columbia River Gorge. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

One day in Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pasadena. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pasadena has to offer.

The beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge offers nightlife 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Pasadena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this region makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbia River Gorge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Pasadena for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Pasadena. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Columbia River Gorge 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.

A week in Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

The quaint destination of Pasadena offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. 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 region 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Pasadena is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pasadena in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In July, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Pasadena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pasadena is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 68°F (20°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Columbia River Gorge. The winter months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbia River Gorge in the winter. Pasadena is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 56°F (13°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pasadena or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Columbia River Gorge. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pasadena is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pasadena in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Pasadena