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

Should you visit Pasadena or Hood River?

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 Hood River. 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 picturesque, quaint, and charming city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Pasadena travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a charming, agricultural, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Hood River travel costs.

Pasadena and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Pasadena and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hood River is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pasadena or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Pasadena is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Pasadena is not a skiing destination.

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

Pasadena is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Hood River can be difficult as they are each superb 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 Hood River. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Pasadena or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Pasadena or Hood River Better for Hiking?

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

Hood River is a popular spot for hiking. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Hood River?

Pasadena is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Pasadena is well-known for its shopping. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Pasadena or Hood River More Beautiful?

Hood River is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pasadena or Hood River Better for Families?

Hood River 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.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

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

Hood River is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hood River is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River 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, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Pasadena or Hood River a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Hood River?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Pasadena or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the picturesque city of Pasadena, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pasadena, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful town of Hood River 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 Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pasadena, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Hood River 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hood River, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Hood River?

Pasadena, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hood River 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 Hood River?

Pasadena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River 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 town offers something for everyone.

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 Pasadena and Hood River, we can see that Hood River 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 Hood River would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hood River 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 Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Hood River?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Pasadena or Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Pasadena during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pasadena is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 73°F (23°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in July than Hood River. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Hood River. Many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pasadena is much warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In October, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Hood River. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pasadena or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Hood River. Many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hood River can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Pasadena is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pasadena in January average around 56°F (13°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Hood River. Pasadena usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In April, Pasadena is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 62°F (17°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Hood River. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Pasadena