A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pasadena vs. Olympic National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Pasadena or Olympic National Park?

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 Olympic National Park. 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Pasadena and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Olympic National Park?

Both Olympic National Park and Pasadena have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Pasadena is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park?

Pasadena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

Is the Food Better in Pasadena or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pasadena is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Olympic National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Pasadena or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Pasadena or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is notable for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Olympic National Park to choose from. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Olympic National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Olympic National Park?

Pasadena is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

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.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Pasadena or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is a popular place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Pasadena or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Pasadena Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Olympic National Park?

In either Pasadena or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Pasadena because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pasadena than Olympic National Park 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 Pasadena or Olympic National Park?

In Pasadena, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 park of Olympic National Park offers museums 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 Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Olympic National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Olympic National Park?

Pasadena is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Olympic National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Olympic National Park, 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 Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the picturesque destination of Pasadena. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 park 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 Olympic National Park, we can see that Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pasadena or Olympic National Park?

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 Olympic National Park in the Summer?

Both Olympic National Park and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pasadena is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 73°F (23°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In July, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pasadena or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

Both Olympic National Park and Pasadena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pasadena is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pasadena usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Olympic National Park. Many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Pasadena is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pasadena in January average around 56°F (13°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pasadena or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Olympic National Park. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Pasadena is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 62°F (17°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Pasadena usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Pasadena