A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pasadena vs. Park City Utah for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Pasadena or Park City Utah?

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 Park City Utah. 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 quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a high energy, adventurous, and active town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Pasadena and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Pasadena or Park City Utah?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Park City Utah. Although Pasadena and Park City Utah are popular destinations, Park City Utah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Park City Utah is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums. Park City Utah is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Deer Valley Resort. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pasadena or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for snow skiing. However, Pasadena is not a skiing destination.

Park City Utah is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Pasadena is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pasadena or Park City Utah?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Pasadena is great for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Pasadena. 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.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Pasadena or Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Park City Utah can be difficult as they are each excellent 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 Park City Utah. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

Is Pasadena or Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Park City Utah has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

Pasadena has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.


Is Pasadena or Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is notable for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Park City Utah to choose from. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Park City Utah is a popular spot for hiking. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Park City Utah?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Both Pasadena and Park City Utah are excellent shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pasadena. 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 Park City Utah. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.


Is Pasadena or Park City Utah Better for Families?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah 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, Park City Utah is very family-friendly. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

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 Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Park City Utah is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

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 Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

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 Park City Utah Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is notable for its public transit. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Park City Utah can get you to most places easily. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

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

Is Pasadena or Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Pasadena
Park City Utah

Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah on foot. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

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 Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Park City Utah?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah.


  • How many days in Pasadena or Park City Utah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pasadena 1-3 
    Park City Utah 3-5

One day in Pasadena or Park City Utah?

In Pasadena, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful town of Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah?

Pasadena is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Park City Utah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Park City Utah is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Park City Utah, 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 Park City Utah?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Pasadena. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Park City Utah 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 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, Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah is $320. 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 Park City Utah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pasadena $25
    Park City Utah $202
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pasadena $50
    Park City Utah $404
Compare Hotels in Pasadena and Park City Utah

Looking for a hotel in Pasadena or Park City Utah? 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 Park City Utah


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 Park City Utah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pasadena $21
    Park City Utah $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $33
  • Park City Hotels to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Pasadena or Park City Utah?

Prices for flights to both Park City Utah 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
    Park City Utah $65
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 -
    Park City Utah $68

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

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $108
  • Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • 2 Hours Off Road Tour in Utah: $175
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pasadena -
    Park City Utah $46


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


Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Park City Utah?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Park City Utah, 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.