A Travel Price Comparison for California Pasadena vs. Redwood National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pasadena or Redwood 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 Redwood 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 quaint, charming, and picturesque city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Pasadena and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pasadena. Although Pasadena and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Pasadena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pasadena is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. It is also well known for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

How is Pasadena different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pasadena is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

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

Pasadena is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Pasadena or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Pasadena is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Pasadena or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park offers a nice beach destination. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Redwood National Park?

Pasadena is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

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 in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Pasadena or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Redwood 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.

Redwood National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

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

Redwood National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Redwood National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do 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 Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is a good destination for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Pasadena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Pasadena or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

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

How long in Pasadena or Redwood National Park?

In either Pasadena or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood 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 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

One day in Pasadena or Redwood 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 Redwood National Park offers . 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 Redwood 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.

Redwood National Park 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 Redwood 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.

Redwood 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 Redwood 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 Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming 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.

Redwood 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 Redwood National Park, we can see that Redwood 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 Redwood National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Redwood 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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pasadena or Redwood 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 Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Redwood National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Pasadena is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In July, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Redwood National Park. The shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pasadena is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pasadena in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in October than Redwood National Park. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Redwood National Park and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pasadena is generally a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 56°F (13°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. In January, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Redwood National Park and Pasadena during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Pasadena is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in April than Redwood National Park. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Pasadena