A Travel Price Comparison for California Pasadena vs. Santa Barbara for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Pasadena or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a pristine, affluent, and scenic coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Pasadena and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its nightlife. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Pasadena or Santa Barbara.

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.

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Is the Food Better in Pasadena or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is notable for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Santa Barbara to choose from. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a moderate coastal town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara offers a nice historic old town area. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Santa Barbara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Santa Barbara is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Santa Barbara is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is notable for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Many students visit Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Pasadena and Santa Barbara offer nice public transit options.

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

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Pasadena or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored 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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Santa Barbara?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Pasadena or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Pasadena. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara offers food and shopping. 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Five days in Pasadena or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Pasadena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Pasadena. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara 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 coastal 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Santa Barbara?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pasadena is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

In July, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pasadena or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Pasadena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pasadena is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pasadena in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in October than Santa Barbara. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

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

In January, Pasadena is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 56°F (13°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pasadena or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Santa Barbara. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Pasadena is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in April than Santa Barbara. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Pasadena