A Travel Price Comparison for California Pasadena vs. Santa Cruz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Pasadena or Santa Cruz?

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 Cruz. 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 charming, picturesque, and quaint city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid back, coastal, and scenic town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Pasadena and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Santa Cruz?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Cruz is better known for its beaches and hiking, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is famous for Santa Cruz Wharf. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pasadena is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

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

Pasadena is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pasadena makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Pasadena or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Pasadena and Santa Cruz.

Pasadena has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Santa Cruz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Pasadena or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is notable for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Santa Cruz for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz offers some nice hiking trails. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Santa Cruz?

Pasadena is notable for shopping. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Pasadena is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Pasadena or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Santa Cruz 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 Cruz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

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 Cruz Better for Couples?

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

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

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 Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town 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 Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Pasadena or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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 Cruz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pasadena or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pasadena than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

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

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

One day in Pasadena or Santa Cruz?

With museums and nightlife around the charming 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 town of Santa Cruz offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pasadena or Santa Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Santa Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz 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 Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Santa Cruz?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz?

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 Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz 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 Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pasadena is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pasadena in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 67°F (19°C).

In July, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pasadena or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Pasadena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Pasadena is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in October than Santa Cruz. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

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

Pasadena is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 56°F (13°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pasadena or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Santa Cruz. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches.

In the spring, Pasadena is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pasadena in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in April than Santa Cruz. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Pasadena