A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Pasadena for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Pasadena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Pasadena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Pasadena.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Pasadena are high quality when it comes to partying.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

Pasadena has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Puerto Vallarta. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful beaches. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Pasadena are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Pasadena is a family-friendly town. 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 Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Pasadena offer nice public transit options.

Puerto Vallarta has a few public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable destination. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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 Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Pasadena. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The quaint destination of Pasadena offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

The city of Pasadena offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Puerto Vallarta, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pasadena. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Pasadena?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Pasadena, 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.