A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sedona vs. Pasadena for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sedona or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Sedona or Pasadena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Sedona

Sedona is a desert, dramatic, and scenic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sedona and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sedona or Pasadena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sedona. Although Sedona and Pasadena are both popular with visitors, Sedona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sedona is more popular for its resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is known for its museums and nightlife. Sedona is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also home to Red Rock Crossing Park. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Sedona different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sedona or Pasadena?

Pasadena is great for its historical sights. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Sedona and Pasadena can be an enjoyable experience.

Sedona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

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.

Is Sedona or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Pasadena for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Sedona or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Sedona to choose from. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Sedona or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

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

Sedona offers a nice historic old town area. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is Sedona or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Sedona is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Sedona is a popular spot for hiking. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sedona or Pasadena?

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

Sedona is a world class destination for shoppers. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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 Sedona or Pasadena Better for Families?

Sedona 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.

Sedona is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

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 Sedona or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Sedona is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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 Sedona or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Pasadena is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Sedona is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Pasadena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is generally limited in Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Sedona or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Sedona and Pasadena are good when it comes to walkability.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Sedona Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Sedona?

How long in Sedona or Pasadena?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sedona 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 Sedona.

One day in Sedona or Pasadena?

Sedona is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pasadena. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sedona or Pasadena?

Sedona 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.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sedona or Pasadena?

Sedona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sedona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sedona or Pasadena?

Sedona is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping 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 town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Pasadena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Sedona or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Sedona 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.