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

Should you visit Washington 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 Washington and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a international, diverse, and active city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Washington and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Pasadena?

You'll generally find more things to do in Washington than Pasadena. Washington is bigger than Pasadena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Washington is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Washington different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Washington on the map. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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.

Is Washington or Pasadena Better for Theater?

Washington is notable for its shows and theatre. However, Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

Washington offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Washington and Pasadena.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

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.

Is Washington or Pasadena Better for Music?

Washington is a good destination for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Washington is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Pasadena?

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Pasadena both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Pasadena is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Is Washington or Pasadena Better for Christmas?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Pasadena does not offer Christmas activities.

Washington is a fantastic destination at Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Pasadena does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Pasadena Better for Families?

Washington 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.

Washington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

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 Washington or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Washington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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 Washington or Pasadena Better for Students?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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

Is Washington or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Washington is an amazing city 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 Washington on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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 Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Washington?

How long in Washington or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Pasadena. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

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

One day in Washington or Pasadena?

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the quaint 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.

A weekend in Washington or Pasadena?

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

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.

Five days in Washington or Pasadena?

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

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.

A week in Washington or Pasadena?

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Pasadena?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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.

When is the best time to visit Washington or Pasadena?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Washington or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Washington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Washington is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Washington usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene.

Washington is cooler than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Washington usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Washington or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Pasadena. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

The weather in Washington can be very cold. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Washington usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In April, Washington is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Washington usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Washington