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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Pasadena?

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 Williamsburg and Pasadena. 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Pasadena

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

Williamsburg and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Pasadena are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its nightlife. Williamsburg is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Williamsburg different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Pasadena both to be excellent destinations.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Pasadena know how to have a good time. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Pasadena?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pasadena and Williamsburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg or Pasadena Better for Families?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg or Pasadena Better for Couples?

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

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg or Pasadena Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Pasadena is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Pasadena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Williamsburg or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable city. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Williamsburg and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Williamsburg than in Pasadena. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pasadena than Williamsburg 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 Pasadena.

One day in Williamsburg or Pasadena?

The town of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

In Pasadena, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Pasadena?

Williamsburg 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pasadena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Pasadena?

Williamsburg 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Pasadena. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Williamsburg or Pasadena?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Pasadena is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Pasadena?

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

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 Williamsburg or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Pasadena. The summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Pasadena. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. In January, Williamsburg is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Williamsburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Williamsburg is cooler than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Williamsburg