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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Wisconsin Dells and Pasadena are both popular with visitors, Wisconsin Dells has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its resorts and hiking, while Pasadena is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

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

Pasadena is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Wisconsin Dells know how to have a good time. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

The nightlife in Pasadena has something for everybody. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells offers some nice hiking trails. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

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.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing city 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, Wisconsin Dells is very family-friendly. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Pasadena make for a good place to visit.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Pasadena is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city 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 quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pasadena than Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

The city of Wisconsin Dells offers food and nightlife. 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 charming 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 Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wisconsin Dells, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

Wisconsin Dells 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.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Pasadena. The autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In October, Wisconsin Dells is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 52°F (11°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 19°F (-7°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Pasadena. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Wisconsin Dells