A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Santa Monica, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and picturesque national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Acadia National Park and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Acadia National Park and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Acadia National Park and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Acadia National Park is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Acadia National Park different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica and Acadia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Santa Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park and Santa Monica are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Santa Monica is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica than Acadia National Park. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Monica than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santa Monica that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Acadia National Park 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

In Acadia National Park, many people enjoy the that this picturesque national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

Acadia National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Santa Monica is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Many people visit Santa Monica for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the town of Santa Monica. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

Acadia National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The active destination of Santa Monica offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Acadia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acadia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acadia National Park 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 Santa Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica than you might in Acadia National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Santa Monica?

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 Acadia National Park or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Acadia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 69°F (21°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

The weather in Acadia National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Acadia National Park is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acadia National Park in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Santa Monica. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.

In April, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 43°F (6°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Acadia National Park