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

Should you visit Alexandria or Monterey?

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 Alexandria and Monterey. 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.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Alexandria and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Alexandria attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Alexandria different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Monterey?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Monterey and Alexandria.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Alexandria or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Alexandria or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alexandria or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Alexandria or Monterey Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Monterey?

If you're looking to go shopping, Alexandria and Monterey both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Alexandria or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Monterey Better for Couples?

Alexandria and Monterey both excellent destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Alexandria or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Monterey are nice places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Is Alexandria or Monterey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Alexandria or Monterey a more walkable city?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Monterey?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than Alexandria 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 Monterey.

One day in Alexandria or Monterey?

The beautiful city of Alexandria 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Alexandria or Monterey?

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

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Monterey, 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 Alexandria or Monterey?

Alexandria 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.

Monterey, 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 Alexandria or Monterey?

Alexandria 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 city offers something for everyone.

Monterey 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Monterey?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Monterey, 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 Alexandria or Monterey?

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 Alexandria or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Monterey. The summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Alexandria is much warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Monterey. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alexandria or Monterey in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Alexandria is around the same temperature as Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Monterey in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Monterey. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alexandria or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Alexandria