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

Should you visit Arlington or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Monterey, 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. 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.

Arlington and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Arlington and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. 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 Arlington different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Monterey and Arlington.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Monterey. 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 Arlington or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arlington and Monterey.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Arlington or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Both Arlington and Monterey have great vibes after the sun sets.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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

Is Arlington or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arlington or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

Monterey has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Monterey?

Monterey is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Monterey. 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.

Arlington is a great destination for shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Arlington or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Monterey Better for Couples?

Monterey is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Arlington or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

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

Is Arlington or Monterey Better for Students?

Arlington is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Many students visit Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

Arlington 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 Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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

Is Arlington or Monterey a more walkable city?

Arlington and Monterey are great when it comes to walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Monterey?

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

Families should spend more time in Monterey than Arlington. 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 Arlington. 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 Arlington than Monterey 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Monterey?

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Monterey. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Monterey?

Arlington 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 Arlington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Monterey?

Arlington 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back city of Monterey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Monterey?

Arlington 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.

Monterey is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Monterey?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than Monterey. Arlington 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 Arlington or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Arlington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

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

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Arlington 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 Arlington or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Monterey. Most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. In January, Arlington is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Arlington usually receives more rain than Monterey. Arlington 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 Arlington or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Monterey. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

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

Arlington usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Arlington 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 Arlington