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

Should you visit Atlanta or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. 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.

Atlanta and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Monterey are popular destinations, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is very popular for its museums & sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Monterey attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Monterey is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Atlanta or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Atlanta and Monterey.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Monterey offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Atlanta or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atlanta or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Monterey?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Atlanta or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Atlanta or Monterey Better for Couples?

Monterey is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Monterey is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Monterey is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Is Atlanta or Monterey Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Monterey both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

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

Is Atlanta or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Monterey?

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

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

One day in Atlanta or Monterey?

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Monterey, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Monterey?

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

In Monterey, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Monterey?

Atlanta 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 is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Monterey?

Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monterey. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Monterey. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Monterey, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Monterey?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Monterey. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlanta is much warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Monterey. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Monterey. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Atlanta is generally cooler than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Monterey. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Atlanta