A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Santa Barbara can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bar Harbor and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Bar Harbor different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bar Harbor and Santa Barbara.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Santa Barbara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a moderate coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is terrific for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Barbara to see the historical old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Santa Barbara visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is terrific for shopping. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Barbara is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is terrific for romance. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor and Santa Barbara both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Bar Harbor. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Bar Harbor 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 Barbara.

One day in Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the affluent coastal town of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Santa Barbara, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Santa Barbara, 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 Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara?

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 Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Barbara. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Santa Barbara. The spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Bar Harbor