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

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Santa Monica?

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 Monica 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. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bar Harbor and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Bar Harbor and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Monica is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Monica?

Santa Monica is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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 Monica has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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 Monica Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica 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 Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

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 Monica Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Santa Monica?

Both Bar Harbor and Santa Monica are excellent shopping destinations.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Santa Monica is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is terrific 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 Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

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 Monica Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Santa Monica are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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.

Is Bar Harbor or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santa Monica is a good town 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.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

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

Bar Harbor is a moderate coastal town for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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

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 Bar Harbor or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor and Santa Monica 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 Monica is a very walkable coastal town. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

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

How long in Bar Harbor or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica than Bar Harbor. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Bar Harbor. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Monica.

One day in Bar Harbor or Santa Monica?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the active town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Santa Monica?

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Santa Monica?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Santa Monica, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Monica?

Bar Harbor is a popular place to visit. 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.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Monica, 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 Monica?

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 Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica 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 Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bar Harbor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

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

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

Both Santa Monica 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 48°F (9°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Bar Harbor is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In the spring, Bar Harbor is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bar Harbor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Bar Harbor