A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Santa Monica for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Santa Monica? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a southern, student-oriented, and collegiate town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Chapel Hill and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Chapel Hill and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Chapel Hill is known for its museums. Santa Monica is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Chapel Hill is popular for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

Chapel Hill is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. 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.

Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Santa Monica is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Chapel Hill or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Chapel Hill and Santa Monica.

Chapel Hill is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Chapel Hill or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is very popular for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santa Monica. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Chapel Hill or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Chapel Hill or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Chapel Hill or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Monica. 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.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Chapel Hill or Santa Monica Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Chapel Hill has a few public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chapel Hill and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica than Chapel Hill. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Chapel Hill. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

In Chapel Hill, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this collegiate town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic town of Santa Monica. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

Chapel Hill 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern destination of Chapel Hill. 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.

The funfilled town of Santa Monica offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

Chapel Hill 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In July, Chapel Hill is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 79°F (26°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Chapel Hill gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Santa Monica. The shopping scene are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

Chapel Hill is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Santa Monica in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chapel Hill. In the winter, Chapel Hill is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chapel Hill in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Chapel Hill during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In April, Chapel Hill is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 60°F (16°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 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 Chapel Hill