A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a thriving, bustling, and outdoorsy city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santa Monica

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

Chattanooga and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Chattanooga. While Chattanooga is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Chattanooga is known for its hiking. Santa Monica is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Chattanooga is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Chattanooga different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chattanooga or Santa Monica.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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.

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

Santa Monica is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Santa Monica know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Chattanooga is a popular spot for hiking. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Chattanooga or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options 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.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

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

Chattanooga is notable for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Chattanooga has some very good public transit options. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Chattanooga and Santa Monica both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

In Chattanooga, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this thriving city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active 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 Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

Chattanooga is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 energetic 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 Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the thriving destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 lively 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 Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

Chattanooga is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Santa Monica?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Santa Monica in the Summer?

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

In July, Chattanooga is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 81°F (27°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Santa Monica. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

Chattanooga is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Chattanooga usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. In the winter, Chattanooga is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chattanooga in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Santa Monica in the Spring?

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

In April, Chattanooga is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 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 Chattanooga