A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Monterey?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Monterey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a wild, pristine, and adventure-filled national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Everglades National Park and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Everglades National Park and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Everglades National Park different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Monterey?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is a great city for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Monterey specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Monterey has something for everybody. 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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Monterey. 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.

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is very good for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Monterey to enjoy the beach. 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.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Everglades National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Monterey?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Monterey. 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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.


Is Everglades National Park or Monterey Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Is Everglades National Park or Monterey Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is a great city for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Everglades National Park or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Everglades National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.


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

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Is Everglades National Park or Monterey a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Monterey

Monterey is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Monterey?

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

Families should spend more time in Monterey than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than Everglades National Park 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 Monterey.


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Monterey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Monterey 1-3

One day in Everglades National Park or Monterey?

The national park of Everglades National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

With nightlife and food around the nature-oriented city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A weekend in Everglades National Park or Monterey?

Everglades National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Everglades National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Monterey, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Everglades National Park or Monterey?

Everglades National Park 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing city of Monterey. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Monterey?

Everglades National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

Monterey is a great place to explore. One week 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Monterey or Everglades National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $146, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Everglades National Park and Monterey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Monterey $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Monterey

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Monterey? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Everglades National Park


Hotels in Monterey


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Monterey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Monterey $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Monterey?

Prices for flights to both Monterey and Everglades National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Everglades National Park $31
    Monterey $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Monterey

For Monterey, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Monterey $27

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Monterey

For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $125
  • California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
  • From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $114
  • Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
  • Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $70
  • Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $120
  • Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour along the 17 Mile Drive: $115
  • 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
  • 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Monterey $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:

  • Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150


When comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Everglades National Park Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Monterey. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Everglades National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Monterey. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Monterey 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Monterey 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In January, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Monterey. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Monterey 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Everglades National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Monterey 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Monterey and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Monterey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)