A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Santa Barbara for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a pristine, adventure-filled, and unique national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Everglades National Park and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Everglades National Park and Santa Barbara are popular destinations, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Santa Barbara is famous for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Everglades National Park different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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

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 Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Barbara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. 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.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. 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.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Barbara is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling 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.

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Barbara is a very popular vacation 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.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara has an old town worth visiting. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking. 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.

Everglades National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Santa Barbara. 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.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Santa Barbara 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.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Everglades National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its student-friendly activities. However, Everglades National Park is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is very popular with students. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Everglades National Park is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored 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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. 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 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the unique destination of Everglades National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 food and shopping around the stunning coastal town of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Everglades National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 shopping and museums around the scenic destination of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this coastal town 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 Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the unique destination of Everglades National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the pristine coastal town of Santa Barbara. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara?

You'll find around the national park of Everglades National Park. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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

When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Everglades National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Santa Barbara. The autumn months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

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

Everglades National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Santa Barbara. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Everglades National Park