A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Santa Monica. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a idyllic, relaxing, and laid back island. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Isla Mujeres and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Monica than Isla Mujeres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Monica is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Isla Mujeres is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Isla Mujeres and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Isla Mujeres is well known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Monica is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Santa Monica can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

Santa Monica has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Isla Mujeres is a great choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Isla Mujeres a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres and Santa Monica both offer amazing beaches.

Isla Mujeres offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Both Isla Mujeres and Santa Monica are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is very family-friendly. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Isla Mujeres makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

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 Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

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

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

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 Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres and Santa Monica both are superb when exploring on foot.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Monica than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Santa Monica. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Isla Mujeres, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

In Isla Mujeres, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this energetic town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Santa Monica is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Isla Mujeres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isla Mujeres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres 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.