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

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara? 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a affluent, scenic, and stunning coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kennebunkport and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Kennebunkport, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kennebunkport is more popular for its small town charm. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Kennebunkport different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is great for its historical sights. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Is the Food Better in Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kennebunkport and Santa Barbara offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Barbara. 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.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Kennebunkport and Santa Barbara.

If you're looking for night time activities Kennebunkport has a few options to choose from. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santa Barbara. 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.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport and Santa Barbara offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

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.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

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

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

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

Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is very popular for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is very popular for shopping. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Santa Barbara. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Kennebunkport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Santa Barbara is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is very popular for romance. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Kennebunkport is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

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

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination 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 generally limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is great for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kennebunkport and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kennebunkport, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Santa Barbara. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. 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.

Five days in Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Santa Barbara. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town 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.

A week in Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Santa Barbara, 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Kennebunkport during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In July, Kennebunkport is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Santa Barbara. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kennebunkport is much colder than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kennebunkport. In the winter, Kennebunkport is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santa Barbara. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Kennebunkport is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Kennebunkport