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

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a quaint, character-filled, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Kennebunkport and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Kennebunkport and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Kennebunkport attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Kennebunkport and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Kennebunkport is famous for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Kennebunkport different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Kennebunkport or Santa Monica.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

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.

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

Both Kennebunkport and Santa Monica 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 Monica. 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 Kennebunkport or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is great for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica 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 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.

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 Monica Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Kennebunkport is a good destination for hiking. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Santa Monica?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kennebunkport and Santa Monica both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-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.

Kennebunkport is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Kennebunkport or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kennebunkport and Santa Monica make for a high quality place to visit.

Kennebunkport is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Kennebunkport or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Kennebunkport is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

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 Kennebunkport or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kennebunkport and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport than in Santa Monica. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kennebunkport, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Kennebunkport. 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.

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

One day in Kennebunkport or Santa Monica?

Kennebunkport is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Santa Monica. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Santa Monica?

Kennebunkport 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Monica?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic destination of Santa Monica. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Kennebunkport or Santa Monica?

Kennebunkport is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 comparing the travel costs between Kennebunkport and Santa Monica, we can see that Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Santa Monica?

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

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 Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica 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. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the summer, Kennebunkport is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kennebunkport in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Santa Monica. 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. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In October, Kennebunkport is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 49°F (9°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica 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 Monica for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Kennebunkport is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kennebunkport in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Kennebunkport