A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key West or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Key West 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.

Key West

Key West is a eclectic, bustling, and active town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Santa Monica

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

Key West and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Santa Monica?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Monica than Key West, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Monica is better known for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping, while Key West is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is well known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Santa Monica is well known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Key West different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Monica is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Key West is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Is Key West or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Key West and Santa Monica.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Key West or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

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

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Santa Monica Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is renowned for the beache. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

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.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Is Key West or Santa Monica Better for its Old Town?

Key West is notable for its old town. However, Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town 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.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Key West or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Santa Monica Better for Students?

Key West is notable for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Key West is not a good place to visit for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

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 Key West or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Key West?

How long in Key West or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key West and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Santa Monica. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Key West. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Key West 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 Key West or Santa Monica?

In Key West, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this quirky town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Santa Monica?

Key West is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Santa Monica?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this active destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

A week in Key West or Santa Monica?

Key West is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, 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 Key West and Santa Monica, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Santa Monica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Monica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Monica 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Santa Monica.

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

Which is Bigger, Key West or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West 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 Key West or Santa Monica?

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 Key West or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

Key West is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In July, Key West usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Key West during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Key West is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Should I visit Key West or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Key West for 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.

In January, Key West is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Key West usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key West as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

Key West is much warmer than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Key West usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Key West