A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit La Paz or Santa Monica?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Santa Monica can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santa Monica

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

La Paz and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Santa Monica?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than La Paz. While La Paz is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is better known for its nightlife, while La Paz is more popular for its museums, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Santa Monica is more touristy than La Paz and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. La Paz is well known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere.

How is La Paz different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Santa Monica?

La Paz is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

La Paz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. 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 La Paz or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both La Paz and Santa Monica both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Santa Monica Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Both La Paz and Santa Monica are considered to be terrific beach destinations.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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 La Paz or Santa Monica?

Both La Paz and Santa Monica are excellent shopping destinations.

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. 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 La Paz or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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 La Paz. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

Is La Paz or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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

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

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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 La Paz or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

La Paz and Santa Monica both are excellent when exploring on foot.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Santa Monica?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than La Paz. 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 La Paz. 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 La Paz 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Santa Monica?

In La Paz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in La Paz or Santa Monica?

La Paz 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.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic destination of La Paz. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Santa Monica?

La Paz 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic destination of Santa Monica. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 La Paz and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Santa Monica?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

La Paz is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In July, La Paz usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Paz or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and La Paz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

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

La Paz usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Santa Monica. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Paz or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Santa Monica. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

La Paz is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Santa Monica. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and La Paz