A Travel Price Comparison for California Los Angeles vs. Monterey for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Los Angeles or Monterey?

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 Los Angeles and Monterey. 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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a glamourous, diverse, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Los Angeles and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Los Angeles or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles. Although Los Angeles and Monterey are popular destinations, Los Angeles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Los Angeles is more touristy than Monterey and is known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also well known for Hollywood. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

How is Los Angeles different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Los Angeles or Monterey?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Los Angeles has many famous sights for visitors. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Monterey is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Monterey is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Los Angeles or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Los Angeles, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Los Angeles has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Music?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Monterey is not a live music destination.

Los Angeles has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Monterey is not a live music destination.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Los Angeles to choose from. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find nice places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Los Angeles and Monterey.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Los Angeles offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Los Angeles is well-known for its hiking and trekking. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Los Angeles or Monterey?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Los Angeles specifically to go shopping. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Families?

Both Los Angeles and Monterey are terrific family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Los Angeles is very family-friendly. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Los Angeles is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

Couples visit Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Students?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Los Angeles is a very popular place to visit for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Monterey is not popular with students.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Los Angeles is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Los Angeles has some public transit options. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Los Angeles or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Los Angeles?

How long in Los Angeles or Monterey?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Monterey 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Los Angeles or Monterey?

Los Angeles is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back city of Monterey. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Los Angeles or Monterey?

Los Angeles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Monterey. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Los Angeles or Monterey?

Los Angeles is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Los Angeles, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The laid back city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Los Angeles or Monterey?

Los Angeles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Los Angeles has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Monterey. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Los Angeles and Monterey, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Monterey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Monterey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monterey 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles than you might in Monterey.

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

Which is Bigger, Los Angeles or Monterey?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Los Angeles and Monterey, 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 Los Angeles or Monterey?

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 Los Angeles or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Los Angeles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Los Angeles is a little warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 72°F (22°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Monterey. Los Angeles gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Los Angeles during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Los Angeles is around the same temperature as Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Los Angeles in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Los Angeles usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Monterey. Los Angeles gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Los Angeles and Monterey. Many travelers come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Los Angeles is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 55°F (13°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Los Angeles usually receives more rain than Monterey. Los Angeles gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Los Angeles as well as Monterey. Many visitors come to Los Angeles in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.

Los Angeles is a little warmer than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Los Angeles usually gets less rain in April than Monterey. Los Angeles gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Los Angeles