A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monterey vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Monterey or Niagara Falls?

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 Monterey and Niagara Falls. 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Monterey travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Monterey and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Niagara Falls?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Niagara Falls are both popular with visitors, Monterey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monterey is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Niagara Falls is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Monterey and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Monterey is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Monterey different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Monterey or Niagara Falls?

Monterey is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Monterey or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Monterey. 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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Monterey has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Niagara Falls is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Niagara Falls is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a popular place for the beach. However, Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

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.

Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Niagara Falls?

Monterey is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Monterey is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Niagara Falls is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Both Monterey and Niagara Falls are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Monterey is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Monterey and Niagara Falls both superb destinations for a couple.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Niagara Falls frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey and Niagara Falls are both good destinations for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

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

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

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

Is Monterey or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Monterey is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Monterey and Niagara Falls. In our opinion, Monterey has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Monterey than Niagara Falls. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monterey, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than Niagara Falls 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 Monterey.

One day in Monterey or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. 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.

The beautiful city of Niagara Falls offers nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Monterey or Niagara Falls?

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

Niagara Falls is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Niagara Falls, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. This city 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.

Niagara Falls is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Monterey or Niagara Falls?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Monterey. 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.

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey and Niagara Falls, 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 Monterey or Niagara Falls?

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 Monterey or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Niagara Falls. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Monterey is generally cooler than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 63°F (17°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Monterey usually gets less rain in July than Niagara Falls. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

Both Niagara Falls and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Monterey is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Monterey usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Monterey or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Monterey during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Monterey is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Monterey in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

Monterey usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the natural beauty.

In April, Monterey is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 56°F (13°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Monterey usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Monterey