A Travel Price Comparison for California Monterey vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Monterey or San Francisco?

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

San Francisco

San Francisco is a outdoorsy, quirky, and eccentric coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches.

Monterey and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco. Although Monterey and San Francisco are popular destinations, San Francisco has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Francisco is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Monterey attracts visitors for its nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling. San Francisco is more touristy than Monterey and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

How is Monterey different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal 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, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car 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 Monterey or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Monterey is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Monterey is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Monterey or San Francisco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal 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 San Francisco, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 Monterey or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Monterey has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Monterey or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a good destination for its music scene. However, Monterey is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Monterey is not a live music destination.

Is Monterey or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Many people visit San Francisco for it's beautiful beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir 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 Monterey or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

San Francisco is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or San Francisco?

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

Many people travel to San Francisco specifically to go shopping. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 Monterey or San Francisco Better for Families?

Both Monterey and San Francisco are world-class 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, San Francisco is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Monterey or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Monterey and San Francisco both great 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 San Francisco frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Monterey or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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

Is Monterey or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Many students visit San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in San Francisco is top-notch. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Monterey or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Monterey and San Francisco are great when it comes to 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.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

For even more information, also check out Is Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or San Francisco?

Both Monterey and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Monterey. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monterey, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Monterey or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid back 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.

San Francisco 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.

A weekend in Monterey or San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Five days in Monterey or San Francisco?

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.

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

A week in Monterey or San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco 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 San Francisco has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Monterey and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 Monterey Expensive? and Is San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Monterey or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 Monterey or San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and San Francisco. Many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Monterey is around the same temperature as San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Monterey or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Monterey as well as San Francisco. Most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Monterey is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Monterey in October average around 62°F (17°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in October than San Francisco. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In January, Monterey is generally around the same temperature as San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 51°F (11°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Monterey usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Monterey or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Monterey during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Monterey is around the same temperature as San Francisco in the spring. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in April than San Francisco. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Monterey