A Travel Price Comparison for California Monterey vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Monterey or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara. 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Monterey and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Monterey and Santa Barbara are popular destinations, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is very popular for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Monterey attracts visitors for its nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Santa Barbara is famous for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Monterey different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Santa Barbara and Monterey.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Monterey. 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.

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Is the Food Better in Monterey or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monterey and Santa Barbara can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Barbara makes for a great culinary experience. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Monterey or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Monterey offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Monterey or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Santa Barbara to choose from. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Monterey or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Is Monterey or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Santa Barbara offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

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 Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara has an old town worth visiting. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is Monterey or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Santa Barbara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Monterey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Monterey or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for couples. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Santa Barbara is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Monterey or Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a popular place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Monterey or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

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

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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

Is Monterey or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Monterey and Santa Barbara are superb 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.

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Santa Barbara?

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

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

One day in Monterey or Santa Barbara?

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 coastal town of Santa Barbara offers food and shopping. 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 Santa Barbara?

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.

Santa Barbara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Barbara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Santa Barbara?

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.

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

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.

Santa Barbara 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 coastal town 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 comparing the travel costs between Monterey and Santa Barbara, we can see that Monterey is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Santa Barbara. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Monterey is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Monterey usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Monterey usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara 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. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Monterey is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 51°F (11°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Monterey is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Monterey usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Barbara. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Monterey