A Travel Price Comparison for California Monterey vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Monterey or Santa Monica?

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 Monica. 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Monterey and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Monterey and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its beaches, while Monterey is known for its museums and scuba diving & snorkeling. Santa Monica is more touristy than Monterey and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Monterey is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

How is Monterey different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey 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.

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.

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 Monterey or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monterey and Santa Monica 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 Monica makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Monterey or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Monterey and Santa Monica.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Santa Monica is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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

Monterey is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

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

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.

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 the Shopping Better in Monterey or Santa Monica?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Monterey and Santa Monica.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Monterey. 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.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Monterey or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Both Monterey and Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Monterey or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Monterey and Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Monterey or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Monterey is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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

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 Monterey or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Monterey and Santa Monica 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 Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Monterey and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Monterey has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Monterey than Santa Monica. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Monterey than Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica. 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 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 Monterey.

One day in Monterey or Santa Monica?

In Monterey, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this nature-oriented city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Santa Monica?

Monterey is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxing destination of Monterey. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Monica?

Monterey is a popular place to visit. 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.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Monterey and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 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 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Santa Monica?

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

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 Monica in the Summer?

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

In July, Monterey is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 63°F (17°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica 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 Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Monterey is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Monterey usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Monterey is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Monterey in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Monterey usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Santa Monica in the Spring?

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

In April, Monterey is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 56°F (13°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Monterey usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Monterey