A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. Santa Barbara for Food, Beaches, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Santa Barbara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a affluent, scenic, and stunning coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nantucket and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Nantucket, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nantucket is more popular for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Nantucket different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Santa Barbara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Santa Barbara. 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 Nantucket or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Nantucket and Santa Barbara.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Nantucket or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Nantucket and Santa Barbara.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

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

Santa Barbara is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nantucket or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its beaches. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Barbara is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Nantucket or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

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

Is Nantucket or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is renowned for hiking. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking. 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.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is renowned for shopping. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Santa Barbara. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Is Nantucket or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Nantucket or Santa Barbara.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Santa Barbara is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Nantucket or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Both Nantucket and Santa Barbara are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Santa Barbara has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Is Nantucket or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket and Santa Barbara both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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

Is Nantucket or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Nantucket and Santa Barbara are great when it comes to walkability.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantucket and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantucket than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Nantucket. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Nantucket 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal town of Santa Barbara. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the affluent destination of Santa Barbara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the opulent coastal town of Santa Barbara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Nantucket during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nantucket is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Nantucket usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Santa Barbara. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Nantucket is cooler than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantucket or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Santa Barbara. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nantucket in the winter. In the winter, Nantucket is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nantucket usually gets more rain in January than Santa Barbara. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Nantucket is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In April, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 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 Nantucket