A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nashville vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nashville or Monterey?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Monterey can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nashville and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nashville than Monterey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nashville is better known for its music, resorts, and big city activities, while Monterey is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Monterey is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Nashville different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nashville or Monterey?

Monterey is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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

Monterey is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nashville and Monterey.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Music?

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Monterey is not a live music destination.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Monterey is not a live music destination.

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Monterey. 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.

Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monterey. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Monterey?

Monterey is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Monterey does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Monterey does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Couples?

Monterey is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Nashville or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville and Monterey are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

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

Monterey is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Monterey?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than Nashville 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 Nashville or Monterey?

The city of Nashville offers live music and food. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Monterey. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Monterey?

Nashville 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nashville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Monterey. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Monterey?

Nashville is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Monterey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Monterey?

Nashville is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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.

Monterey is a popular choice for travelers. 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 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 Nashville and Monterey, we can see that Nashville 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 Nashville Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Monterey?

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

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 Nashville or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nashville is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Monterey. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nashville or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Nashville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Nashville is around the same temperature as Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Monterey. Many visitors come to Nashville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nashville can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nashville is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Monterey. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nashville or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Nashville for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches.

In April, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Nashville