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

Should you visit Newport 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 Newport and Santa Barbara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

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.

Newport and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Newport and Santa Barbara are popular destinations, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Newport attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. 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 Newport different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Santa Barbara and Newport.

Many visitors head to Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Santa Barbara can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Newport or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newport and Santa Barbara.

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newport and Santa Barbara.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Santa Barbara has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Newport or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. 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.

Newport is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Newport or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is terrific for the beach. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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 Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Newport or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Newport 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 Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

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 Newport or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Newport is not a hiking destination.

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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Newport 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.

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is Newport or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Newport or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Newport and Santa Barbara.

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

You'll find some public transit in Santa Barbara, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Newport or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Newport?

How long in Newport or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newport and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Newport, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Newport. 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 Newport. 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 Newport 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 Newport or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Newport. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Newport or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newport. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Five days in Newport or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Newport. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Newport or Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Newport. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Barbara. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Newport and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Newport Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newport or Santa Barbara?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Newport as well as Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Newport is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Newport because of 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.

In the autumn, Newport is cooler than Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newport in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Newport usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newport or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Newport during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newport 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 Newport in the winter. In January, Newport is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 28°F (-2°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in January than Santa Barbara. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Newport 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.

Newport is much colder than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Newport usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 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 Newport