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

Should you visit Norfolk or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Santa Barbara? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Norfolk and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Norfolk and is 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. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Norfolk or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Norfolk or Santa Barbara has a better nightlife scene.

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

If you're looking for night time activities Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. 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 Norfolk or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Santa Barbara is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santa Barbara has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Norfolk or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Norfolk or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Barbara to see the historical old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Is Norfolk or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Barbara is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Norfolk or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Norfolk or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Norfolk or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Norfolk and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Barbara than in Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Norfolk. 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.

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 Norfolk or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Norfolk. 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 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 Norfolk or Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Norfolk. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Santa Barbara?

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

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 Norfolk or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Santa Barbara. The summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Santa Barbara. The shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Norfolk is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. In the winter, Norfolk is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Barbara. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Norfolk is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Norfolk