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

Should you visit Norfolk or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Santa Monica? 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 maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Santa Monica?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Norfolk and Santa Monica have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Norfolk or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica 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 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.

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 Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Santa Monica know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Norfolk or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica 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 Monica. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

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 Monica Better for Families?

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

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.

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 Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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.

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 Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

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

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

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 Norfolk or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Monica.

One day in Norfolk or Santa Monica?

In Norfolk, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this maritime city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Norfolk or Santa Monica?

Norfolk 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.

In Santa Monica, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Norfolk. 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 great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Monica?

Norfolk 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Norfolk and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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 Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Santa Monica?

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

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 Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the summer, Norfolk is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Norfolk in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Santa Monica. The shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In October, Norfolk is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 62°F (16°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica 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 Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. Norfolk is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Norfolk is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Norfolk in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Norfolk