A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. San Diego for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and San Diego 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

San Diego

San Diego is a hip, dynamic, and energetic coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Pocono Mountains and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Diego than Pocono Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Diego is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing. San Diego is more touristy than Pocono Mountains and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Pocono Mountains is well known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.

How is Pocono Mountains different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is great for skiing. However, San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

San Diego is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Pocono Mountains or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Pocono Mountains and San Diego offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

San Diego is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is notable for its live music scene. However, Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Pocono Mountains and San Diego have notable options.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pocono Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Pocono Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

San Diego is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Hiking?

Both Pocono Mountains and San Diego are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

Both Pocono Mountains and San Diego are notable shopping destinations.

Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

San Diego has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Diego is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for couples.

San Diego is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Pocono Mountains and San Diego offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Pocono Mountains or San Diego a more walkable city?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable region. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

In either Pocono Mountains or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than San Diego because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego than Pocono Mountains 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 San Diego.

One day in Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and museums around the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

You'll find museums and skiing around the beautiful destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the idyllic coastal city of San Diego. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

You'll find skiing and food around the beautiful region of Pocono Mountains. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this region makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

San Diego is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Pocono Mountains and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains and San Diego, 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 Pocono Mountains or San Diego?

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 Pocono Mountains or San Diego in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as San Diego. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pocono Mountains is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In the summer, Pocono Mountains often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Pocono Mountains gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pocono Mountains is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pocono Mountains in October average around 55°F (13°C), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Pocono Mountains usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Pocono Mountains gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than San Diego. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Pocono Mountains during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Pocono Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Pocono Mountains is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 28°F (-2°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Pocono Mountains often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Pocono Mountains gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and San Diego. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Pocono Mountains is much colder than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pocono Mountains usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Pocono Mountains gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than San Diego. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Pocono Mountains