A Travel Price Comparison for California Sacramento vs. Santa Barbara for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Santa Barbara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a opulent, pristine, and affluent coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Sacramento and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also home to The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Sacramento different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sacramento and Santa Barbara.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Santa Barbara. 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 Sacramento or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Santa Barbara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Sacramento or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Sacramento and Santa Barbara.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sacramento. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

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 Sacramento or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

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

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sacramento or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is very popular for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Sacramento or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Santa Barbara. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Is Sacramento or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santa Barbara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Santa Barbara draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Sacramento or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Santa Barbara is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Sacramento or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Sacramento or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town to visit as a student. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is generally limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Sacramento or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Sacramento. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the affluent coastal town of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed destination of Sacramento. 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, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sacramento. 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.

Santa Barbara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sacramento and Santa Barbara, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento than you might in Santa Barbara.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sacramento Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Santa Barbara. Many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sacramento is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sacramento in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).

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

Should I visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 64°F (18°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Sacramento usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Sacramento during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Sacramento is cooler than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Sacramento usually gets more rain in January than Santa Barbara. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Santa Barbara. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sacramento is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sacramento in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In April, Sacramento usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 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 Sacramento