A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a laid back, scenic, and relaxing island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Santa Monica

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

Saint Simons and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Saint Simons and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Saint Simons attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Saint Simons and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Saint Simons is famous for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses.

How is Saint Simons different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Santa Monica can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Santa Monica has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great destination for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santa Monica and Saint Simons.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Santa Monica is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Simons 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Simons is very family-friendly. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Santa Monica make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Santa Monica is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Saint Simons or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island 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.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

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

Saint Simons is not a good place to visit for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

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 Saint Simons or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Simons and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Simons than in Santa Monica. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this energetic town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Saint Simons is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Santa Monica is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Saint Simons is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Santa Monica is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Simons and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Saint Simons much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Simons would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and 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, Saint Simons is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Simons in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Santa Monica. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In October, Saint Simons is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is cooler than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Saint Simons is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Simons in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 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 Saint Simons