A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Diego vs. Santa Fe for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit San Diego or Santa Fe?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Diego and Santa Fe. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Diego

San Diego is a fun-filled, hip, and dynamic coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. San Diego offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See San Diego travel costs.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and hiking. See Santa Fe travel costs.

San Diego and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Diego or Santa Fe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego than Santa Fe, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Diego is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Santa Fe is known for its skiing, historical sights, and shopping. San Diego is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also home to The San Diego Zoo. Santa Fe is popular for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine.

How is San Diego different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a good destination for skiing. However, San Diego is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Santa Fe is a great destination to visit. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Diego or Santa Fe?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to San Diego specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Is the Food Better in San Diego or Santa Fe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both San Diego and Santa Fe.

San Diego has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Santa Fe is an experience not to be missed. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in San Diego has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Music?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its music scene. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for live music.

San Diego has a thriving music scene. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

The music scene helps keep Santa Fe active and fun. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

San Diego is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, San Diego is a very popular vacation 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is great for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a great coastal city for hiking. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. 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.

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Is the Shopping Better in San Diego or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Santa Fe is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. 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 San Diego or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

San Diego and Santa Fe are somewhat similar when it comes to the good scenery.

San Diego is a beautiful place to visit, too. Many people enjoy city's beautiful coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Families?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, San Diego 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

San Diego is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe Better for Students?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit San Diego. 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.

Santa Fe is a good coastal city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

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

San Diego and Santa Fe both offer decent public transit to get you 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is San Diego or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Santa Fe is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Santa Fe is a very walkable historic town. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or San Diego?

How long in San Diego or Santa Fe?

In either San Diego or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, San Diego has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Diego than Santa Fe. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for San Diego, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Diego that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego than Santa Fe 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 San Diego or Santa Fe?

The coastal city of San Diego offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find skiing and live music around the historic town of Santa Fe. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in San Diego or Santa Fe?

San Diego is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find live music and food around the artsy destination of Santa Fe. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this historic town has to offer. This historic town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in San Diego or Santa Fe?

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Diego, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural historic town of Santa Fe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this historic town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this historic town has to offer.

A week in San Diego or Santa Fe?

San Diego is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, San Diego or Santa Fe?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of San Diego and Santa Fe, 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.