A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Barbara vs. Boise for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Boise?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Boise? 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.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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 food.

Boise

Boise is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Santa Barbara and Boise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Barbara or Boise?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Boise. While Boise is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Boise is famous for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Santa Barbara different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Barbara is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Boise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Is the Food Better in Santa Barbara or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Santa Barbara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Both Santa Barbara and Boise are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santa Barbara. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Boise. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

Santa Barbara is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Boise is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boise 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.

Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. 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.

Boise is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Boise does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara has an old town worth visiting. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Boise does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Boise is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Boise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Barbara or Boise?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Boise is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Santa Barbara. 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.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Boise is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a very popular coastal town for students and younger travelers. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Boise is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Boise is lacking in 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 Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Santa Barbara or Boise a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Boise or Santa Barbara?

How long in Santa Barbara or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santa Barbara or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santa Barbara than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Barbara, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Boise 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 Santa Barbara or Boise?

In Santa Barbara, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming destination of Boise. 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.

A weekend in Santa Barbara or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Santa Barbara or Boise?

Santa Barbara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santa Barbara. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Boise. 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.

A week in Santa Barbara or Boise?

You'll find food and shopping around the affluent destination of Santa Barbara. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Boise. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Santa Barbara and Boise, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive? and Is Boise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara and Boise, 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.