A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Barbara vs. Hood River for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Hood River?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Hood River? 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 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a charming, agricultural, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Barbara and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Barbara or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Santa Barbara and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Santa Barbara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Barbara is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hood River is known for its skiing. Santa Barbara 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. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Santa Barbara different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Santa Barbara is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Santa Barbara is not a skiing destination.

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

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Santa Barbara and Hood River.

Dining out in Santa Barbara is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hood River. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Both Santa Barbara and Hood River are good 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 Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its old town. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Barbara or Hood River?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River 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 Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santa Barbara or Hood River.

Santa Barbara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hood River is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hood River is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not popular with students.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River 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, Hood River 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Santa Barbara or Hood River a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Santa Barbara?

How long in Santa Barbara or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Barbara and Hood River. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Santa Barbara than Hood River. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Hood River. 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 Hood River. 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 Hood River 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 Hood River?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Hood River. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Santa Barbara or Hood River?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hood River. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Hood River?

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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the charming destination of Hood River. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Hood River?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful town of Hood River. 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. 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 Hood River, 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 Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Hood River?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara and Hood River, 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 Santa Barbara or Hood River?

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 Santa Barbara or Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Santa Barbara during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In July, Santa Barbara is generally around the same temperature as Hood River. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 65°F (19°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in July than Hood River. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Hood River. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Santa Barbara is a little warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In October, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Hood River. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Hood River. Many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hood River can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Santa Barbara is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Barbara in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Hood River. Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Santa Barbara is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 57°F (14°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Hood River. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Santa Barbara