A Travel Price Comparison for California Santa Barbara vs. Sequoia National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park? 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 affluent, scenic, and stunning coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a breathtaking, surreal, and impressive national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Santa Barbara and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Sequoia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Santa Barbara and is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Santa Barbara different from Sequoia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.

Is the Food Better in Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Santa Barbara. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its resorts.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Sequoia National Park offers a few options. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sequoia National Park 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its beaches. However, Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town. However, Sequoia National Park does not have a historic old town.

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

Sequoia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Santa Barbara and Sequoia National Park both have terrific trails.

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.

Many people visit Sequoia National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Santa Barbara. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park.

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.

Sequoia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for romance. Also, Sequoia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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 Sequoia National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sequoia National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sequoia National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

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 Sequoia National Park Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Is Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Sequoia National Park or Santa Barbara?

How long in Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park?

Both Santa Barbara and Sequoia National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sequoia National Park than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Barbara, and 2-7 days is enough time in Sequoia National Park.

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Sequoia National Park. 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 Sequoia National Park. 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 Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park?

In Santa Barbara, you'll find shopping and museums. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the magical destination of Sequoia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Sequoia National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sequoia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Sequoia National Park?

Santa Barbara is a fun place to experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the magical destination of Sequoia National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Santa Barbara or Sequoia National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the affluent destination of Santa Barbara. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Sequoia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Barbara and Sequoia National Park, we can see that Santa Barbara is more expensive. And not only is Sequoia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sequoia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sequoia National Park 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 Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara than you might in Sequoia National Park.

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 Sequoia National Park Expensive?.