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

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Yosemite 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 pristine, affluent, and scenic coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking, popular, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty in Yosemite National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Yosemite National Park travel costs.

Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park are popular destinations, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Santa Barbara and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Santa Barbara is famous 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.

How is Santa Barbara different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have 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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Yosemite National Park. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yosemite National Park. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.


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

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a moderate coastal town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

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

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

Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park both have first-rate 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 Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

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

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Santa Barbara is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

You'll find a similar quality of first-rate scenery and beauty in both Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park.

You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Yosemite National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.


Is Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santa Barbara or Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly destination. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Is Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit 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.

Yosemite National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

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

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

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

Yosemite National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Students?

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for students. However, Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Both Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park offer nice public transit options.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Yosemite National Park has some public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

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

Santa Barbara
Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable coastal town. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.


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

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

How long in Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park?

Both Santa Barbara and Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Barbara, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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.


  • How many days in Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santa Barbara 2-3 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park?

The coastal town of Santa Barbara offers museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while 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 when visiting the popular destination of Yosemite National Park. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The stunning destination of Santa Barbara offers nightlife and food. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yosemite 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. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Yosemite National Park. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Yosemite National Park?

Santa Barbara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Santa Barbara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Yosemite National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Yosemite National Park or Santa Barbara?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Santa Barbara Prices
    USA Prices
    Yosemite National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santa Barbara $162
    Yosemite National Park $129

The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Barbara is $162, while the average daily cost in Yosemite National Park is $129. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Barbara $88
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Barbara $176
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Santa Barbara


Hotels in Yosemite National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santa Barbara Hotel Prices and Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Barbara $42
    Yosemite National Park $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Barbara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Barbara:

  • Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Cruise Port to Los Angeles: $94
  • Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Port to Los Angeles Airport: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Barbara or Yosemite National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yosemite National Park and Santa Barbara change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santa Barbara $46
    Yosemite National Park $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santa Barbara $27
    Yosemite National Park $19

Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:

  • Self Guided Adventure Hunt: Santa Barbara Beauty: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Santa Barbara CA: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Goleta Isla Vista CA: $15
  • Santa Barbara Ghosts Tour: $20
  • Solvang Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: $28
  • Santa Barbara Ghost Tours - "Invisible Becomes Visible!": $30
  • Santa Barbara Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Santa Barbara Highlights Private 2-Hour Driving Tour: $45
  • Make your own Chocolate Bark & Factory Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Explore Yosemite Panorama Trail: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yosemite: $20
  • Private Yosemite Tour Indulging in Nature, Flavors, and History: $30
  • National Parks, Yosemite, Sequoia, and King’s Canyon 2 Days Tour: $78
  • Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst: $130
  • Evolution of Yosemite Naturalist Hiking Tour: $140
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $190
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Barbara $12
    Yosemite National Park $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:


  • Camping
    $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:

  • Santa Barbara Ghost Tours "Paranormal Pairing" Wine Tasting &Tour: $95
  • Private 6 hour Wine tour of the Santa Ynez Valley: $149
  • Bachelorette Wine Tasting Celebration-Santa Barbara Wine Country: $149
  • Private Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
  • Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $190
  • Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Ynez Valley: $199
  • Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara: $219
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
  • Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
  • Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Ynez Valley (All-Inclusive & Full-Day): $239
  • Santa Ynez Valley Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive & Full-Day): $259


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