A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Monica vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Beaver Creek? 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 Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the skiing, food, and hiking.

Santa Monica and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Santa Monica and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Beaver Creek attracts visitors for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and hiking. Santa Monica is famous for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Beaver Creek is famous for its skiing and charming atmosphere

How is Santa Monica different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for snow skiing. However, Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Beaver Creek should be on your list. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

Santa Monica is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Santa Monica is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Santa Monica is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Santa Monica and Beaver Creek can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Beaver Creek has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Beaver Creek is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

Santa Monica is a great town for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santa Monica or Beaver Creek.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Beaver Creek is one of the most popular family destinations. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santa Monica and Beaver Creek make for a very good place to visit.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Beaver Creek makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Beaver Creek has a few public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Santa Monica or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Beaver Creek on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

Both Santa Monica and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Santa Monica. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

Families should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Santa Monica. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Beaver Creek, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Santa Monica. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beaver Creek that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Beaver Creek 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 Monica.

One day in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this energetic town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this adventurous town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

Santa Monica is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this active destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the skiing. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Santa Monica or Beaver Creek?

Santa Monica is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaver Creek is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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