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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Breckenridge?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Breckenridge? 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 active, lively, and funfilled town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a scenic, nature-filled, and charming ski resort. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Monica and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Breckenridge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Monica than Breckenridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Monica is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and beaches, while Breckenridge is more popular for its skiing, resorts, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Monica is more touristy than Breckenridge and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Breckenridge is well known for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment.

How is Santa Monica different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Skiing?

Breckenridge is an amazing ski resort to visit for snow skiing. However, Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Breckenridge should be on your list. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

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

Santa Monica is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Breckenridge is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its evening party scene.

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Breckenridge makes a nice vacation spot. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Breckenridge is not a beach destination.

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

Breckenridge is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for its Old Town?

Breckenridge is a popular place for its old town. However, Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Breckenridge to see the old town. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Hiking?

Breckenridge is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Breckenridge is a good destination for hiking. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Breckenridge?

Both Santa Monica and Breckenridge are high quality shopping destinations.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Christmas?

Breckenridge is an amazing ski resort to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Santa Monica does not offer Christmas activities.

Breckenridge is a fantastic destination at Christmas. From sledding to sleigh rides and hot chocolate, this town is absolutely magical during the Christmas season.

Santa Monica does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Christmas Markets?

Breckenridge is notable for its Christmas markets. However, Santa Monica does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Breckenridge offer plenty to see during the holidays. During the holiday season the Arts District hosts a Christmas Market.

Santa Monica does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Breckenridge. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santa Monica and Breckenridge make for a high quality 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.

Breckenridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

Is Santa Monica or Breckenridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Santa Monica and Breckenridge are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Breckenridge is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

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

Breckenridge is a moderate ski resort for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

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 Breckenridge a more walkable city?

Breckenridge is an amazing ski resort 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 Breckenridge on foot. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

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 Breckenridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Breckenridge or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Breckenridge?

Both Santa Monica and Breckenridge have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge.

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

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

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

One day in Santa Monica or Breckenridge?

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this lively 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.

Breckenridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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 Breckenridge?

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.

Breckenridge is a fun place to experience. 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 Breckenridge?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively 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.

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the 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 Breckenridge?

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.

Breckenridge is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Santa Monica and Breckenridge, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Monica Expensive? and Is Breckenridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Breckenridge?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Breckenridge, 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.