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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Colorado Springs? 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 funfilled, energetic, and active town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Santa Monica and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Colorado Springs?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Colorado Springs. While Colorado Springs is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Santa Monica different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Monica or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for snow skiing. However, Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

Colorado Springs is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Colorado Springs.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Colorado Springs. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

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

Santa Monica is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Monica makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Santa Monica or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Santa Monica know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Santa Monica or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is terrific for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an amazing mountain town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Colorado Springs?

Santa Monica is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santa Monica or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Santa Monica is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Colorado Springs is very family-friendly. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Santa Monica or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Santa Monica or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Santa Monica and Colorado Springs are nice 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.

Colorado Springs is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Santa Monica or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town to visit for students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Colorado Springs is not a good place to visit for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

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 Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Monica and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Santa Monica than Colorado Springs. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the funfilled destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Colorado Springs, many people enjoy the food and museums that this welcoming mountain 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the lively town of Santa Monica. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Colorado Springs is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santa Monica or Colorado Springs?

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and food around the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Santa Monica or Colorado Springs?

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a popular place to visit. 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. 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 Colorado Springs, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Colorado Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colorado Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colorado Springs 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 Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica than you might in Colorado Springs.

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 Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Colorado Springs, 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 Monica or Colorado Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Colorado Springs. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santa Monica is generally around the same temperature as Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 70°F (21°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In July, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Santa Monica is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 67°F (20°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in October than Colorado Springs. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months.

Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Santa Monica is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Monica in January average around 57°F (14°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Santa Monica usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Santa Monica during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 61°F (16°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in April than Colorado Springs. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Santa Monica