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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Fairbanks? 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 lively, funfilled, and energetic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking.

Santa Monica and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Santa Monica and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Fairbanks is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Santa Monica different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Monica or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Fairbanks.

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 Fairbanks. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Santa Monica or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Santa Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Santa Monica or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

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

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Fairbanks?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Santa Monica or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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 kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Santa Monica or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

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

Fairbanks is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fairbanks is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

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 Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Fairbanks is not a walkable town. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Santa Monica or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks.

One day in Santa Monica or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Santa Monica. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Fairbanks, many people enjoy the museums and shopping that this Arctic city 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Fairbanks 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santa Monica or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively town of Santa Monica. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and shopping around the unique destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Fairbanks?

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Fairbanks?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Santa Monica during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In the summer, Santa Monica is a little warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Monica in July average around 70°F (21°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in July than Fairbanks. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Fairbanks. The shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In October, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 67°F (20°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Fairbanks. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. Santa Monica is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Santa Monica usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Santa Monica is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Monica in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Fairbanks. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Santa Monica