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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Ketchikan?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Ketchikan? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a scenic, quaint, and local 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 food, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Monica and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Ketchikan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Santa Monica and Ketchikan are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Ketchikan attracts visitors for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Ketchikan and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Ketchikan is famous for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture.

How is Santa Monica different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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 Ketchikan. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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.

Is Santa Monica or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Santa Monica or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is renowned for its beaches. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Ketchikan?

Santa Monica is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Santa Monica or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Santa Monica is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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, Ketchikan is very family-friendly. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Santa Monica or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santa Monica and Ketchikan make for a great 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.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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

Both Santa Monica and Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Ketchikan is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through 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 Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Santa Monica and Ketchikan both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Monica and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Santa Monica than Ketchikan. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Santa Monica or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic 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.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the funfilled 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 food and shopping around the scenic destination of Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan?

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.

Ketchikan 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 comparing the travel costs between Santa Monica and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Ketchikan?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santa Monica is generally a little warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 70°F (21°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In July, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Santa Monica during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Santa Monica is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 67°F (20°C) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Santa Monica is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Monica in January average around 57°F (14°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Ketchikan. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 61°F (16°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Santa Monica