A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Monica vs. Seattle for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Santa Monica or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Seattle? 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santa Monica and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle than Santa Monica, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Santa Monica is known for its beaches and shopping. Santa Monica is more touristy than Seattle and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Santa Monica different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle 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 Seattle?

Seattle is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. 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.

Is Santa Monica or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Santa Monica is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Santa Monica is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Santa Monica and Seattle 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.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Santa Monica or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Santa Monica and Seattle.

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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Santa Monica or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is notable for its live music scene. However, Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Monica or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is renowned for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Santa Monica or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Seattle?

Santa Monica is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Santa Monica or Seattle Better for Families?

Santa Monica is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Santa Monica or Seattle Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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

Both Santa Monica and Seattle are good 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.

Seattle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Santa Monica or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is notable for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Seattle is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

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

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle a more walkable city?

Santa Monica and Seattle both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Seattle?

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

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

One day in Santa Monica or Seattle?

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Each neighborhood in Seattle has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Seattle?

In Santa Monica, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural big city of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santa Monica is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Monica in July average around 70°F (21°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

In July, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Seattle. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Santa Monica during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 67°F (20°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Seattle. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Santa Monica is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Seattle. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Seattle. The spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the spring, Santa Monica is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Monica in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Santa Monica