A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a opulent, pristine, and affluent coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Virginia Beach and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also home to The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Santa Barbara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Barbara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Virginia Beach and Santa Barbara.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is terrific for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

The beaches in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Santa Barbara. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santa Barbara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Santa Barbara draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Santa Barbara are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Santa Barbara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Santa Barbara has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town to visit as a student. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Virginia Beach 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 Barbara.

One day in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal town of Santa Barbara. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara than you might in Virginia Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Virginia Beach Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Santa Barbara, 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 Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?

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 Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Virginia Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Santa Barbara. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Virginia Beach is much colder than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Virginia Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santa Barbara. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In April, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Virginia Beach