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

Should you visit Alexandria or Santa Monica?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Santa Monica. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic, charming, and quaint city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of Alexandria is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Alexandria travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Alexandria and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Alexandria. While Alexandria is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is more popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Alexandria is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Alexandria and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Alexandria is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Alexandria different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alexandria 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.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Santa Monica can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

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.

Is Alexandria or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Alexandria or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Alexandria or Santa Monica Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Santa Monica?

If you're looking to go shopping, Alexandria and Santa Monica both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

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.

Is Alexandria or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Alexandria is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Alexandria is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Alexandria or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Santa Monica is very family-friendly. 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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Alexandria and Santa Monica both superb destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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.

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

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Santa Monica are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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.

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

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

The public transit in Santa Monica can get you to most places easily. 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 Alexandria or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Santa Monica. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

One day in Alexandria or Santa Monica?

In Alexandria, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

With museums and nightlife around the funfilled town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Alexandria or Santa Monica?

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Alexandria or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Santa Monica, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Santa Monica?

Alexandria is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Santa Monica?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Santa Monica, 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 Alexandria or Santa Monica?

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 Alexandria or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 79°F (26°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Alexandria is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alexandria or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alexandria can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Alexandria is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

In April, Alexandria is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 56°F (14°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Alexandria