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

Should you visit Atlanta or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Santa Monica, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Atlanta travel costs.

Santa Monica

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

Atlanta and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Atlanta. While Atlanta is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is more popular for its beaches, while Atlanta is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Santa Monica is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Atlanta different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Atlanta or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Santa Monica.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Atlanta and Santa Monica.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Atlanta or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Santa Monica?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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.

Is Atlanta or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Atlanta or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a great town for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Santa Monica is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

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

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Santa Monica is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Atlanta or Santa Monica Better for Students?

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

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Santa Monica is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

Santa Monica offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Santa Monica?

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

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

One day in Atlanta or Santa Monica?

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

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.

A weekend in Atlanta or Santa Monica?

Atlanta is a fun place to experience. 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.

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.

Five days in Atlanta or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sprawling big city of Atlanta. 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 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.

A week in Atlanta or Santa Monica?

Atlanta is a popular place to visit. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Santa Monica?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Santa Monica in the Summer?

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

In July, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 66°F (19°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Santa Monica in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Atlanta is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Santa Monica in the Spring?

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

In April, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 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 Atlanta